7 Secrets to Quickly Potty Training a St. Bernard

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Potty training a St. Bernard can be a challenging task for many dog owners. These gentle giants have large bodies and high energy levels, which can make accidents more frequent and difficult to clean up. However, with the right training techniques and consistency, it is possible to potty train your St. Bernard quickly and effectively. In this article, we will share seven secrets to help you potty train your St. Bernard, from recognizing their potty cues to creating a consistent routine. By following these tips, you can help your St. Bernard become a well-trained and well-behaved member of your family.

Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your St. Bernard, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog or K9 Training Institute, two of our favorite training resources for potty training.
1. Start Potty Training Your St. Bernard Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your St. Bernard, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your St. Bernard to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your St. Bernard Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your St. Bernard successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your St. Bernard’s Behavior
Pay attention to your St. Bernard’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your St. Bernard quickly? Try this affordable online course
4. Confine Your St. Bernard to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your St. Bernard, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your St. Bernard’s Freedom
As your St. Bernard becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your St. Bernard know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your St. Bernard to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this: 

7. Be Patient with Your St. Bernard and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your St. Bernard for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your St. Bernard is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your St. Bernard quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.

2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a St. Bernard
How do I know when my St. Bernard needs to go potty?
Signs that a St. Bernard needs to go potty include restlessness, sniffing around, circling, or going to the door.
At what age should I begin potty training a St. Bernard puppy?
It’s best to start potty training a St. Bernard puppy as soon as you bring them home, around 8 to 12 weeks old.
How can I potty train an adult St. Bernard?
You can potty train an adult St. Bernard using the same techniques you would use for a puppy, including crate training, positive reinforcement, and consistent scheduling.
How long does it take to potty train a St. Bernard puppy?
It can take several weeks to several months to potty train a St. Bernard puppy, depending on their age, temperament, and consistency of training.
How often should I take my St. Bernard outside for potty breaks?
St. Bernards have large bladders and need to go outside frequently. Puppies may need to go outside every hour, while adult dogs can typically hold it for 4 to 6 hours.
How should I potty train my St. Bernard in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
You can use pee pads or take your St. Bernard for regular walks to potty outside. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful potty training in an apartment.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a St. Bernard?
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science based and “fear free” tactics to potty train your St. Bernard quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.

2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.

In conclusion, potty training a St. Bernard can be a challenging task, but with consistency, patience, and the right techniques, it can be accomplished successfully. It’s essential to start early and establish a routine, supervise your puppy or adult dog closely, and provide positive reinforcement for good behavior. Remember to be consistent with your commands and rewards, and don’t give up. With time and effort, your St. Bernard will be fully potty trained and a happy, well-behaved companion in your home. These seven secrets to potty training a St. Bernard are just the beginning, and with practice, you can tailor them to your dog’s specific needs and personality.

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