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How Long Does It Take to Potty Train an Australian Shepherd? | Complete Guide (2024)

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how long does it take to potty train an australian shepherdPotty training your Australian Shepherd takes time, patience, and consistency, but it is possible to achieve with the right methods.

Key Takeaways

  • Crate train your Aussie.
  • Establish a bathroom schedule.
  • Reward your Aussie for going outside.
  • Clean up messes promptly.

Crate Training

Crate Training
Crate training is a great way to potty train your Aussie because it will help them to learn to hold their bladder and bowels until they go outside.

When your Aussie is in their crate, they’ll be less likely to soil their area because they don’t want to make their bed dirty.

You should start crate training your Aussie as soon as you bring them home, and you should make sure that the crate is the right size for your dog.

The crate should be big enough for your Aussie to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably.

You should also place the crate in a quiet area of your home where your Aussie will feel safe and secure.

Establish a Bathroom Schedule

Establish a Bathroom Schedule
Once your Aussie is crate-trained, you can start to establish a bathroom schedule.

Here’s how to create a successful bathroom schedule for your Australian Shepherd:

  1. Take your dog outside: When it’s time for them to go potty, take them outside consistently throughout the day.
  2. Take them to the same spot: Choose a specific spot in your yard where you want your dog to do their business every time.
  3. Praise Your Dog: When they successfully go potty outside, praise and reward them with treats or verbal affirmation.
  4. Be consistent: Stick with the established schedule even during the teenage phase when accidents may happen more frequently.

By following this bathroom schedule and being consistent with training, you’ll be well on your way to successfully potty training your Australian Shepherd.

Reward Your Aussie for Going Outside

Reward Your Aussie for Going Outside
In addition to establishing a bathroom schedule, you should also reward your Aussie for going outside to potty.

This will help them to associate going potty outside with something positive and will make them more likely to do it in the future.

Use high-value treats, give praise, and avoid scolding.

Be consistent with your rewards and avoid accidents by taking your Aussie outside frequently.

Clean Up Messes Quickly

Clean Up Messes Quickly
Clean up any messes your Aussie makes as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming a habit.

Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of the mess, and be sure to reward your Aussie with positive reinforcement when they go potty outside.

Be consistent with your cleaning routine, and prevent accidents with training.

Be Patient and Consistent

Be Patient and Consistent
Just as it takes time for your Aussie to learn what you want them to do, it also takes time for them to learn what not to do.

It’s important to be patient and consistent with your training, and to never give up.

Accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Aussie for them. Just clean up the mess and move on.

With positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency, you can potty train your Aussie in no time.

Consider Your Dog’s Previous Training

Consider Your Dog

Consider Your Dog’s Previous Training

If your dog has had previous training, they may be able to pick up potty training more quickly. However, it’s important to be patient and consistent with your training methods, even if your dog has already been housebroken.

Previous training

Consider your dog’s previous training when potty training an Australian Shepherd.

  • The age of the dog
  • The consistency of the training
  • The number of accidents the dog has had

– Age of the dog

In addition to previous training, the age of the dog will also affect how long it takes to potty train them.

Younger puppies will typically take longer to potty train than older dogs, as they’ve a smaller bladder and less control over their bowels.

Additionally, the size of the dog, frequency of potty breaks, type of flooring, weather conditions, and household routines can all impact how long it takes to potty train your Aussie.

– Consistency of training

Considering your dog’s previous training will help you determine how long it will take to potty train them.

  • Puppies who’ve been previously housebroken may adjust more quickly.
  • Dogs who’ve had accidents during training may experience setbacks.
  • Dogs who’ve been inconsistently trained may take longer to potty train.
  • Older dogs may take longer to potty train than younger dogs.

Control Diet

Control Diet
Limit what your Aussie eats and drinks to prevent accidents.

Feed them small meals throughout the day.

Limit their water intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.

You can also use crate training to help your Aussie learn to hold their bladder and bowels.

What to do Why
Feed your Aussie small meals throughout the day This will help them to digest their food more slowly and avoid accidents.
Limit your Aussie’s water intake, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime This will help them to hold their bladder longer.
Use crate training to help your Aussie learn to hold their bladder and bowels This can be a great way to prevent accidents and teach your Aussie good potty habits.

Observe Your Puppy

Observe Your Puppy
Observe your puppy’s potty habits to learn when they need to go outside.

Look for cues like:

  • Sniffing around
  • Circling
  • Whining

Take your puppy outside immediately when you see these cues.

Accidents happen, and that’s okay!

Just clean up the mess quickly and don’t punish your puppy.

Accidents are normal, and they don’t mean that your puppy is misbehaving.

They just need a little more time to learn where to go potty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my Aussie has accidents even after being potty trained?

If your Aussie has accidents after being potty trained, it’s important to remain patient and consistent.

Review the basics of potty training and ensure you’re following a schedule.

Consider consulting with a professional trainer for additional guidance if needed.

What should I do if my Aussie is having trouble holding their bladder or bowels?

If your Aussie is having trouble holding their bladder or bowels, it could be due to a medical condition.

Bring them to the vet to rule out any underlying issues.

What if my Aussie is not eating or drinking enough?

If your Aussie isn’t eating or drinking enough, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.

In the meantime, you can try to encourage them to eat and drink by:

  • Offering them small, frequent meals.
  • Providing them with fresh water.

What if my Aussie is not pooping or peeing enough?

Don’t sweat it, every dog is different.

Your Aussie may not be pooping or peeing enough because they’re still adjusting to their new home, or they may have a medical condition.

If you’re concerned, talk to your veterinarian.

What if my Aussie is having accidents in the same spot every time?

If your Aussie is having accidents in the same spot every time, it’s likely that they’re not fully housebroken yet.

Try taking them out to potty more often, and make sure to clean up the accidents thoroughly so that they don’t smell like pee or poop.

Conclusion

Potty training your Australian Shepherd can take anywhere from 4-6 months, but with patience and consistency, you can achieve success.

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Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.