How Do I Train My Puppy To Go On the Gotta Go Grass

You’re pulling your hair out trying to potty train your puppy? We’ve got you covered.

This handy guide will show you how to train your furry friend to use the ‘Gotta Go Grass’ pad.

You’ll find step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and practical advice to make the process easier.

With some patience and consistency, you’ll have your pup doing their business on the grass pad in no time.

Let’s get started, shall we?

The Choose a Spot Method

The ‘Choose a Spot Method’ is a key part of training your puppy to use the Gotta Go Grass.

Firstly, you’ll need to pick a consistent spot for the grass to help your puppy understand where to go.

Pick a spot

In choosing a spot for the Gotta Go Grass, you’ll want to select an area with a hard floor or place a plastic sheet underneath to prevent any damage. This space should be out of high traffic areas but still within easy access for your puppy.

Once you’ve chosen the spot, stick with it. Moving the Gotta Go Grass can confuse your puppy, causing setbacks in the training process.

As you introduce your puppy to the designated spot, let them explore it on their own terms. With time and consistency, your pup will start to associate this spot with their bathroom duties.

Don’t trust your pup

Having picked a spot for the Gotta Go Grass, you might be tempted to trust that your pup will instinctively know what to do, but it’s important not to make that assumption.

Dogs are creatures of habit and they need clear, consistent training to understand new rules. Start by bringing your pup to the chosen spot after meals and play, as these are prime potty times.

Use a cue word like ‘go potty’ to associate the action with the spot. If your pup relieves itself, reward with praise or a treat. If not, be patient and try again later.

Keep an eye on your pup to prevent accidents elsewhere. Remember, consistency is key to this training process.

Just like the old days

Just as you did in the early puppy days, start by choosing a specific spot for the Gotta Go Grass and consistently guide your pup to it. This spot should be easily accessible and separate from your pup’s play and feeding areas.

Remember, repetition and consistency are key here. Make it a routine to guide your pup to the Gotta Go Grass every 20 minutes. Use a leash if necessary.

When he finally relieves himself there, make sure to reward him with a treat and lots of praise. This positive reinforcement will help him associate the Gotta Go Grass with going potty.

Be patient, it might take some time but your pup will eventually understand and adapt to this new potty routine.

Off the leash

Once your pup is comfortable with the leash and has started to understand the concept of the Gotta Go Grass, you can now move onto the next step – letting him off the leash.

This method, known as ‘The Choose a Spot Method’, will need your keen observation. Watch your pup closely when he’s out of his kennel or off the leash.

The aim is to prevent accidents and encourage him to associate the grass with potty time. Each time he signals a need to go, guide him to the grass.

If he does his business there, don’t forget to reward and praise him. This positive reinforcement will gear him towards making a habit of going to the Gotta Go Grass when nature calls.

Consistency, patience, and rewards are key in this training.

Practice makes perfect

Now, it’s time to reinforce your puppy’s new potty habits with consistent practice using the Choose a Spot Method.

This method requires a lot of patience, but the reward is a well-trained puppy who knows exactly where to go when nature calls.

Choose a spot: Find a specific area in your house for the Gotta Go Grass. This will be your puppy’s designated bathroom.
Introduce the spot: Lead your puppy to the spot multiple times a day, especially after meals, naptime, or playtime.
Reward success: Whenever your puppy uses the grass, shower them with praise or give them a small treat.
Be patient: Remember, it takes time for your puppy to learn. Don’t get discouraged if they make mistakes. Just keep practicing until they get it right.

Establish a Routine Method

Establishing a routine is crucial when training your puppy to use the Gotta Go Grass.

Start by choosing a specific spot and determine a frequency for potty breaks that suits your pup’s age and breed.

Choose the spot

Start by picking a specific spot in your home for the Gotta Go Grass, ensuring it’s away from your puppy’s eating and sleeping areas and is easy to clean. This helps maintain hygiene and keeps your pup comfortable.

Now, to establish a routine method, follow these steps:

Consistency: Keep the Gotta Go Grass in the same spot. This helps your puppy understand where to go when nature calls.
Indication: Guide your pup to the spot after meals, naps and playtime. This creates a routine.
Patience: Don’t rush. Puppies learn at their own pace.
Reward: Praise your pup when they use the Gotta Go Grass correctly. Positive reinforcement speeds up the learning process.

What’s the frequency?

You’ll need to establish a routine for taking your pup to the Gotta Go Grass, making sure to do so after their meals, naps, and playtime, as well as before bedtime and first thing in the morning. Consistency is key here; it helps your puppy understand what’s expected of them.

Also remember to take them to the Gotta Go Grass every time they drink water. This is because puppies often need to relieve themselves shortly after drinking.

Watch for signs that they need to go, like pacing, sniffing, or circling. If they start to go in the wrong place, quickly but gently guide them onto the grass. Responding promptly and consistently to these cues will help your pup get the hang of things.

Make him wait

In addition to taking your pup to the Gotta Go Grass after meals, naps, and playtime, it’s crucial to train them to wait for their bathroom breaks, instilling discipline and adherence to a routine. Patience and consistency are key here.

Begin by keeping your pup on the grass for at least ten minutes. This allows them to recognize it as a designated spot for elimination.
Introduce a command like ‘go potty!’ This helps your pup associate the phrase with the action.
If your pup goes potty, reward them with praise and a treat. Positive reinforcement strengthens their understanding.
Repeat this process consistently. Over time, your pup will learn to wait for their bathroom breaks, adhering to the routine you’ve established.

If he won’t go

If your puppy refuses to go on the Gotta Go Grass, it’s time to establish a routine that encourages them to use it.

Start by keeping an eye on your pup for signs that they might need to go, such as sniffing or circling. When you notice these signs, immediately take him to the Gotta Go Grass.

If, after ten minutes, he hasn’t relieved himself, don’t worry. Release him, but keep watching. At the first hint that he’s ready to do his business, return him to the grass.

Repeat this process until he begins to associate the Gotta Go Grass with relieving himself. Be patient and persistent. Remember, consistency is key in establishing this new routine.

It won’t happen overnight, but with time, your pup will start to get the hang of it.

Practice and positive reinforcement

Once your puppy’s routine is established, it’s crucial to maintain consistency and use positive reinforcement to encourage the desired behavior. Practice is key here; the more your pup repeats the action of going on the Gotta Go Grass, the quicker the habit will form.

Consistency: Stick to the routine. Ensure your puppy goes to the grass at the same times each day.
Positive Reinforcement: Always praise your pup enthusiastically and offer a treat immediately after they’ve done their business on the grass.
Patience: Remember, training takes time. Don’t get frustrated if your pup doesn’t get it right away.
Persistence: Don’t give up. Keep at it and your hard work will pay off, resulting in a well-trained pup.

Shrinking Area Method

The ‘Shrinking Area Method’ is a practical approach to potty train your puppy using ‘Gotta Go Grass’.

You’ll start by choosing a room and covering the entire floor with the grass.

Gradually, you’ll reduce this area down to the size of one grass pad, consistently rewarding your pup for using it, until its final placement is established.

Choose a room

In your house, pick a small, uncarpeted room like the bathroom to confine your pup for the Shrinking Area Method of training. This room will serve as the initial training area for your puppy to go on the Gotta Go Grass. Make sure the room is comfortable and large enough for your puppy to move and play.

Here’s how to proceed:

Place the Gotta Go Grass in the room. This will serve as the designated bathroom area.
Regularly bring your puppy to the room. This will familiarize him with the area.
Reward your puppy with treats whenever he uses the Gotta Go Grass. Positive reinforcement speeds up the learning process.
Gradually shrink the area around the Gotta Go Grass as your puppy becomes more accustomed to using it. This helps in reinforcing the specific spot as the ‘bathroom area’.

Cover the floor

How can you effectively use the Shrinking Area Method to train your puppy?

Begin by covering the entire floor of the chosen room with Gotta Go Grass. This creates a large, inviting area for your pup to relieve himself.

Confine your puppy to this room, allowing him to become accustomed to the grass underfoot. Whenever your pup pees or poops on the grass, promptly reward him with praise or a small treat. This positive reinforcement will encourage him to associate the grass with going potty.

Gradually, you’ll start reducing the grassy area, shrinking it down. This method guides your pup to understand that the grass is his designated potty area.

Repeat this

Continuing with the Shrinking Area Method, you’ll need to repeat the process of gradually reducing the grassy area until your pup consistently uses the remaining patch for his bathroom needs. Here’s how:

Every three days, decrease the size of the indoor grass slightly.
If your pup continues to use the reduced patch as a bathroom, shower him with praise and rewards.
However, if your pup starts to go on the floor instead, replace the removed grass and revert to the previous size.
Resume the shrinking process once your pup is comfortable again.

Persistence is key. If your pup has accidents, don’t punish him. Instead, use these moments as opportunities for reinforcement and retraining.

Happy training!

Down to the right size

Once you’ve got your pup consistently using the smaller patch of grass, it’s time to get it down to the right size. Start by reducing the area by a third. This method, known as the shrinking area method, helps your puppy adapt to the smaller space gradually.

Do this every three days until the grass patch reaches your desired size. Don’t rush it. Your puppy needs time to adjust to the new area. If accidents occur, it’s a sign you may need to slow down the process. Always make sure to clean up immediately to prevent your puppy from associating the smell with the wrong area.

Final placement

Now that you’ve successfully reduced the size of the grass patch, it’s time to decide on its final placement in your home. This is a crucial step as it will allow your pup to understand where his new potty area is.

Here are some key steps to consider:

Choose a spot that’s easily accessible for your pup, but not in a high-traffic area of your home.
Once you’ve chosen the spot, move the grass patch there.
Let your pup watch you make the move. This helps him understand that this is the new potty area.
Be patient and consistent. It may take a few days for your pup to adjust to the new location.

Training Tips

To effectively train your puppy to use the Gotta Go Grass, there are several key strategies to put into practice.

First, reward your pup immediately after they use the grass correctly, as this instills a positive connection.

Keep a close eye on your pup for signs they need to go, establish a consistent routine, and use a leash to guide them to the Gotta Go Grass when it’s time.

Reward Immediate Use

As soon as your puppy uses the Gotta Go Grass, it’s crucial for you to immediately shower them with praises and treats, reinforcing this positive behavior. Your timely reaction will link their action with a positive outcome, making them more likely to repeat it.

Here are some tips to reward your puppy effectively and promote their progress:

Be Consistent: Use the same words and tone each time, so they associate it with doing their business on the Gotta Go Grass.
Be Quick: Rewards should come immediately after the act. Delayed rewards can confuse your puppy.
Use Treats: Puppies respond well to treats. Make sure you have some handy.
Show Affection: Along with verbal praise and treats, give them a good pet or a cuddle. Remember, your affection is also a reward to them.

Observe Use

Once your puppy starts using the Gotta Go Grass, it’s important that you observe their behavior closely to ensure optimal training. Watch for any signs of frustration or confusion. Be mindful of any tendencies to destroy the box or rip up the grass. If such behaviors occur, intervene immediately to correct them.

Remember, consistency is key in training.

Use this observation period to reinforce positive behavior. When your pup successfully uses the grass, reward them promptly. This will help them associate the Gotta Go Grass with positive outcomes. If your puppy seems hesitant, be patient. It might take a few attempts for them to get comfortable.

Establish Routine

Establishing a consistent routine is crucial when training your puppy to use the Gotta Go Grass. Puppies have small bladders and bowels and need to potty every 4 hours. Following a routine helps them understand when it’s time to go.

Morning Routine: Take your puppy to the Gotta Go Grass immediately after he wakes up.

Mealtime Routine: Make sure to take your puppy to the grass before and after meals.

Playtime and Naps: After playing or taking a nap, guide your puppy to the grass.

Bedtime Routine: Lastly, don’t forget the final trip to the grass at bedtime.

If your puppy doesn’t go within 5 minutes, try again in about 15 minutes. Upon success, don’t forget to praise your puppy enthusiastically and reward him with a treat.

Watch Potty-Time Signs

Keeping an eye on your puppy for signs that they need to go potty is a crucial part of the training process. Being observant can help you anticipate their needs and guide them towards the Gotta Go Grass.

Look out for particular behaviors such as sudden halts, dedicated sniffing, circling, or dropping their bottom. These are all clear signals that your puppy needs to relieve themselves.

If you notice your puppy displaying any of these signs, act quickly. Distract your puppy and guide them to their Fresh Patch as swiftly as possible.

The aim is to associate these signals with the action of using the Gotta Go Grass. This practice reinforces the routine and helps your puppy understand where they should go when they need to potty.

Use Leash

In your training sessions, it’s crucial to use a leash as it provides you with more control and assists in guiding your puppy to their designated Gotta Go Grass spot. This method aligns with their natural instinct to go outside, creating a smooth transition to using the indoor grass.

Here are some practical steps to follow:

Start Small: Begin with short sessions, gradually increasing time as your puppy gets used to the Gotta Go Grass.
Use Verbal Cues: Consistently use the same phrases to signal when it’s time to go.
Reward Success: When your puppy goes on the grass, reward him with a brief walk outside.
Consistency is Key: Maintain regular walks outside to ensure he doesn’t mistake the Gotta Go Grass for an outdoor walk substitute.

Attract with Scents

After getting your puppy used to the leash and the Gotta Go Grass, you may want to try attracting them to the grass using scents. If your puppy is having a hard time, transfer their urine onto the Gotta Go Grass with a paper towel, or place a soiled pee pad under the grass pad. This familiar smell will help attract them to the right spot.

You can also involve a friend’s dog to ‘go’ on the Gotta Go Grass so your pup can learn from them. Repeat the process as needed.

Alternatively, pheromone sprays available in pet stores can be used to attract your dog to the potty spot. Be consistent and patient during this process.

Transition from Plastic Potties and Pee Pads

When transitioning your puppy from plastic potties and pee pads to Gotta Go Grass, it’s crucial to understand your pet’s habits and be patient during the process. This transition can be a bit challenging, but with consistency, it’s certainly doable.

Here are some steps to help facilitate the transition:

Place the Gotta Go Grass near the plastic potty or pee pad: This helps your puppy associate the grass with their previous potty area.
Encourage your puppy to explore the Gotta Go Grass: Let them sniff and get used to it. Reward them with a treat when they step on it.
Remove the old potty once your puppy uses the Gotta Go Grass: This helps reinforce the new habit.
Be patient and consistent: Habits can be hard to break, but with patience and consistency, your puppy will eventually get the hang of it.

Skeptical Dog

If your dog is holding back from using the Gotta Go Grass, it’s time to brush up on some training tips that can help ease their skepticism.

A well-trained dog mightn’t initially understand that it’s ok to use the Gotta Go Grass inside. Start by choosing a quiet time with fewer distractions for training.

Place the grass in a consistent location to avoid confusion and use a leash to guide your dog to the spot. If they sniff or show any interest, praise them lavishly.

If your dog successfully uses the Gotta Go Grass, reward them with a treat or their favorite game. Remember, patience is key. It might take a few attempts before your dog is comfortable using the Gotta Go Grass.

“Not For Me” Dogs

Even with your best efforts, your pup might still be reluctant to use the Gotta Go Grass, but don’t worry, there are plenty of other training tips to try.

Patience: Some dogs take longer to adjust. Keep encouraging your pup to use the Gotta Go Grass.
Consistency: Ensure the Gotta Go Grass is always in the same spot. Changing locations can confuse your pup.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your pup when they use the Gotta Go Grass correctly. This could be verbal praise or a treat.
Alternative Solutions: If your pup still refuses, consider alternative potty solutions like traditional potty pads or outdoor training. Remember, every dog is different and it’s about finding what works best for them.

The Ins and Outs of Potty Pad Training

When it comes to potty pad training, there are a few key strategies to keep in mind.

First, you’ll need to exercise patience as your puppy learns this new skill.

Consistent supervision and a regular routine are also crucial to ensure your pup is successfully using the potty pad.

Be Patient

While you might feel a sense of urgency to potty train your puppy quickly, it’s crucial to remember that patience is key, as every puppy learns at their own pace. Expecting more than your puppy can deliver will lead to frustration.

Understanding Puppy Development:
A puppy can’t control his bladder until he’s 16 weeks old. So, regardless of your expectations, he simply can’t wait.

Bladder Control:
A puppy can only hold his bladder as long as his age in months plus one hour. So, a four-month-old puppy can only hold it for five hours, even during the night.

Breed Differences:
Every breed is different. For example, a toy breed might need more frequent potty breaks due to a fast metabolism and tiny bladder.

Individual Differences:
Every puppy is different, even within breeds. Your first puppy might’ve been potty trained in a few weeks, but your next one might need months.

Supervise at All Times

In light of understanding your puppy’s development and bladder control, it’s crucial to keep a watchful eye on them at all times, particularly during potty pad training.

Regularly guide them to the pad, noting that frequency depends on their age and bladder strength. For young pups, this could mean every 15 minutes. It’s better to err on the side of caution to avoid accidents. If you’re forgetful, set a timer as a reminder.

Be vigilant for signs your puppy needs to go, like sniffing, circling, or whining. When you spot these, lead them straight to the pad.

Use a leash tied to heavy furniture or around your waist to keep them in sight, or put them in a crate when you can’t supervise.

Be Consistent

You need to establish a consistent routine for your puppy’s potty pad training to ensure maximum success. Consistency is key! Here are some tips to help you out:

Know your puppy’s bathroom needs. Most puppies need to go when they wake up, after eating, playing, and napping. Take your puppy to the potty pad during these times.
Don’t let your puppy roam if they haven’t been to the potty pad in a while. Instead, use a crate.
Feed your puppy on a schedule. This helps predict their bathroom needs.
Keep the potty pad in the same place. Moving it can confuse your puppy and lead to accidents.

Conclusion

You’ve now got the tools to successfully train your pup to use the ‘Gotta Go Grass.’ Stay patient, stick to the routine, and gradually reduce the area for maximum results.

Don’t forget to reward good behavior to reinforce positive habits. With these practical methods and tips, you’re on your way to a cleaner, happier home with your well-trained puppy.

Remember, every pup is different, so take your time and celebrate each little victory.