CategoriesDTLA Local Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

10 tips for training your dog to head to the curb to get business done

Now that we’ve covered the the top 10 benefits of curbing your furry friend (last month’s blog), it’s time to get into the nitty gritty of how we get it done. Training your city dog to relieve themselves at the curb can be a challenge.  Be that as it may – with patience and consistency, you can do it! And at present time, it’s the law. Here are some tips to help you train your dog to do their business at the curb and away from walkway to your Downtown Los Angeles loft apartment:

Start with a consistent routine. Take your dog to the curb at the same time every day, such as first thing in the morning and last thing at night. This will help your dog to learn when it’s time to go.

Use a cue word or phrase. Use the same cue word or phrase every time you take your dog to the curb. This can be something simple like “go potty” or “do your business.” By the same token, you may choose a less conspicuous sound better, tuned to your dogs ears that won’t tip off your neighbors that your Labrador Fido is about to do a very big deed. 

Be patient. It may take some time for your dog to understand what you want them to do, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if it takes a while for them to catch on.

Reward good behavior. When your dog goes to the curb to relieve themselves, be sure to praise them and give them a treat as a reward. This will help to reinforce the behavior you want them to exhibit.

Avoid distractions. Choose a spot where there are minimal distractions, such as busy streets or loud noises. This will help your dog to focus on their business.

Use positive reinforcement. When your dog goes to the curb to relieve themselves, give them lots of praise and affection. This will encourage them to continue to use the curb as their designated spot for going potty.

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Keep it short and sweet. Dogs have short attention span, so try to keep your training sessions short and sweet. Don’t force the issue if your dog just doesn’t feel the spirit moving them. Even so, persistence is key and they’ll get it next time. For that matter, we can’t win ’em all and when it comes to curbing your dog, city-dwellers do get points for trying.

Be aware of your dog’s needs. Observe your dog’s behavior, if they are sniffing around, circling or whining this may be an indication that they need to goo . Start moving them to the curb rather than the middle of the sidewalk, or worse, a shop-owner’s doorstep.

Practice makes perfect. Keep taking your dog to the curb regularly and it will become a routine for them, they’ll know what to expect and what is expected of them.

Be consistent with your rules. Once you have established the rules, stick to them. Consistency is key when training your dog. Take the case of heeling. Keeping your dog’s leash always on the street side, and away from storefronts, lobbies and entryways, will set them up for success. Given that only show dogs and hunting dogs need concern themselves with exclusively heeling on the left, urban canines, after all, have their civic duty to fulfill. For other reasons (broken glass, cigarette butts and other urban contraband), heeling on both sides is a must for city dogs.

By following these tips, you can train your urban canine to relieve themselves at the curb and maintain a clean and pleasant neighborhood. Remember, training takes patience and consistency. But with time and effort, your dog will catch on and you’ll have a well-trained companion that you can take anywhere.

CategoriesDTLA Local Lifestyle Tips & Tricks

The top 10 benefits of curbing your dog in Downtown LA

You’ve just moved into your new Downtown LA loft apartment. You’re settled in and ready to take Fido/Fifi out for their first urban jaunt up Spring St. Albeit, curbing your dog, or taking them to the curb to relieve themselves, may not seem like the most glamorous task in the world of dog ownership. But let me tell you, it’s a game-changer in an urban streetscape like Downtown LA. Not only will it keep your DTLA neighborhood free of little “landmines”, but it also has a plethora of other benefits that you may not have even considered. So, let’s dive in and explore the top 10 benefits of curbing your furry friend.

Say goodbye to the dreaded “doggy odor” at your doorstep or storefront. No one wants to have a stinky entryway in DTLA, and curbing your dog will help eliminate that problem. Plus, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood with the freshest smelling building on the block. Seriously, stop relieving your dog on the building next door.

No more “surprises” for your neighbors. Let’s face it, no one wants to step in a “gift” from your furry friend. By curbing your dog, you’ll be able to prevent any unfortunate mishaps and keep the peace with your neighbors. It keeps your neighborhood clean, prevents health hazards, and helps to maintain positive relationships with your neighbors. It also promotes community well-being and civic responsibility.

Show off your pup’s “urban heel”, make sure your dog is by your side – your curb-side. Show and hunting dogs are explicitly trained to stay on their human’s left. While this may be true, for city dogs it’s courteous to keep your lil buddy on the street side. That is to say, close to the curb, at-the-ready, and out of people’s way.

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With so many dog-owners in DTLA, you’ll be the hero of the neighborhood and a shining example. Not only will you be keeping the streets clean, but you’ll also be preventing the spread of any potentially harmful bacteria. So go ahead, wear that cape with pride.

It’s a bonding experience for you and your dog. Taking your dog for a walk to the curb is a great way for the two of you to bond and spend some quality time together. Who knows, you may even discover a new favorite spot to frequent. At the curb – and between parked cars is safe and mighty neighborly. Plus those pesky streams of wee head right down the rain gutter and out with the city’s drain system.

It’s good for your dog’s health. Given that regular walks are great for keeping your dog physically fit and mentally stimulated, even it it’s just out your front lobby to a street-side tree/curb and away from the building. Plus, it’s a excellent opportunity for them to get out and stretch their legs. For many in DTLA, you may have to take quite a stroll to find a safe (between parked cars) curb that suits both you and your dogs needs. For that matter, stock up on several good curb locations so you and your fuzzy critter can mix it up with some variety.  In brief, you’ll have a variety of safe curb locations and burn some extra calories along the way.

It’s how you’re going to keep your dog (and you) out of scuffles in a bustling downtown environment. By curbing your dog, you’ll prevent both of you from getting into any mischief or danger by subverting any unwanted tussles with the shop owners, doormen, and managers outside your building. Many stakeholders in Downtown, have a proclamation of war against doggie doo doo, and they’ll stop at nothing to go all-out Karen on you and your dog. In short, it’s the best way to teach your dog discipline and good behavior while preventing conflicts with the many restaurants and shops outside your DTLA loft.

It’s a fabulous opportunity to show off your dog’s fashion sense to go with their impeccable manners. With so many stylish leashes and collars available, it’s the perfect opportunity to show off your pup’s fashionista side as well as their curbside demeanor just outside your new downtown Los Angeles loft.

It’s a novel way to add some humor to your day as passers-by are amused at how cute your pup is as they charmingly “do their business” conspicuously at the curb and out of their way. City folks will get a chuckle when you usher your sidekick off the beaten path to take care of their chores rather than doing it in their walkway.

In conclusion, curbing your dog may not seem like the most glamorous task, but it has a plethora of benefits that will make your life and your neighborhood a better place Downtown LA loft dwellers. You can safely curb your dog at or near the curb and even in the street between parked cars at the rain gutter. So, grab your pup and head out for a walk to the curb. You, your neighbors, and every urbanite’s shoes, will be thankful you did.