While some dogs easily transition from real grass to synthetic grass for potty time, some can be apprehensive about the transition. In fact, most dog owners encounter difficulties training their pets, and in most cases, you might experience little accidents that cause a mess and require cleaning.
Introducing your dog gently to artificial lawns is the first step to helping your dog overcome apprehension during training. Coupled with rewards like praise and treats will encourage and help them adjust to the artificial lawn.
If you’re struggling to train your dog, here are tips and tricks to help you train your dog to use your artificial lawn.
Getting Started With Your Training
Before training your dog, it’s important to understand how they learn and determine the best training method. Generally, there are two main dog training methods that you can use: the reward-based and aversive-based (also called punishment or discipline-based) methods.
The reward-based training method involves rewards for behaviors you want the dog to follow. In contrast, the aversive-based method uses techniques like physical corrections, loud noises, or harsh scolding to get the dog to act the way you want them to.
Different dog experts prefer one training method over the other, and it’s entirely up to you to choose one that works for your dog. The three main types of dog intelligence include:
- Adaptive – when a dog learns the behaviors they have been bred with.
- Instinctive – how well a dog learns from their environment and surroundings to solve problems.
- Working and obedience – how well a dog learns commands and tasks you teach them.
While both reward-based and aversive-based training methods work, if you want to train a more loving dog, consider using the reward-based obedience method. That way, your dog won’t develop fear-based responses but will instead establish a loving relationship with you.
Training Your Dog to Use an Artificial Grass Lawn or Grass Pads
Theoretically, it should not be complicated to train your dog to use an artificial lawn as their litter area – synthetic grass lawns or pads are designed to look like real, natural grass.
To train your dog to use synthetic grass lawns or grass pads as their potty, you’ll need the following:
- The artificial grass
- Your dog’s favorite treats for reward
- A leash to help you keep your dog on the artificial grass
Steps to Training Your Dog to Use an Artificial Grass Potty Pad
Whether you’re potty training an adult dog or a puppy, the training principles remain the same. Here are easy steps to help you teach your canine companion to normalize a single spot as their bathroom.
Step #1: Choose the Perfect Space
Select a perfect place to potty train and cover it with your artificial lawn. Finding where to place your artificial lawn will also depend on what your dog prefers. For instance, a puppy may train efficiently indoors, while fully grown dogs might prefer the outdoors.
Consider defining the spot with boundaries like fencing. Your dog will learn that the spot serves a specific purpose. It’s also advisable not to move the artificial grass once you’ve determined the spot because you might confuse your dog, which could lead to frequent accidents.
Step #2: Introduce Your Dog to the Artificial Grass
Once your artificial lawn is set up and ready, it’s time to introduce your dog to the new potty or bathroom area.
Introduce your dog to the artificial grass and let them explore it. You can also use a command, like “go potty,” to help the dog associate the synthetic grass lawn with potty time.
Step #3: Be Patient and Understand if Your Dog Needs Unlearning
When you begin training your dog to use the artificial lawn, it’s also important to understand what you’re teaching them and how it’s related to other commands and behaviors they have already learned.
For example, if you trained your dog to use natural grass outside for potty time, getting them to use an artificial lawn indoors can be challenging because you’ll be training them against what they understand as a rule they’re supposed to obey. Be patient through the transition and give your dog lots of reassurance.
Step #4: Train and Reward With Treats
Train your dog using a leash and ensure they stay on the lawn for at least 10 minutes to give them time to be comfortable enough to relieve themselves. You should start potty training when the dog still has a full bladder, such as in the morning.
The best way to train your dog is to reward them with treats and praise immediately after they relieve themselves so they associate going to the toilet with positive behavior.
Step #5: Dogs Love Routine, So Stick to a Regular Schedule
Keep the training consistent by sticking to a regular schedule and keeping the synthetic grass pad in the same position. As time passes, your dog will start anticipating potty time and even begin going to the artificial grass on its own if needed.
Step #6: Finally, Let Go of the Leash!
Once your dog is comfortable using the new potty, it’s time to let go of the leash and let them roam freely. However, keep a close eye on your dog to see whether they use the artificial lawn or try to find somewhere else.
Keeping an eye on your dog means proofing their behaviors and troubleshooting to ensure that they master the new routine. If your dog maintains going to the artificial grass, reward them with a treat, and when they go somewhere else, consider using a leash until they do.
So, How Do You Clean Your Artificial Grass After Potty Training?
The best part of using artificial turf lawns for potty training is that cleaning up after potty training becomes more convenient. When dealing with solid waste, wait for it to dry before removing and picking it up.
When dealing with dog pee, consider rinsing the area. To remove the odor and maintain the artificial grass, use a water and soap solution to clean the affected area before rinsing.
Get an Artificial Lawn for Stress-Free Potty Training
Training your dog can sometimes be challenging, but it’s also a fulfilling task. And with an artificial grass lawn, you’ll reduce the clean-up hassle while also providing a consistent surface for your dog’s potty time. Get in touch with us today and let us make your potty-training process less stressful with high-quality artificial grass.
