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.
Live/Work Loft in DTLA for Rent
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.