How Do Dog Potty Training Sprays Work?
Anyone who has ever housetrained a puppy knows what a difficult task it can be. Some dogs will learn quickly where you want them to go, but others may be a bit more stubborn.
Remember, housetraining a puppy or adult dog is not a quick process. Be prepared for several months of training.
When it comes to housetraining, consistency is key. However, you may want to consider using a potty training spray to help with training. Most potty training sprays can be used indoors or outdoors to help make the housetraining process go a little smoother.
In this blog post, I’ll answer how do dog potty training sprays work.
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What Are Potty Training Sprays for Dogs?
Potty training sprays are a unique product designed to help support the training you’re already doing with your dog. The specific blend of ingredients will depend on the specific product. Ingredients will also vary according to the product’s intended use.
There are two types of potty training sprays: attractants and deterrents. Attractants are made from ingredients that are formulated to be irresistible to dogs. This helps to encourage them to relieve themselves in a specific area. Deterrents are formulated to discourage a dog from going in a certain area.
Deterrents are usually formulated with natural ingredients such as essential oils. Most products use oils that are unpleasant to dogs. The Bodhi Dog Not Here! Spray, for instance, is a popular product that deters dogs from marking.
Both types of potty training sprays are generally made from natural and non-toxic ingredients. This is essential since it’s meant to be in close contact with dogs. Additionally, most products are meant to be used either indoors or outdoors, depending on your needs.
It’s also worth mentioning that potty training sprays are meant as a temporary training aid. Once your dog figures out what you’re asking, you won’t need to use the spray anymore.
Potty training sprays are not an essential training aid. In fact, people are able to successfully housetrain their dogs without it. However, it can be an excellent tool to have in your training toolbox. This is especially true if your dog is particularly stubborn about his bathroom habits.
How Do Dog Potty Training Sprays Work?
As previously mentioned, there are two types of potty training sprays. The way that they work will depend on the type of spray that you’re using. Both products are designed to help shorten housetraining time and resolve marking, but they do so in different ways.
Most attractant potty training sprays are formulated using appealing pheromonal scents. This helps to encourage dogs to go to the bathroom. These pheromones are so subtle that they’re only apparent to a dog’s sensitive nose.
Much like the pheromones naturally found in dog urine, training spray appeals to dogs of any age and gender. The amount used depends on the specific product. However, it doesn’t usually take much spray to encourage a dog to go in that area.
Deterrent sprays work in a completely different manner. Rather than using appealing odors, they use natural scents that most dogs don’t enjoy such as citrus or clove. There aren’t usually any pheromones used in deterrent sprays.
Most deterrents are fairly strong smelling. The purpose of the scent is to overpower any remaining urine smell from previous accidents. By making the area as unappealing as possible, the dog will hopefully choose to relieve himself elsewhere.
Does It Really Work?
As with most aspects of dog training, success depends on how consistent you are in your training. Potty training sprays shouldn’t be relied upon as the only method of housetraining. Instead, they should be used alongside a structured and consistent daily schedule.
Not all dogs will be affected by potty training sprays. Adult dogs who have not been housetrained can be especially resistant. Remember, the sprays are meant to support your training, not function as the sole method of training.
Remember, supervision is key with potty training. If your dog consistently marks or has accidents in your home, you need to catch him in the act. If you can’t, you’re not supervising well enough.
In many cases, crate training is an excellent addition to any housetraining routine. Keeping your dog on a leash in the house can also be helpful. Just make sure you don’t leave him unattended with a collar and leash on.
In addition to consistent training, you need to be thorough when cleaning up any messes. This is to ensure that any deterrent spray can do its job. If your dog marks in a specific area in your home, clean the area as well as possible to eliminate any remaining urine scent.
You may need to look for cleaning products specifically designed for pet urine. These products are often formulated with odor destroying enzymes.
There are a variety of cleaners on the market designed for use on hard floors, carpet, and fabric. Be sure to choose the right product for your home.
Once the area has been thoroughly cleaned, the deterrent should be the only remaining odor. Remember, consistency is key in training and spray application. With consistency, your dog will soon learn that he’s not supposed to mark or relieve himself in that area.
As with deterrents, it’s important to prep the area you intend to use attractants on. Most dogs will not choose to relieve themselves in unpleasant areas. This can include areas with uncomfortable footing, loud noises, or busy surroundings.
Attractants can be used indoors on potty pads or outdoors, but it’s important to reapply the product as necessary. The odor of the pheromones can dissipate over time, especially outside. Frequent reapplication may be needed in order for the product to work properly.
Whether you’re using attractant or deterrent sprays, be sure to read the product label for specific details on reapplication and recommended use.
Conclusion
Potty training sprays can be an effective training aid. But only if you properly introduce the concept you’re trying to teach your puppy. Your communication needs to be clear. That way your dog understands what you’re trying to teach him with the aid of the spray.
