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Potty training a Great Pyrenees can be a challenging task, especially for first-time owners. These gentle giants are intelligent and independent dogs that require patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement during the potty training process. In this article, we’ll share seven secrets to quickly potty train your Great Pyrenees, from understanding their unique potty habits to creating a structured routine and using the right training methods. With these tips, you can make the potty training process smoother and more effective, so you and your Great Pyrenees can enjoy a happy and stress-free life together.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Great Pyrenees, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog, K9 Training Institute or DogAcademy, three of our favorite training resources for potty training.
8 Secrets for Housetraining Your Great Pyrenees
1. Start Potty Training Your Great Pyrenees Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Great Pyrenees, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Great Pyrenees to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your Great Pyrenees Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Great Pyrenees successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your Great Pyrenees Behavior
Pay attention to your Great Pyrenees’ body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your Great Pyrenees quickly? Check out these affordable online courses!
4. Confine Your Great Pyrenees to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Great Pyrenees, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your Great Pyrenees’ Freedom
As your Great Pyrenees becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Great Pyrenees know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Great Pyrenees to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this:
7. Be Patient with Your Great Pyrenees and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Great Pyrenees for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your Great Pyrenees is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Great Pyrenees?
Our 3 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable online dog training course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Great Pyrenees quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
3. DogAcademy Online Dog Training
DogAcademy’s “Housetraining Your Dog” Course This comprehensive online dog training provides you with the methods and techniques needed to successfully housetrain your dog to “go” outside. Emphasizing the importance of a regular schedule, this course ensures a structured and effective training regimen. You’ll also have access to ongoing support to answer any of your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Great Pyrenees
How do I know when my Great Pyrenees needs to go potty?
Great Pyrenees usually have a specific potty routine and will show signs when they need to go. These signs include sniffing around, circling a spot, or suddenly wandering off. You may also notice them pawing at the door or whining. Once you become familiar with your Great Pyrenees’ behavior, you can anticipate when they need to go out.
At what age should I begin potty training a Great Pyrenees puppy?
You can begin potty training your Great Pyrenees puppy as early as 8 weeks old. It is important to start as soon as possible to establish good habits and prevent accidents.
How can I potty train an adult Great Pyrenees?
The same principles of positive reinforcement and consistency used for potty training a puppy apply to adult Great Pyrenees. Start with taking them out frequently and praising them for going potty outside. Gradually extend the time between potty breaks as they become more reliable. Be patient and consistent, and avoid punishing accidents.
How long does it take to potty train a Great Pyrenees puppy?
The length of time it takes to potty train a Great Pyrenees puppy varies based on the individual dog and the consistency of the training. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to fully potty train a puppy.
How often should I take my Great Pyrenees outside for potty breaks?
Great Pyrenees puppies need to go out frequently, at least every 2-3 hours, and after meals or naps. As they get older and can hold their bladder longer, you can gradually extend the time between potty breaks.
How should I potty train my Great Pyrenees in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
You can potty train your Great Pyrenees in an apartment using potty pads or a designated area such as a balcony or bathroom. Follow the same principles of positive reinforcement and consistency, and gradually transition them to going potty outside as they get older and more reliable. It is important to provide plenty of exercise and playtime to prevent accidents and boredom.
Master Potty Training Your Great Pyrenees
Potty training a Great Pyrenees can be a challenging task, but it is essential for a happy and healthy relationship with your furry friend. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to successfully potty training your Great Pyrenees. By following the seven secrets to potty training outlined in this article, you can create a routine and training plan that works for you and your dog. With time and effort, your Great Pyrenees will learn where and when to go potty and become well-trained and well-behaved companions. Remember to celebrate your dog’s successes and never punish or scold them for accidents, as this can harm their progress and their trust in you.
