How To Train Your Service Dog To Use Artificial Turf

Training your dog to use artificial turf for potty needs can be invaluable for pet owners, especially those traveling by airplane, cruising, or facing emergency situations like storms. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you teach your furry friend to comfortably and reliably use artificial turf.

Why Choose Artificial Turf?

Artificial turf offers a convenient solution for urban dwellers and travelers. It provides a clean and manageable area for your dog to relieve itself, regardless of the weather or location. By teaching your dog to use turf, you can ensure they have a familiar spot to go potty during trips or emergencies.

Step 1: Setting Up the Area

Start by placing a piece of artificial turf in the spot where your dog typically goes to the bathroom. To help with the transition, cover the turf with a piece of sod from the same area, which will have familiar scents. This will make your dog feel more comfortable and encourage them to use the turf.

Step 2: Establish a Routine

Consistency is key in training. Begin walking your dog on a leash directly to the artificial turf each day, especially during their usual potty times—typically after meals, upon waking, and before bedtime. By making this a part of their daily routine, your dog will learn to associate the turf with potty time.

Step 3: Encourage Potty Behavior

When you bring your dog to the turf, use a specific command like “Go potty” or “Do your business.” This verbal cue will help your dog understand what is expected of them. Be patient and give them time to sniff and explore the area.

Step 4: Reward for Success

When your dog successfully urinates or defecates on the turf, immediately praise them enthusiastically and offer a treat. Positive reinforcement is crucial for reinforcing this behavior. Make sure to reward them right after they go to help them connect the action with the reward.

Step 5: Gradually Remove the Sod

After about a week of consistent training and successful potty sessions on the turf, remove half of the sod. Each week repeat the step of removing half of the sod again until you have a dog that will pee on just the turf. This gradual transition helps your dog become more accustomed to using only the turf while still having a bit of the familiar sod for comfort. Monitor their behavior during this phase and continue rewarding them for using the turf.

Liame at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport where in 2008 there was no service dog relief station nor any grass for him to go potty on for a quarter of a mile.

Step 6: Transitioning Locations

Once your dog reliably uses the turf in the original location, it’s time to introduce it to different surfaces. Gradually move the turf over gravel, asphalt, concrete, or even wood chips. This helps your dog become adaptable and comfortable going potty in various environments. Always bring them to the turf and encourage them with the same commands and rewards.

Step 7: Be Patient and Consistent

Training takes time, and your dog may have accidents along the way. If this happens, stay calm and avoid scolding them. Simply clean up the mess without fuss and continue the training process. Consistency and patience are crucial for long-term success.

Step 8: Maintaining the Turf

To keep the artificial turf clean and odor-free, regularly rinse it with water and use pet-safe cleaners as needed. A clean potty area encourages your dog to continue using it.

Step 9: Repeat Steps 1-8 To Transfer Skills To New Surfaces

If you want to teach your dog to go potty on mulch or concrete, its the exact same process as above, you just put your sod on the concrete cutting it in half every week.

Teaching your dog to use artificial turf is a practical skill that can make traveling and emergency situations much easier. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your dog will learn to feel comfortable and confident using their new potty spot. Embrace the process, and enjoy the convenience it brings!