Tugmuts Archive Dog potty training recommendations

[mattach]

So I take possession of my new Ranger Tug 25 next week and one thing my wife and I are excited to is to bring our 30 lb golden doodle on lots of water adventures.

Are there any recommendations on best products to use for potty training dogs on boats?

 

[dbsea]

I’ve tried numerous methods and mine just won’t go. They like to sleep in the fake grass as opposed to peeing on it. They love dinghy rides so we just take them ashore.

 

[mlanger]

I’ve tried numerous methods and mine just won’t go. They like to sleep in the fake grass as opposed to peeing on it. They love dinghy rides so we just take them ashore.

I bought one of those fake grass mats to get my two 8 lb Chorkies trained and they sleep on it, too! Will keep trying, though. Apparently there’s some stuff you can spray on it to get them interested. I’m not opposed to collecting a sample on a walk and leaving it on the mat to try to communicate what it’s really for. A dinghy ride isn’t always practical.

 

[dbsea]

I’ve tried numerous methods and mine just won’t go. They like to sleep in the fake grass as opposed to peeing on it. They love dinghy rides so we just take them ashore.

I bought one of those fake grass mats to get my two 8 lb Chorkies trained and they sleep on it, too! Will keep trying, though. Apparently there’s some stuff you can spray on it to get them interested. I’m not opposed to collecting a sample on a walk and leaving it on the mat to try to communicate what it’s really for. A dinghy ride isn’t always practical.

I agree. It’s easy in the summer, but shuffling three schnauzers into a dinghy in the pouring rain and wind in the lovely northwest fall is unpleasant and inconvenient…

 

[mlanger]

I agree. It’s easy in the summer, but shuffling three schnauzers into a dinghy in the pouring rain and wind in the lovely northwest fall is unpleasant and inconvenient…

Someone recently told me that their dog would jump into the water and swim to shore when he had to go. Then swim back. Sounds good -- except for the wet dog. :lol:

 

[NorthernFocus]

If you mean how to train them to go onboard on a bit of carpet or something and if it's an adult dog you can forget it. Once they've learned not to soil their home the only way they'll do it is if there is no other recourse. I guess maybe from the first time you take them on the boat just don't take them ashore for potty breaks. With no other choice they'll do what they have to do. Though you may not like the results.

Let us know if you find the magic formula. I've paddled our dog ashore in gale force winds and horizontal rain, in the middle of the night when she's had upset stomach, etc, etc.

 

[dbsea]

I took my 12 week Schnauzer puppy to the boat today. We’ve had him for 3 days. The first thing he did was pee / etc on the fake grass that the other two have refused to use! Victory! Hopefully the trend continues. Taking a 12 week old puppy to shore while on the hook every two hours is tedious.

 

[mattach]

Thanks all. I guess we will see but I have a feeling we will just not bother and head to shore.

 

[SJI Sailor]

We successfully trained our golden doodle at age 4 to use a piece of fake grass on the swimstep. It involved making him wait until he was quite ready and prepping it with a “sample” provided onto the mat by … well, I guess it doesn’t matter who.

We rinse it off at anchorages (completely legal I’ve read; plenty of animals in the water) either with the shower fresh water or dipping into the water.

After one success he was trained and ready to go anytime we lay it out. One time it was lying out on the dock after cleaning and he ran over and used it.

 

[mlanger]

If you mean how to train them to go onboard on a bit of carpet or something and if it's an adult dog you can forget it.

Good thing I didn’t forget it. It took a few days at anchor, but when presented with their favorite treat after a successful deposit on the “pee mat,” they began to perform. They don’t like it, but they get it. When the mat comes out, it’s their only option and there’s a treat if they do their business.

These are 3yo Chorkies — and Yorkies are notoriously difficult to housebreak.

So don’t give up!