Training

First of all, you must be consistent when training your pet. If you simply install the Weasy Smart Potty and leave it there, your doggy may not understand what it’s there for. In the beginning, you must be close by to teach your dog. The logic is very simple, but be consistent and don't skip steps.

When your furry friend finishes his business on the Weasy with the old method (pee pad, cloths, newspaper, sanitary tray, synthetic grass...) on top, reward them, always. Dogs understand the rule, not the exception. Prioritize their favorite snack. Do you have to pay attention when they pee or poop? Yes! If you praise and give your pet a treat afterwards, they will not understand the reason, and you will confuse and hinder your dog's training. In the beginning, your puppy must learn that to pee = a treat. It is advised to start training right after a meal when dogs usually go about their business.

Any training learning lies in the dedication of the handler and those who share the dog's routine. The success of the Weasy depends on teamwork! 

 

VALUABLE TIPS TO MAKE NO MISTAKE:

Positive encouragement

As an initial reward when introducing the Weasy, use their favorite treat! Associate the action with a word (and always use the same one). When they get it right, offer a treat. Over time, gradually remove the treats, but keep the positive reinforcement: reward always! If you are close by and your pet goes potty in the Weasy, praise him! Who doesn't like to be appreciated when they do the right thing. Isn't that right? Show excitement: hug your puppy, give them kisses and cuddles. We're sure they’ll love it! 

 

Slowly and persistently

Do not remove the old method immediately, even if your dog is already using the Weasy to potty. We always suggest that the adaptation process be gradual then your dog doesn't find the transition strange. If there are still frequent accidents, you must resume training using the old method (pee pads, potty pads, cloths, newspaper, sanitary tray, synthetic grass...). Maybe the gradual transition went too fast, and their not 100% adapted yet. Remember that each puppy has its own time. Some need a little longer to adapt! 

Ignore the accidents!

Accidents will happen. Remember that your pup is going through a new learning process. Ignore the accidents and reward the achievements! Also, when cleaning the accident, try not to do it in front of your dog. Why? Because cleaning up the mess in front of your pet, may associate it with them trying to get your attention.

 

Interrupt the peeing 

Another common mistake is to interrupt your furry friend when he is peeing in the wrong place, or even worse: to pick him up at this moment and take him to the Weasy. We understand the good intention, but this act may bring behavioral and even health issues. For example, your dog may stop peeing and no longer want to go in front of you or inside the house because he will understand that he is doing something wrong.

Excessive treats 

One of the main mistakes is not rewarding success. It’s essential to always reward your pet. But rewarding with a treat is a learning step, an initial attraction to associate the act of climbing on to the Weasy or to potty with something positive. It can't be permanent. Otherwise, it becomes something expected instead of a reward. That is why a voice command along with a treat is important, so you can gradually remove treats while maintaining the voice command and the positive reinforcement. 

Negative Reinforcement

Telling your pup off, yelling, scaring, or hitting them because of an accident is the first mistake you should never make. Evidence has shown that dogs and humans learn more effectively with positive rewards. Accidents are common, they will happen, and your dog will learn. But you must apply the training correctly, dedicate yourself daily and be patient to understand that each dog has a different adaptation time. Yelling at them without them knowing the reason, can cause emotional and behavioral problems, like avoiding potty training, leading to health issues, as well as disrupt their training. Therefore, invest your time only in positive reinforcement. Your pet must understand that to potty = a treat in the early stages.

Forcing the pet 

Never (EVER!) put your dog on top of the Weasy. Not by picking them up, not by grabbing two legs, not by pushing, not by pulling with a collar (or a harness, or a choker). Your pet must climb on its own. Once they do so, you may praise them and reward them with a treat. Remember, each dog has their own time, we must respect them.