Training

Do you find yourself asking, "Why does my dog pee on my bed?" Many dog owners have experienced the frustration of finding their bed soaked in urine. One may wonder why their beloved furry friend chooses this particular spot for such an accident.

Well, there are several reasons why dogs may pee on their owner's bed, and understanding this behavior can help pet parents address the issue effectively.

Behavioral Reasons for Dog Bed Wetting

1. Territorial Marking

Dogs are known for their natural instinct to mark their territory. This behavior often involves urinating in specific areas to leave their scent as a signal to other dogs.

When a dog pees on your bed, it could be their way of marking the area around them with their scent. This shows the dog's attachment to a particular space and indicates that they consider it as part of their territory.

2. Anxiety and Stress-Related Causes

Anxiety and stress can also lead to dogs peeing on your bed. Dogs may experience anxiety due to a change in their environment, being left alone for long periods, or even sensing tension in their owners.

When dogs are stressed or anxious, they might accidentally release urine as a coping mechanism. If you notice this behavior consistently, it’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause of your dog's anxiety to help prevent further accidents.

3. Excitement and Fear Urination

Dogs may also urinate on the bed due to excitement or fear. Excitement urination usually happens when a dog is overly enthusiastic, like during playtime or when greeting their owner after a long day.

On the other hand, fearful urination may occur when a dog feels threatened or scared by loud noises, unfamiliar people, or a change in their routine. Identifying the triggers causing a pet to feel excited or frightened is crucial in reducing these instances.

Furthermore, recognizing your dog's behavior and keeping a calm demeanor during these situations can help minimize excitement or fear-induced urination on the bed.

Medical Reasons for Bed-Peeing

4. Incontinence

There are several medical reasons that could lead to a dog peeing on the bed. One common cause is incontinence, which can cause your dog to dribble urine while sleeping on the bed. Although this issue typically affects elderly dogs, it can impact dogs of any age.

5. Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are another medical issue that may lead to bed-peeing accidents. A dog suffering from a UTI may experience a frequent and urgent need to urinate, making it difficult for them to control where they eliminate. In some cases, bed-peeing can be an early indicator of such an infection.

6. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease and diabetes can also lead to a dog urinating on the bed. Both of these conditions can cause an increased need to urinate, resulting in a higher likelihood of accidents.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing these medical issues, so it's important to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog may be suffering from either condition.

7. Bladder Stones

Bladder stones and urinary tract crystals can cause irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract, leading to pain and discomfort. As a result, your dog may have difficulty holding their urine and might end up peeing on the bed. In some cases, surgical removal of bladder stones or targeted medications may be necessary.

8. Urinary Tract Tumors

Another potential cause of bed-peeing is tumors in the urinary tract, which might obstruct urine flow and cause incontinence. In such cases, a proper diagnosis from a veterinarian and appropriate treatment, potentially including surgery, can help resolve the issue.

Training and Environment Factors

Proper training and maintaining a suitable environment both play crucial roles in preventing your dog from peeing on your bed.

Potty Training

Firstly, potty training should be prioritized when bringing a new puppy or dog into your home. Establish a consistent routine by taking them out to designated spots for eliminating at regular intervals throughout the day, ideally after eating, drinking, or playing.

Positive reinforcement, such as praising your dog or giving them a treat, can effectively teach them to urinate outdoors or on designated absorbent pads.

Crate Training

Crate training is another useful technique to discourage peeing on the bed. Providing a comfortable crate for your dog to sleep in helps them learn to hold their bladders until they are taken outside.

It also creates a safe environment for them to sleep in, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by stress or fear. Remember to ensure the crate is the correct size for your dog, allowing them enough room to stand and move around comfortably.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as the cleanliness and comfort of your dog's sleeping area also contribute to their likelihood of peeing on the bed.

Make sure to regularly clean and sanitize your dog's bedding, as lingering urine odors could encourage repeat behavior. Additionally, use an appropriate enzymatic cleaner to eliminate any traces of dog urine on your bed.

Prevention and Solutions

First and foremost, consult a veterinarian if your dog is peeing on the bed. They can help rule out medical issues such as urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or bladder stones. Treating any underlying medical conditions will be essential in resolving this behavior.

Consider Age

For puppies who haven't yet mastered control of their bladder, patience and consistent training are crucial. Puppies typically need time to develop bladder control.

Therefore, nurturing them with love and understanding helps. Gradually they will learn proper potty habits, and accidents on the bed should decrease.

Consider Physical Comfort

One factor to consider when trying to prevent bed wetting in dogs is their comfort. Providing a separate, comfortable resting area for your dog can decrease their desire to mix their scent with yours, which can lead to them urinating on your bed.

Make sure the dog's sleeping area is warm, cozy, and secure, as this will help them establish a separate space for themselves.

Consider Emotional Stress

Anxiety can be another reason for dogs to pee on the bed. Stressful situations such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or being left alone can trigger this behavior.

To address anxiety, try to create a calm and comfortable environment for your dog during these events. You can also consider using calming products or seeking professional guidance for training and behavioral modification techniques.

Consider Reproductive Status

Intact dogs, or those that have not been spayed or neutered, may be more prone to marking their territory by urinating in various places, including the bed. Spaying or neutering your dog can help prevent this behavior and contribute to a more balanced temperament.

Punishment should be avoided when dealing with this issue. Instead, reinforce good behavior and redirect your dog when they show signs of wanting to urinate on the bed. Encouraging them to use an appropriate spot and rewarding them for doing so can go a long way in resolving this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prevent a dog from urinating on the bed?

To prevent a dog from urinating on the bed, establish a consistent bathroom routine and ensure the dog gets regular opportunities to relieve itself outdoors. Make sure your dog's sleeping area is clean and comfortable, and consider using a waterproof cover on the bed for added protection.

What causes sudden bedwetting in female dogs?

Sudden bedwetting in female dogs can be caused by various factors, such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or hormonal imbalances.

In elderly dogs, incontinence may occur due to weakened bladder muscles. If your female dog suddenly starts wetting the bed, consult with a veterinarian to identify any underlying medical issues.

What causes sudden bedwetting in male dogs?

In male dogs, sudden bedwetting can also result from medical issues like urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or prostate problems. Behavioral factors, such as changes in routine, stress, or anxiety, can also contribute to bedwetting. Consult a vet if your male dog suddenly starts wetting the bed.

Why does my dog pee on my bed at night?

Dogs may urinate on the bed at night for various reasons. Medical issues, such as incontinence, or anxiety-related factors can cause nighttime bedwetting. In some cases, dogs might not have sufficient opportunities to relieve themselves before bedtime, leading to accidents during the night.

Is it common for dogs to pee on beds while asleep?

Although it is not extremely common, it can happen in some cases—particularly in dogs struggling with incontinence or other medical conditions.

In young puppies, accidents during sleep may occur until they are fully housebroken. Senior dogs are more likely to struggle with incontinence, especially while sleeping.

How to address a bedwetting dog?

To address a bedwetting dog, first consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.

If the vet finds no health concerns, consider implementing behavioral interventions, such as adjusting the dog's bedtime routine, offering more bathroom breaks, or addressing any potential sources of stress or anxiety.

Additionally, you may want to use washable or waterproof bed covers to protect the sleeping area.

Wrapping up Why Your Dog Pees on Your Bed

Dogs may urinate on the bed for various reasons, including medical issues, anxiety, instinctive scent-mixing, marking their territory, or lack of bladder control. It is essential to pinpoint the root cause and take the appropriate steps to either manage the issue or prevent it from happening in the future.

Knowing the different factors that contribute to this behavior can significantly improve pet-owner relationships and ensure a cleaner, more harmonious living environment.

Get more health and training tips from All Paws!

Want your pup to be a leash-walker? Whether your furry friend is young or older, training a dog to walk on a leash isn’t as simple as grabbing a leash and heading out the door.

Leash-walking is a skill that your dog has to learn. It requires patience on your part, but you’ll develop a stronger bond, and go on to make many memories on future walks with your best friend.

Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of training a dog to walk on a leash.

Reward-Based Training

You should expect treats to be involved when training a dog to walk on a leash. Using treats is a form of reward–based training, or teaching your dog new behaviors by rewarding them with things they like. Rewards may entail treats, toys, or games, as well as pets and praise.

Treats are among the easiest rewards to administer when training a dog to walk on a leash. You can give them to your dog periodically as he or she follows directions. Because dogs will always look forward to receiving treats, it’s a great way to express a job well done and to reinforce desired behaviors.

Certainly, you’ll want to choose smaller treats for dog leash-training, like Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter & Oats Training Treats or Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Tender Beef Recipe Soft-Moist Training Treats. You can use bite-sized treats to reward your dog periodically without compromising their health.

Important Reminders

When you’re training a dog to walk on a leash, it’s important that your dog feels comfortable. If they feel hurried or rushed, they’re more likely to lose interest or view the experience as negative. Your pup is about to em-”bark” on a new experience, after all, and it’s one they’ll need time to prepare for.

Every dog is unique, so it's important to pay close attention to their individual needs. For example, a daily walk on a leash is crucial for a Sloughi as it helps them stretch their legs and explore their environment. However, this may not be the same for other breeds.

Refrain from using harsh tones or commands. Instead, enforce discipline through consistency and firmness, and take breaks as needed.

Prepping Your Pup For What’s Ahead

You can start training a dog to walk on a leash when they are eight weeks old. However, patience is key, no matter how old your dog is.

Before you go outdoors, you’ll want to start training inside. Choose a quiet environment with few distractions, and one that your dog feels safe in. Make sure you aren’t distracted either, because you’ll need to give your pup your full attention. Puppies, especially, don’t have long attention spans, so it’s important to remain present.

Here are eight steps to training a dog to walk on a leash.

Step 1: Choose the Right Leash

As mentioned, your dog’s comfort is key. Their comfort not only pertains to their environment, but also to their collar, leash, and harness, if you use one.

Be sure to choose a leash that’s appropriate for their size and breed. Thinner leash styles work best for smaller dogs that aren’t likely to use much force when pulling. Thicker leashes are ideal for larger breeds.

Step 2: Introduce the Dog Collar and Leash

After you’ve chosen the appropriate dog collar and leash, you’ll want to introduce your pup to them. Allow your dog time to sniff out these items and get acclimated, just as they would with a new visitor. Then, put the collar on your pup and have them wear it indoors. After a day or so, attach the leash to the collar, and give them time to adjust.

Watch your pup closely and see how they react. Use this step as an opportunity to really ensure that your dog is comfortable. Perform this routine a few times. When your dog wears the collar and leash indoors, offer them treats for a job well done.

Step 3: Use a Signal

Ahead of training a dog to walk on a leash, you’ll need to decide on a cue, such as word, phrase, sound, or hand signal. Some owners prefer to use the word “yes” or “good,” cluck their tongue, or use a thumb’s up to attract their dog’s attention. Whichever cue you use, make sure it remains consistent. You can also use a dog-training clicker for this, which is also a method that relies on positive reinforcement.

While your dog is wearing the collar and leash, signal the cue. The moment your furry friend looks at you, reward them with a treat. After repeating this step a few times, your dog will begin associating the cue with a treat, and approach you on their own.

Step 4: Teach Your Dog To Come To You

An essential part of training a dog to walk on a leash, is teaching them to come to you. When you graduate to taking your dog on walks, there will be distractions in the form of new sights, sounds, smells, and even other dogs. You’ll need to direct your dog’s attention elsewhere in these instances to prevent them from pulling, lunging, and pouncing. The fundamental part of this process begins with teaching your dog to come to you.

While your dog is wearing their collar and leash, encourage them to walk in your directions. Each time they take a step or two towards you, reward them with a treat. After a few repeat instances, start taking a few steps back so your dog has to walk further. When they reach you, reward them with a treat.

Perform this routine for 10 to 15 minutes a day, until your dog becomes acclimated.

Step 5: Practice Walking Indoors

Now that your dog has adjusted to their collar and leash, and has started responding to your commands, you can try going for “walks” indoors. See how your pup reacts when you hold the leash and take the lead. Encourage them to keep pace and use treats as positive reinforcement throughout. Use this step as an opportunity to gauge your dog’s progress and comfort level.

Continue practicing this step indoors, also for 10 to 15 minutes a day, until your dog seems comfortable with the process. Remember to have patience!

Step 6: Feed Them Treats On One Side

With your pup now walking around the house with you, it’s time to direct them to one side. Another important part of training a dog to walk on a leash, is training them to remain situated on one side of you. Most dog-walkers prefer the left side, but you can choose whatever side works best for you.

This step is to prevent your dog from circling you and weaving in and out of your legs during walks. Weaving causes the leash to become tangled in your legs, and can put you at a risk of falling–yikes!

To start, begin by giving your dog a treat only when they stand on a specific side. Use the cue to attract their attention. After a few times of doing so, your dog will associate this designated side with treats.

Step 7: Start Randomizing Treats

Once your dog gets into the rhythm of walking on a leash, begin alternating the amount of times they receive a treat. You can offer them treats at every second step, then every third step, fourth step, and so on. The randomness will keep your pet engaged and also ensure they aren’t consuming too many treats!

Treats are used more frequently as you go through the steps of training a dog to walk on a leash. Once your pup has learned the ropes, you won’t need to use treats to guide your dog through each step.

Step 8: Take it Outside

With enough practice under you and your pup’s belts, it’s time to take leash-walking outdoors. Keep in mind that your dog will be somewhat distracted at first, because they are taking in a environment. It’s not unlikely for a pup to focus their eyes on a bird or squirrel, or another dog. However, if it’s possible, we suggest that you practice in your own yard space, or in an area without much distraction.

When training a dog to walk on a leash outdoors, your first few walks should be short. After they adjust to this initial change, you can gradually increase the distance over time. Try breaking up the distance into different brackets. For example, start in your front or backyard, then go to the end of your driveway, and then to the nearest street lamp or stop sign, the end of the street, and so on.

Every now and then, start walking and signal the cue to see if your dog comes to you. When they do, reward them with another treat.

Possible Challenges When Training A Dog To Walk On A Leash

Even when your dog becomes a seasoned leash-walker, you’ll experience hiccups every now and then. It could be that your dog is having an “off” day–yes, just like humans do!--or they are distracted.

Here are some common issues to look out for when training a dog to walk on a leash, and how to remedy them.

Barking

Some breeds, like chihuahuas, beagles, bloodhounds, and German shepherds, bark louder and more often than other breeds. It’s also common for dogs to bark when they approach other dogs, especially when it’s a new experience.

Dogs may bark to communicate, show affection, or convey their territory. Barking may also be associated with a lack of exercise.

When training a dog to walk on a leash, you can attempt to curb barking behaviors by ensuring they have enough physical exercise for their age and breed. If your dog continues to bark while walking, try to redirect them with treats. Doing so also gives you the opportunity to create space between your dog and whatever they’re barking at.

Leash-Pulling

It’s common to see dog-owners, especially new ones, being pulled by their dog’s leash. If this happens to you, don’t simply go along with it. Instead, assume the stance of a tree.

Keep your body very still and do not move with your dog until they return to you. Do not be aggressive with the leash, and refrain from harsh pulling or yanking. Doing so will teach your dog that pulling you in a certain direction will not allow them to arrive at their destination any sooner.

If your dog is a frequent leash-puller, there are specialty harnesses, such as head halters and front-hook harnesses, that you can use.

Lunging and Chasing

With all the distractions out there, there’s a good chance your dog will lunge or chase something at some point. If this happens while training a dog to walk on a leash, you can also assume the “tree” stance and keep still. Refrain from pulling or yanking on their leash, and instead call your dog’s name in an upbeat voice while also signaling the cue.

Once you have your dog’s attention, reward them with a treat and start increasing the space between your dog and their intended target. You may continue to lead them away with treats until the distraction dissipates.

If this effort doesn’t work, then gently–and we mean gently–pull on your dog’s leash and direct them away. Hold the leash firmly at your belly and take consistent strides in your intended direction. Face your body and direct your gaze towards this direction. If you don’t give your dog leeway to believe they’re the leader, you’ll be able to gain the upper hand.

Biting The Leash

It’s possible, when training a dog to walk on a leash, that you’ll notice that your dog is a biter. If your dog has a tendency to bite their leash, there’s one important rule to follow: do not tug the leash away! If you do so, your dog will think you’re playing a game of tug-of-war and it’ll excite them.

Instead, move the leash toward your dog to create more slack and release tension. The tension, after all, is what your dog is after. When your dog drops the leash, reward them with a treat. If this still doesn’t work, you may decide to use two leashes: one for biting and one for walking.

Training a Dog on a Leash: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to leash-train a dog?

Puppies can begin to understand commands at eight weeks old. As soon as you bring your pup home, or when they reach this age, it’s safe to start teaching them how to walk on a leash. However, despite the old saying that “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” training a dog to walk on a leash is possible at any age. The process may just take a little bit longer with an older dog.

How long does it take a dog to learn how to walk on a leash?

Training a dog to walk on a leash takes about four to six weeks. The true amount of time will vary depending on your dog’s age, personality, and preferences.

Train Your Dog To Be A Leash-Walker In No Time

Training a dog to walk on a leash takes time, patience, and dedication. However, it’s a much-needed skill that provides exercise and adventure for your dog–and for you, too!

Once your dog becomes comfortable with the basics, and leash-walking develops into a habitual activity, you can take your pup on longer walks, hikes, and trips. Want to know perfect treats to use when training your dog to be a leash-walker? Check out our page on The 5 Best Dog Training Treats to learn more!

Training your dog is hard enough on its own without the added stress of finding a training treat that works best! Luckily, we have a round-up of the best dog training treats for pups of all shapes and sizes that's sure to make your decision ten times easier.

Keep reading to find out more about the perfect training treats for your furry friend!

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats

Budget Option:
Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats

Best Organic:
Full Moon Training Grain-Free Dog Treats

Best Overall

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats

Our award for the overall best dog training treats goes to the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats! These treats are the perfect blend of quality and affordability with a delicious taste that your pooch will love.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals come in lots of different flavors, from peanut butter and oats to salmon or rabbit. You’ll definitely be able to find a winner for your pup even if they have food allergies or sensitivities!

In addition, these training treats are made out of top-quality ingredients and don’t contain any corn, wheat or soy. They’re chock full of all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs without sacrificing taste.

When it comes to shape and texture, Zuke’s Mini Naturals are the perfect size and softness for dogs of all ages and sizes.

These treats also fit in most treat dispensers, so you can use them whenever and wherever!

Overall, Zuke’s Mini Naturals training treats are a high-value reward that will leave your dog excited for your next training session.

Pros

• Wide flavor variety
• Super soft but sturdy
• Good size

Cons

• Harden easily if stored improperly

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Budget Option

Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats

   

If you’re looking to save a little money, the best dog training treats for you are Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats! Pet owners on a budget don’t have to feel bad about using a handful of these delicious treats at a time.

Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats offer a solid flavor selection, and treats come in a few different meat and cheese combinations.

They’re also small, about the size of a dime, so these treats won’t pose a choking hazard even to the tiniest of dogs.

When it comes to texture, Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats hold up to their name! These training treats are crunchy but still don’t crumble or disintegrate when carrying them. They also won’t make a mess when your dogs eat them!

Charlee Bear Original Crunch Dog Treats are a great compromise in between regular kibble and a higher quality treat, especially for those looking for a simple and inexpensive option.

Pros

• Easy to transport
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not organic
• Fairly plain flavors

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Best Organic Training Treats

Full Moon Training Grain-Free Dog Treats

For pet owners in search of the best dog training treats with all-organic ingredients, give Full Moon Training Grain-Free Dog Treats a try!

These treats have an impressive list of health certifications. Specifically, they’re USDA-certified organic; human grade; grain free; and contain no corn, wheat or soy. The one notable ingredient they contain is cane sugar, so be on the lookout for that if your dog has an allergy or sensitivity to it.

Full Moon Training Grain-Free Dog Treats come in chicken and duck flavors, and they have a smell that’s pleasant for both humans and dogs.

Given their high-quality ingredients list, these treats are fairly inexpensive! Plus, at only three calories per treat, your pup can have a gourmet experience without indulging too much!

These treats are soft but not too chewy, although it’s a good idea to cut them in half before giving them to smaller dogs.

Finally, Full Moon Training Grain-Free Dog Trees are easy to carry around and hold up pretty well to warmth, so they won’t melt in your hands or pocket.

Pros

• Made out of human-grade ingredients
• Low in calories

Cons

• Too big for smaller dogs to eat whole
• Contains cane sugar

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Best for Small Dogs

Bil-Jac Little Jacs Small Dog Training Treats

   

Bil-Jac Little Jacs Small Dog Training Treats take the cake for the best dog training treats for small dogs! Your pooch is sure to be satisfied with their reward if you give them these treats.

What makes these treats so great for smaller dogs is that their size and texture is ideal for the mouths of puppies and smaller dogs.

Each treat is about the size of a pencil eraser, and they’re soft and moist, making them easy to chew.

They can fit into many enrichment toys and can cover some pills with them depending on the size of the medication, so you can use these treats for a variety of purposes!

Although the Bil-Jac Little Jacs Small Dog Training Treats are the best dog training treats for small dogs, they probably won’t make a satisfying treat for a large dog.

One minor downside is that whole wheat is on the ingredients list, so they technically contain grain if that’s an ingredient you’re trying to keep your dog away from.

Pros

• Soft
• Multi-purpose

Cons

• Not satisfying for larger dogs
• Contains grain

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Best for Large Dogs

Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders

Looking for the best dog treats for larger dogs? Well look no further than the Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders!

These fun and tasty treats are only made out of two ingredients, so it’s super easy to understand exactly what your dog is eating. The limited ingredients list might also make this a good fit for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Waggin’ Train Chicken Jerky Tenders are also the best dog training treats for larger dogs because they’re so cost effective! Each individual tender is easy to break into pieces, so the treats will last longer during training sessions.

A pro tip to make eating these treats a little easier for your dog: If you have a large dog and they struggle with the jerky-like texture of the treat, try dipping them in water first!

It’s important to remember that even though you can break these treats up into smaller pieces, their texture and chewiness may not make them the best option for smaller dogs and puppies.

Pros

• Simple ingredients list
• Easily breakable into pieces

Cons

• Not ideal for smaller dogs and puppies
• Texture may be tough for some dogs to swallow

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Dog Training Treats Buyer's Guide

There are a few important factors that you should consider when looking for the best dog training treats for your pooch. Specifically, the ingredients, size, and portability of training treats are all key variables to keep in mind.

Ingredients

The best dog training treats are ones that will keep your pup healthy and happy! Accordingly, you should make sure the treats you choose don’t contain any ingredients that your dog is allergic to.

Ingredients also determine the treat’s flavoring, so you should consider your pup’s likes and dislikes. For example, does your dog prefer meat-flavored treats or fruity ones?

Size

The size of your dog determines the size of the treat that’s safe for them to eat. In other words, your dog could choke on a training treat that’s too large for them to properly chew.

If you have a smaller dog, limit your search to training treats that fall on the smaller end of the spectrum.

Portability

You’ve probably thought about having training treats at home, but have you considered all the other places you’ll need to bring your training treats? Training happens on the go in the car, at the park, and on walks, too!

Because of this, the best dog training treats are easily portable and won’t crumble when you throw it in your fanny pack or tote bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many training treats should I give to my dog?

As a first-time dog trainer, you may be wondering what the ideal number of treats to give your dog per training session is. While this number can vary a little, it’s all based on the number of commands you’re teaching as well as the calorie count and nutritional value of the training treats.

One treat per successful command is generally a good standard when you’re first starting out. Eventually, you should decrease the number of training treats as your dog becomes more skilled.

Luckily even the best dog training treats are generally lower in calories than regular treats, so an extra treat here and there probably won’t pack on too many pounds.

Can puppies eat dog training treats?

If you’re starting out early training your pup, you may be looking for a training treat that you can use as they grow. Luckily, there are many great options out there that are well suited for both puppies and older dogs!However, not all the best dog training treats are the best puppy training treats, too. When evaluating whether or not a specific product is safe for your puppy, size and texture matter the most. Look for training treats that are small and not too difficult to chew. The softer the treat, the more suitable it will be for dogs of all ages.

On the other hand, some training treats are made and marketed specifically for puppies. If you’re nervous about using generic training treats for your puppy, you may want to try puppy training treats instead.

Finding the Best Dog Training Treats for Your Pup

It can be tough to find a training treat that works for both you and your dog, but we’ve got something perfect for everyone on this list!

If you enjoyed learning about the best dog training treats and want more tips and tricks about caring for your furry friend, visit our home page for lots more content!

The saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is patently false. You can teach ANY dog new tricks…or new behaviors. You can even help them unlearn a few tricks if needed!

Whether you’re training your new puppy or trying to correct an older dog’s problematic behavior, dog training collars and harnesses are fantastic tools. However, finding the best dog training collar or harness isn’t easy.

There are hundreds of different training collars on the market, and many aren’t so stellar. Some can even be harmful. To help out, we're sharing our picks for the best dog training collars right here for you!

Our Top Picks

Best for Pulling Behavior:
PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar

Best Vest for Pulling Behavior:
Rabbitgoo Dog Harness

Best E-Collar:
Educator E-Collar Humane Dog Training Collar

Best for Anxiety:
Dexil Limited Nervous Dog Harness

Best for Barking:
STOPWOOFER Dog Bark Collar

Best for Correcting Pulling Behavior

PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar

Our pick for the best dog training collar for dogs prone to pulling may surprise you. It looks a bit different than you might be used to!

Anything that even slightly resembles a muzzle often gives dog owners pause. However, this headcollar doesn’t restrict mouth opening or movement at all!

The strap across the dog’s snout is designed to discourage pulling and yanking on the leash during walks. (No more sore wrists or frantic sidewalk chases for you!)

It also doesn’t choke the dog the way slip collars do. Instead, the leash attaches below the chin, lowering the pressure on the dog’s neck as they walk.

The instinct to pull comes from the dog feeling something holding it back. By having the leash attached in the front, that sense of restriction is lessened.

However, keep in mind that this headcollar does not fit every breed.

Any dog with a short or “squished” snout will not benefit from this collar because it’s not designed to fit their face, regardless of which size you purchase. The description specifically mentions that this isn’t the best dog training collar for bulldogs or pugs.

There are multiple sizes available to you, for small to large breeds and everything in between!

Pros

• Easy to use
• Comes in multiple sizes
• Comes in multiple colors
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Not suitable for certain breeds

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Best Vest Harness for Correcting Pulling Behavior

Rabbitgoo Dog Harness

   

If your dog can’t handle having straps around their head, that’s okay. A headcollar isn’t your only option to prevent pulling!

Our next pick for the best dog training collar to prevent pulling is the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness. This harness implements the same idea as a headcollar, but with a different design.

Instead of going over the dog’s head, this harness goes on like a vest. The leash still clips in the front, reducing the urge to pull.

While a bit bulkier in design than the headcollar, this harness is better for escape-prone dogs. It’s not as hard to get a dog comfortable with its design. It’s also easier to put on your dog if you have a wiggler!

This vest is designed with plush fabric and adjustable straps. This makes it easy to prevent soreness or other discomfort caused by tightness or friction.

Another benefit? These harnesses have no breed restrictions! Unlike the headcollar, which can’t be used on dogs with scrunched-up noses, the harness works well for everyone. All you need to do is pay attention to the measurements and order the right size for your dog.

There are different sizes and colors available, so you have plenty of options!

Pros

• Works for all breeds
• Easy to put on
• Safe for long and short-haired dogs
• Multiple options

Cons

• Bulkier than a headcollar

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Best E-Collar

Educator E-Collar Humane Dog Training Collar

Our next pick for the best dog training collar is considerably more expensive than the first ones. However, it comes with a list of features that make it worth the money!

This is considered an e-collar, or an electric collar. However, it is not considered a “shock” or “zap” collar because it doesn't include a shock mode at all. Instead, it employs different levels of vibration stimulation to catch your dog’s attention.

Because of the great number of levels, the jumps in stimulation are minute, so it’s far less likely you’ll frighten your dog by upping the level on the collar when needed.

This collar also comes with the option to use a “Pavlovian tone” in addition to the vibration of the collar. This is a different take on the “Beep” mode often included in other e-collars.

This “Beep” mode can be used similarly to a training clicker. When paired with a vibration, this can become even more effective.

While this system is designed for a single dog only, it comes with quite a bit of adjustability. There are 100 levels to scale through on this collar, allowing you to find the exact level your dog needs.

This collar is suitable for smaller and larger breeds, with the minimum weight being five pounds. No maximum weight is listed.

While this collar is on the pricier side, some things are worth the investment! This is the best dog training collar for general training purposes. You can use this collar to teach your dog new behaviors or curb problematic ones.

Pros

• Wide range of stimulation levels
• Not considered a “shock” collar
• Both collar and remote are waterproof
• Suitable for smaller and larger breeds
• Suitable for both long and shorthair breeds

Cons

• High price tag
• Made for only one dog (Other e-collars have systems that connect to multiple channels)

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Best for Anxious Dogs

Dexil Limited Nervous Dog Harness

   

Oftentimes, nervous dog behavior can be misinterpreted as aggressive behavior. People who don’t know your dog’s limits might approach with good intentions but become frightened when they react poorly.

Nervous dogs can and should be socialized, but it’s best to do it carefully. The best way to let people know your dog is nervous is to put it out there loud and clear.

That’s where the Dexil Nervous Dog Harness comes in!

This is the best dog training collar (well, harness) if you have an anxious or reactive dog. It’s designed in a bright, eye-catching shade of yellow with letters that are big and bold and easy to read.

This vest makes it clear to everyone that your dog should not be approached willy-nilly and allows you to control how you introduce your dog to other dogs and new people. It’s far less likely people will choose to approach without asking if your dog is wearing this harness.

The harness is easy to put on, lightweight, and comes in three sizes.

Unfortunately, it only comes as small as 15 inches and as large as 32 inches around the chest. This means it isn’t the best dog training collar for very small or very large breeds.

Pros

• Brightly colored, easy to read
• Easy to put on
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not suitable for very small or very large breeds

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Best for Vocal Dogs

STOPWOOFER Dog Bark Collar

   

You have to love a good play on words! The STOPWOOFER is the best dog training collar for especially vocal dogs.

This collar falls under the umbrella of e-collars, but, like the Educator E-Collar, it doesn’t have a “shock” mode. It has three modes: Sound, Vibration, and a mode that implements both simultaneously. It's a perfect choice if you’re seeking a humane, effective way to stop your dog’s excessive barking.

One downside—or upside, depending on how you look at it—is that this collar doesn’t come with a remote. This means you can’t control when the collar delivers a vibration or beep, nor can you control the levels it scales through.

However, the collar comes with a protective measure built into it. If it scales through the levels of vibration and your dog doesn't stop barking, the collar will shut off briefly to prevent agitation.

It's waterproof, which is helpful if you have an adventurous pooch! It also comes with silicone covers on the vibration tines to prevent any excess rubbing or sores on your dog’s skin.

This collar is ideal for apartment living or other situations where a vocal dog could result in complaints.

So if you’re struggling to sleep at night because of your dog’s barking, or you’re tired of receiving complaints from neighbors, the STOPWOOFER is the best dog training collar for you!

Pros

• Waterproof
• No shock mode
• Automatic shutoff

Cons

• No remote control

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The Dog Training Collar Buyer’s Guide

You might notice there are a few types of collars excluded from our list of the best dog training collars: slip, prong, and shock collars.

Slip and Prong /Pinch Collars

It’s widely recommended that you avoid slip collars (sometimes called “choke” collars) or prong collars when training. These collars are not considered safe or humane for the average dog owner to use.

They can cause injury to your dog or even worsen problematic behavior if the dog becomes fearful of the collar. We're recommending most dog owners not use these.

Shock Collar vs. E-Collar

Another type of training collar that often gets called into question is the shock collar, which is sometimes lumped in with e-collars.  

Shock collars, however, are just what they sound like -- they deliver an electric shock that gets more noticeable as the level is increased.  The shock is a punishment that's intended to stop an undesired behavior (barking, running after something instead of returning when called, ignoring a command).

There's tons of debate about what forms of behavioral training are best. As a rule, punishment is less effective for training dogs than positive reinforcement like praise and treats.

Non-Shock E-Collars

While many people shy away from using e-collars because of the negative association with shock collars, we chose our pick for the best e-collar based on its exclusion of the “shock” mode. The vibration of this training collar isn’t painful and isn't the sharp, stinging sensation we associate with the word “shock.”

An e-collar is meant to capture your dog’s attention.

Best Practices for E-Collars

The only time a good-quality e-collar can harm your dog is if it’s used improperly. For instance, leaving it on for too long can result in sores caused by the metal tines rubbing against the neck.

Never leave the e-collar on when you’re not actively engaging in training!

Go slowly through the levels. We advise never jumping straight to the strongest vibration setting, especially if you have a smaller or easily frightened dog. You don’t want to scare or upset your dog unnecessarily.

The highest levels of an e-collar are only meant for potentially life-threatening situations. For instance, if your dog runs away from you by a busy road and won’t respond to your calls, you might have to go higher to quickly get their attention.

FAQs

Are there any breeds that shouldn’t be trained with specific types of training collars?

There are no breeds that can’t be trained with a training collar when it's used properly. The only thing to keep in mind is your dog’s weight and size. E-collars, for example, shouldn’t be used under (or above) a certain weight threshold.

The harness options on this list are perfectly safe regardless of size and weight. You just need to make sure you purchase the right fit for your dog!

If a harness or collar is too big, your pup could easily wriggle out. If it’s too small, it could cause discomfort or injury by over-restricting movement.

How old does my puppy have to be before I can start using these training collars?

The rule of thumb to begin using any training collar is six months.

With e-collars, weight is the bigger concern. Monitor your puppy’s weight and check the minimum weight requirement to determine when they’re ready to start training.

For the rest of the best dog training collars, it’s really up to the temperament of your puppy.

You know your dog best. If you’re unsure, you can always consult with your vet or dog trainer.

Find the Best Dog Training Collar for Your Dog

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of training collars out there. After all, you want to make the best choice you can for your dog. Our picks for the best dog training collars all combine functionality with comfort to get you the best results!

For more tips on caring for your furry friend, visit All Paws!

A dog who brings their affection, playfulness, and exuberance for life into your family quickly earns a place in everyone's heart and becomes a beloved family member. Unfortunately though, dogs don't come pre-programmed to only potty where you want them to.

Knowing how to potty train a dog is essential. All dogs need to be taught where the appropriate places to potty are, and you can teach your dog yourself in a few days to a few weeks. This article applies to potty training puppies, adults, and senior dogs with extra tips for adults and seniors at the end.

Praise vs. Punishment

All dogs respond well to positive reinforcement, like praise or treats when they do something right. Negative punishment such as yelling or spanking when they misbehave is usually a less effective training method.

Keep this in mind and try to focus on positive reinforcement whenever your dog does as it is supposed to. Keep small training treats handy at all times for this purpose, but if you ever need to praise your dog when you don't have access to treats, talking in a high voice and petting him or her will get the point across that it has done what you wanted it to.

Small training treats are a better option than regular-sized treats as you will need to use them often and should be careful not to increase your dog's calorie intake too much during the training process. Lots of health problems can arise from obesity as a result of overfeeding treats.

Choose the Best Potty Training Strategy for Your Home

Yards and Potty Pads

The yard--or anywhere outside of the house--is usually the best place for a dog to learn to potty. However, in some cases, dogs may need to get used to using potty pads the majority of the time. This may be the case if you live very high up in an apartment building or travel frequently.

You'll need to decide based on your lifestyle whether your dog will need to only potty outside, learn on both potty pads and outside, or rely heavily on potty pads. You may also need to crate-train your dog so that it learns not to go potty in its kennel.

Crate Training

To do this, start with a very small cage that would force your dog to sit in its mess if it went potty in the kennel. Without room to get away from a mess, a dog will learn right away that it must not go potty in its kennel. Once it has learned this, it can be given a larger kennel. If your dog will spend more than eight hours at a time in the kennel, the kennel should be big enough to allow for a potty pad to be provided so that the dog is never in discomfort from going too long without relieving itself. 

Supply a Communication Method

Before beginning potty training, you will need to choose a way for your dog to inform you when it needs to go outside (unless you will be using only potty pads). Dogs will often learn on their own to stand by the door when they need to potty, but if no one is near the door to see it, this sign won't be effective.

Give your dog a better method of communication, such as a bell on a string hung from the doorknob or a mounted Potty Bell that it can ring to let you know it needs to go outside. To teach your dog how to use this device, lightly touch its nose to the bell so that it jingles whenever you are about to let it go outside, and then immediately open the door.

If you are primarily using potty pads and your dog doesn't always have access to them, make something like this so that they can signal to you when they need to go potty.

Training Time

Start the Day Right

You'll need to plan on frequent potty trips at the beginning of training, especially with a puppy. Make sure that you always let your dog out first thing in the morning so that it can relieve itself after a long night. This will help prevent morning accidents. It will likely need to go again about thirty minutes after eating breakfast.

Stay Consistent

Continue to let your dog out every couple of hours throughout the day if possible. If not, refer to the section on crate training above. End the day with a final potty break before bed.

Praise and Punishment

Every time your dog goes potty outside or on the potty pads, praise it and give it a training treat immediately. Whenever it goes inside, you can try making an angry noise or spray the dog with water to surprise it if you catch it in the act. This kind of startling may be enough to teach your dog to stop pottying inside.

If you find a mess after the fact, you can bring the dog to the mess and put its face very close to it. It is unclear whether angry noises and spankings are more helpful or hurtful for dogs, but if you find that praises and treats for good behavior aren't enough to discourage bad behavior, you may need to consider these alternatives. But never abuse your dog. A spanking should be a light pop to cause a small amount of discomfort. It should never be hard enough to bruise.

Control Potty Smells

Dogs mark their territory by where they leave their excrement. So if your dog can still smell where it messed inside last time, it is more likely to do so again because it sees that location as its territory. One additional way to prevent inside pottying is to completely remove the odor of the last indoor mess.

You can purchase scented sprays such as Not Here Spray or Fabreese to change the smell of the area after cleaning up the mess, or you can make a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle on your own.

Potty Training Adult Dogs

Ideally, all dogs would be well-trained by the time they reach adulthood. But dogs who've been adopted from the shelter or saved from questionable circumstances may have lived for months or years with no potty training. Dogs who've had so much time to get used to pottying wherever they want may prove to be more challenging to train than a new puppy.

On the plus side though, adult dogs are able to "hold it" for longer than puppies, which will help the process go smoother.

If you catch your adult dog pottying in the house moments after being outside, he or she is not trying to annoy you. They just may not have had enough time to potty outside. Dogs who've been inside for a while get excited about checking out the new environment outside, which may be so interesting that they forget to potty.

To prevent this annoyance, take your dog out on a leash so that you are there to see when they potty rather than just letting him or her out to run around in the yard while you are training. If he or she doesn't potty outside, put him or her in the crate for ten or twenty minutes immediately after returning indoors so that he or she doesn't have the opportunity to mess in the house. Then take him or her back out and give them another chance to potty outside.

Potty Training Seniors

In this section, we're focusing on potty training and related issues for senior dogs who may be struggling with things like incontinence, arthritis, bladder stones, etc. If you've just adopted a healthy senior dog, then go by the above recommendations for training adults. The focus here is on age-related health problems that affect pottying routines rather than actual age.

As dogs get older, just like with people, some things don't work as well as they used to. Dogs may develop incontinence, where they can't control their bladder anymore and they pee inside without meaning to. In dogs with painful conditions such as untreated arthritis, there may be less discomfort for them in peeing where they are than in walking all the way to the door and outside, especially if they have to go up or down stairs.

Towel Walking

If your dog has arthritis, a hip injury, or paralysis of the hind limbs, towel walking is a great way to help him or her potty outside with a little help. Take a towel and wrap it under your dog's hips/inguinal area so that you can hold the towel ends above the dog's back and lift its rear end with the towel.

This can be slightly more challenging with male dogs. If your towel is so thick that it covers too much and ends up soaked with urine, consider using a thinner towel or cutting your towel into strips so that there are fewer folds to get in the way. Just keep enough fabric present to cushion the skin and avoid causing irritation.

Acceptable Indoor Potty Places

If your dog can't hold it throughout the night or the workday anymore, you may need to provide an appropriate area for potting inside. If your dog has never been exposed to potty pads before but is used to grass, consider getting an astroturf-like indoor potty area like what they have in airports. These look like grass put are made of plastic and are easy to clean.

Dogs can also learn to potty in a cat litter box. Usually, this works best for small dogs, but if your large breed dog is used to pottying in sand or dirt rather than grass, consider getting a large container (even a small child's sandbox if necessary) and filling it with cat litter so that your dog can potty in that.

Feeding and Pottying Schedule

It's the food and water your dog consumes that results in a need to potty, so consider changing your dog's feeding schedule to better accommodate the pottying schedule. For example, if you free-feed your dog, start feeding once in the morning and once at night. Make sure to take him or her to potty about half an hour after eating. This could help eliminate midday messes from eating a midday snack. Your dog's digestive tract will adjust and your dog won't feel hungry in the afternoon anymore once they get used to morning and evening feeding.

If your dog tends to have a blowout soon after eating, consider offing smaller, more frequent meals accompanied by a potty break soon after so that the digestive tract doesn't have to take on quite so much at a time. This method works best for owners who work from home. In this case, if diarrhea is frequent, the food itself could be the culprit. Dogs can develop sensitivities to food they've never had a problem with before, so consider consulting your vet about trying out a different type of food that might go easier on your dog's digestive tract.

Whatever pottying issues your senior dog has developed, consult a vet as soon as possible just in case there is a bigger underlying problem that the tips here won't be able to tackle on their own. Your dog could need medicine or surgery, and the sooner you find out and take action, the less stressful and expensive the treatment is likely to be

Wrapping Up How To Potty Train A Dog: Be Patient with Your Dog

Remember that your dog wants to please you. It doesn't enjoy making you mad. It just needs some time to understand what you want it to do, or some help with a new potty method or schedule as age requires some change. Dogs are smart and will figure out what you want as soon as they can. Remember to be patient with yourself, too, as you learn how to train and get creative when you need to. You've got this!

An adorable little bundle of fluff and silk, a morkie can be a delightful and sweet addition to your family. Unfortunately, dogs don't come pre-programmed to only potty where you want them to. All dogs need to be taught where the appropriate places to potty are, and you can teach your dog yourself in a few days to a few weeks.

Praise vs. Punishment

As with all dogs, morkies respond well to positive reinforcement, like praise or treats when they do something right. Negative punishment such as yelling or spanking when they misbehave is usually a less effective training method.

Keep this in mind and try to focus on positive reinforcement whenever your morkie does as it is supposed to. Keep small training treats handy at all times for this purpose, but if you ever need to praise your morkie when you don't have access to treats, talking in a high voice and petting your morkie will get the point across that it has done what you wanted it to.

Small training treats are a better option than regular-sized treats as you will need to use them often and should be careful not to increase your morkie's calorie intake too much during the training process. Lots of health problems can arise from obesity as a result of overfeeding treats.

Choose the Best Strategy for Your Home

Yards and Potty Pads

The yard--or anywhere outside of the house--is usually the best place for a morkie to learn to potty. However, in some cases, morkies may need to get used to using potty pads the majority of the time. This may be the case if you live very high up in an apartment building or travel frequently.

You'll need to decide based on your lifestyle whether your morkie will need to only potty outside, learn on both potty pads and outside, or rely heavily on potty pads. You may also need to crate-train your morkie so that it learns not to go potty in its kennel.

Crate Training

To do this, start with a very small cage that would force your morkie to sit in its mess if it went potty in the kennel. Without room to get away from a mess, a morkie will learn right away that it must not go potty in its kennel. Once it has learned this, it can be given a larger kennel. If your morkie will spend more than eight hours at a time in the kennel, the kennel should be big enough to allow for a potty pad to be provided so that the morkie is never in discomfort from going too long without relieving itself.

Supply a Communication Method

Before beginning potty training, you will need to choose a way for your morkie to inform you when it needs to go outside (unless you will be using only potty pads). Dogs will often learn on their own to stand by the door when they need to potty, but if no one is near the door to see it, this sign won't be effective.

Give your dog a better method of communication, such as a bell on a string hung from the doorknob or a mounted Potty Bell that it can ring to let you know it needs to go outside. To teach your morkie how to use this device, lightly touch its nose to the bell so that it jingles whenever you are about to let it go outside, and then immediately open the door.

If you are primarily using potty pads and your morkie doesn't always have access to them, make something like this so that they can signal to you when they need to go potty.

Training Time

Start the Day Right

You'll need to plan on frequent potty trips at the beginning of training, especially with a puppy. Make sure that you always let your morkie out first thing in the morning so that it can relieve itself after a long night. This will help prevent morning accidents. It will likely need to go again about thirty minutes after eating breakfast.

Stay Consistent

Continue to let your morkie out every couple of hours throughout the day if possible. If not, refer to the section on crate training above. End the day with a final potty break before bed.

Praise and Punishment

Every time your morkie goes potty outside or on the potty pads, praise it and give it a training treat immediately. Whenever it goes inside, you can try making an angry noise or spray the dog with water to surprise it if you catch it in the act. This kind of startling may be enough to teach your dog to stop pottying inside.

If you find a mess after the fact, you can bring the dog to the mess and put its face very close to it. It is unclear whether angry noises and spankings are more helpful or hurtful for dogs, but if you find that praises and treats for good behavior aren't enough to discourage bad behavior, you may need to consider these alternatives. But never abuse your dog. A spanking should be a light pop to cause a small amount of discomfort. It should never be hard enough to bruise.

Control Potty Smells

Dogs mark their territory by where they leave their excrement. So if your dog can still smell where it messed inside last time, it is more likely to do so again because it sees that location as its territory. One additional way to prevent inside pottying is to completely remove the odor of the last indoor mess.

You can purchase scented sprays such as Not Here Spray or Fabreese to change the smell of the area after cleaning up the mess, or you can make a mixture of vinegar and water in a spray bottle on your own.

Be Patient with Your Dog

Remember that your morkie wants to please you. It doesn't enjoy making you mad. It just needs some time to understand what you want it to do. Morkies are smart and will figure it out in a few weeks. You've got this!