Dog Life Pro

Frustrated with Puppy Potty Training? 6 FREE Tips from Way To Go! by Patricia McConnell and Karen B. London

April 23, 2025

Puppy Potty doesn’t have to be frustrating. With the right approach, you can build good habits from day one and avoid common mistakes that lead to accidents, confusion, and stress. Way To Go! How to Housetrain a Dog of Any Age by Patricia McConnell and Karen London is a 19-page bible on potty training. This concise, science-backed guide is the foundation of the potty-training strategies I use during one-on-one dog training at Dog Life Pro.

If you’re looking for fast, reliable results when housetraining a puppy—or even an older rescue dog—here are some key insights straight from the book, and my hands-on experience:

Prevent Mistakes Before They Happen

The fastest way to potty train your puppy is by managing their freedom indoors. McConnell and London recommend using crates, baby gates, and leashes to prevent unsupervised wandering. Let them earn access to the whole house. Download a FREE copy of my document on Crate Training, which you’ll need because potty training depends on crate training first.

Follow the Rule of Timing

Take your puppy outside after every nap, meal, play session, and chew session. Stick to a schedule, and you’ll quickly learn your puppy’s rhythm. When they go potty outside, you need to be within a few feet so that you can praise them immediately and reward them with a treat within 5 seconds.

Use a Verbal Cue

Want your puppy to eventually go potty on cue? Start saying “potty” right before they begin eliminating. Over time, they’ll associate the word with the action, making potty breaks faster and easier—especially in bad weather or at new locations.

Don’t Punish Accidents

If your dog has an accident indoors, clean it with an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle and move on. Harsh corrections only make dogs anxious and can slow down progress. Even yelling “no” can scare your puppy, which may lead to your puppy fearing you. Remember, training is about guidance, not punishment. You want to be a benevolent leader not a reality TV show alpha! P.S. Read the instructions carefully on the Nature’s Miracle and be sure to leave the spray on the spot and let it dry on its own.

Consistency Is Everything

The more consistent you are, the faster your dog will learn. That means the same routine, same rewards, and same level of supervision—day after day. The more routine you instill in your puppy’s day the easier it will be for them to understand what 

Positive Reinforcement

Your puppy will learn to potty outside if you’re right there to reinforce them right after they relieve themselves. They’ll learn even faster if you can deliver the treat within 2 seconds of them finishing. After 5 seconds they may not even make the association.  If you stand at the door and give them a treat when they return from the backyard, they’ll think the reward was for coming in or coming to you. Those aren’t bad, but not the goal here.

Common Questions About Puppy Potty Training

How long does puppy potty training take?
It varies, but most puppies can be reliable by 4–6 months of age with consistent training. In the meantime, confine your puppy to small areas without carpeting or rugs. Let them

Should I wake my puppy at night to potty?
Yes—especially for very young puppies. Take them out once or twice during the night until they can hold it. The last thing you want is to teach your puppy it’s okay to relieve themselves in their crate.

What if I work full-time?
Hire a dog walker or arrange for midday potty breaks. Holding it for 8+ hours is too long for most puppies.

If you’re looking for a complete step-by-step method, I highly recommend picking up Way To Go!. It’s short, affordable, and full of helpful illustrations and tips—and it’s the book I trust most for housetraining advice.

Want personalized help with puppy potty training in Chicagoland? Contact me to schedule a one-on-one training session.

What Lip Licking and Yawning Really Mean: Understanding Canine Calming Signals

April 18, 2025

What Are Calming Signals?

First introduced by canine behavior expert Turid Rugaas, calming signals are the body language cues dogs use to defuse tension—either within themselves or between others. These signals include:

  • Lip licking

  • Yawning

  • Turning the head away

  • Sniffing the ground

  • Slow movements

  • Sitting or lying down suddenly

Each one can be a dog’s way of saying: “I’m feeling uneasy. Please give me space or reassurance.”

🐾 Recommended Reading: On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas — This 73-page book is a must-read for any dog parent serious about understanding their pup’s inner world.


Why Learning Calming Signals Matters

For decades, dog training was mostly a one-way street: “I give the commands, and you follow.”

But dogs aren’t robots—they’re emotional beings with needs, preferences, and communication styles. Learning to interpret calming signals can:

  • Deepen your bond with your dog

  • Make training easier and more effective

  • Reduce problem behaviors linked to stress

  • Help prevent bites or fear-based reactions

A dog who feels heard and understood becomes more confident, less anxious, and more connected to their human.


Start Watching for These Signals Today

Next time you’re out on a walk or welcoming guests into your home, watch your dog closely. Are they:

  • Licking their lips?

  • Yawning when they’re clearly not tired?

  • Turning away from people or other dogs?

Each signal is a piece of a puzzle—and when you start putting the pieces together, you’ll discover what your dog has been trying to tell you all along.


Final Thoughts

Understanding calming signals is more than a training tool—it’s a relationship tool. When you start responding to your dog’s emotional cues, you’ll unlock a new level of connection based on empathy, respect, and trust.


Internal Links to Add

Why a Loose Leash Matters During On-Leash Dog Introductions

April 17, 2025

🐾 Why a Loose Leash Is Crucial for On-Leash Dog Introductions

Introducing dogs while they’re on-leash can be tricky—even risky—if not done correctly. One of the most effective ways to support a smooth and safe introduction is by keeping the leash loose.


🦴 The Problem With a Tight Leash

Dogs are extremely sensitive to leash pressure. A tight leash doesn’t just restrict movement; it also increases emotional tension. When a dog feels physically restrained, it may perceive the other dog as a threat, triggering defensive or reactive behavior.

Tension travels down the leash—literally and figuratively. It alters body language, raises arousal, and limits a dog’s ability to use calming signals or make natural choices during greetings.


🐶 How a Loose Leash Supports Canine Communication

A loose leash lets dogs:

  • Move more fluidly

  • Read each other’s body language

  • Choose their proximity and pace

  • Use natural greeting behaviors like curving and sniffing

These choices allow for more organic and stress-free interactions. Dogs can signal comfort or discomfort in ways that are easy for the other dog to interpret—leading to better outcomes and fewer misunderstandings.


🚶‍♂️ What to Do If You Feel the Need to Control

It’s common to feel nervous during introductions, but tightening the leash is rarely the answer. Instead, control the environment, not the dog. Try these strategies:

  • Create more space by walking parallel at a distance

  • Observe both dogs for relaxed body language

  • Only allow closer contact if both dogs remain calm and loose

When in doubt, back up and give the dogs more room to breathe.

Pro Tip: A calm handler with a slack leash helps build a calm dog. That calmness is contagious.


📄 Free Download: On-Leash Dog Introduction Guide

Want a printable version of these tips?
👉 Download my free on-leash dog introduction guide (PDF) to help your next greeting go smoothly.

Why Socialization Is Essential for Your Dog’s Well-Being

April 16, 2025

🐾 Why Socialization Matters More Than You Think

Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your dog—especially during the early months of life. It’s more than just exposure to new things. Done right, socialization helps your pup understand that the world is safe, manageable, and full of positive possibilities.

From people and dogs to surfaces, sounds, and environments, early exposure builds emotional resilience and reduces the risk of behavior problems later on.

Understand how your dog communicates fear or anxiety with its body so you can retreat and give it space. Never force an approach. Your dog needs to make the approach on its own, out of curiosity. Here’s a link to Dr. Sophia Yin’s Fear Posture Poster.


🧠 The Critical Socialization Window: 3 to 16 Weeks

The ideal window for puppy socialization is between 3 and 16 weeks of age. During this period, your puppy’s brain is wired to absorb new experiences without fear. Puppies who are socialized during this stage are much more likely to become confident, relaxed adult dogs. Puppies are typically adopted out at 8 weeks. Earlier means they miss critical learning and socialization from their mother and liter. This means you only have 8 weeks to expose your puppy to the world around you.

Dogs who miss out on early socialization may develop lasting fear or reactivity—barking at strangers, panicking in crowds, or showing stress in new situations.


📷 Real-Life Example: Respectful Kid-Dog Interaction

In the photo above, two young girls did something rare—and ideal:

  • They asked for permission before approaching my client’s dog

  • They followed my cue to bend down and avoid hovering over the dog

  • They gently petted under his chin, which is far less threatening than reaching over the head

This is exactly how we want kids to interact with dogs. With respectful guidance, kids and dogs can learn to read each other and build safe, trust-based relationships.


✅ Key Takeaways About Dog Socialization

  • Start early: The earlier you begin socialization, the better. Start as soon as your pup is home. If your vet tells you to avoid contact with dogs and known dog environments, ask them to explain their  diversion from the Position Statement on Socialization by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Express your concern about missed socialization during this critcal period.

  • It’s not about being friendly: It’s about helping your dog feel safe and capable in a wide range of situations.

  • Socialization prevents future issues: It builds emotional strength and reduces fear-based behaviors.

  • Well-socialized dogs live fuller lives: They’re able to accompany you in daily life without anxiety or reactivity.

And yes—adult dogs can still be socialized! It just requires slower, more structured exposure and often the support of a behavior professional.

Looking for safe ways to meet other dogs? Check out the K9 Playtime service on my website , where you can find dogs with important characteristics that match your dog’s, like age, size and playstyle for a more controlled on-on-one playdate. Dogs often play best on-on-one.


📥 Download Your Free Dog Socialization Checklist

Want to make sure you’re covering all the bases?
👉 Download my free Socialization Checklist (PDF) to guide your pup’s journey into the world.

April 15, 2025

Start Training at 8 Weeks of Age!

There is a very short window in a dog’s life called the critical learning and socialization period and it only lasts for a few weeks. Some say it’s from 8 to 12 weeks, others say 8 to 16. 

This is the time in a dog’s life where its curiosity outweighs its fear and its brain is like a sponge! We want to take full advantage of this time period by cramming in as much exposure to our dog’s environment and as many skills as we can.

Dogs that miss socialization and training at this time period can still be taught new skills later, though the socialization is harder to make up. The fallout of missed socialization is often seen in the form of dogs barking and lunging at other dogs, people, people on bikes or even inanimate objects, so get started as soon as possible!

April 11, 2025

Happy National Pet Day! 🐾

Today’s all about celebrating the pets who make our lives brighter, funnier, and full of unconditional love. Whether your pup is a couch cuddler, a fetch fanatic, or a social butterfly, this is the perfect day to show them a little extra appreciation.

As a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how strong the bond between people and their dogs can be—and how much happier and better-behaved pups are when they’re mentally and physically fulfilled. If you’ve been thinking about training, finding a playmate for your dog, or grabbing a few new toys or treats, now’s a great time to start!

Let’s keep our dogs happy, healthy, and thriving—today and every day. 🐶💛

➡️ Explore training and services
➡️ Find your dog a playmate with K9 Playtime
➡️ Shop toys, treats, and more

April 10, 2025
April 9, 2025

Why We Misread Dog Emotions – And How to Get Better

Most people think they can tell how a dog feels just by looking—but research shows we’re not as accurate as we think. A recent study found humans often misinterpret dog emotions, especially confusing fear or anxiety for friendliness or excitement. This can lead to inappropriate interactions, sometimes even bites.

The problem is that people tend to rely too much on a dog’s facial expressions, which aren’t as expressive or readable as human faces. Instead, dogs communicate more through body posture, tail position, and movement. A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy dog—it depends on the speed, height, and direction of the wag.

Surprisingly, dog owners weren’t significantly better than non-owners at reading dog emotions. However, people with professional dog experience—such as trainers or vets—were far more accurate. This suggests emotional insight into dogs is a learned skill, not an innate one.

The good news? We can get better at understanding dogs. By learning to observe subtle cues—like a stiff body, lip licking, or tucked tails—we can more accurately judge a dog’s emotional state and respond appropriately.

Whether you’re a dog owner, professional, or just someone who interacts with dogs, improving your dog-reading skills can lead to safer, more respectful, and more enjoyable human-canine relationships.

Read the full article here:
Humans are bad at reading dogs’ emotions – but we can learn to do better

Link to the cited study:
Emotion recognition in dogs and humans: A study on visual perception

April 7, 2025

Consistency is Key

Why is dog training so hard?

Dog Training is actually pretty simple stuff. It just takes some effort and change in the way you do some things. Once you make these small adjustments, it becomes so easy. If your dog isn’t making progress, you have to look within. Let’s walk through the common challenges us humans (even me) face.

 

What’s so challenging?

  • The persistent desire to use English. In the end you can absolutely train your dog to respond to verbal cues, but in the beginning, you need to stick with physical cues. Dogs are physical animals and learn much faster when you start with physical cues. This is an Essential Training Principle.
  • Inconsistent verbal cues. I often see owners not using the cues they’ve taken the time to teach their dogs. For example, “Get down from the couch”, “Ah Ah, leave that alone!” or the classic “No!”, instead of using the cue they’ve taught their dog. “Come” would have worked in place of the above.
  • Inconsistent rewards. A pat on the head may make you feel good, but your dog was waiting for the meat treat! You must carry treats on you so you can reward within 5 seconds.
  • Inconsistent requirements. If your requirement for saying your dogs name is that he looks at you, but you sometimes expect him to also come to you and don’t reward him for looking, then you’re weakening his name response. You can certainly build the requirement to include him coming to you, but then you have to be consistent with the new requirement.
  • Your inconsistent response to your dog’s behavior will make unwanted behaviors stronger. For example, your dog jumps on you and you’ve learned to turn away to take away your attention. If one day you give him your attention, by pushing him off or saying, “No!”, you’ve given him attention and taught your dog persistence.
  • Inconsistent rewards after we’ve taught your dog a skill work in our favor! A variable reinforcement schedule is used once you’ve taught a new skill. Here we are on the wining end of your dog’s persistent nature!

The key to overcoming all of these challenges are:

  • Accept that dogs don’t speak English, unless you teach them a word, which take a lot of time and repetition.
  • Slow yourself down and put just a few seconds of thought into what you’re about to ask your dog to do before you ask, focusing on your consistency.
  • Have those treats on you and be ready to praise and reward.

 

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