by Melody Keilig
So you’ve bought the Porch Potty for your furbaby, but aren’t aware of all the tips and tricks they need for the best “going” experience? You’re in luck because the Porch Potty is incredibly easy to use and clean. Plus, we’re going to spill the best life hacks for this amazing dog potty!
1.Getting to know the Fire Hydrant
The little red fire hydrant placed on the Porch Potty isn’t there for looks! Okay, it is cute, but it also serves a greater function. Because dogs need to sniff, sniff, sniff before they go, this scenting hydrant catches their attention when you apply their own urine scent.
The scenting fire hydrant helps encourage your dog to go on the Porch Potty. This is helpful with any dog who may need some extra time getting used to doing their business on the Porch Potty.
2. The Paper Towel Method
Another tip to follow that encourages dogs to use the Porch Potty is the paper towel method. If you’ve got a puppy, this method is foolproof for their potty training.
Encourage your pup to pee on a regular paper towel or a “puppy pad.” Once the deed has been done, take the paper towel and place it on the Porch Potty. This should teach them to go on the Potty because their own pee scent will get them to go.
3. Lots of Praise
When it comes to any dog, expressing lots of praise to them will help them get the idea that they’re doing something correctly. When you’re training your dog, whether they’re a puppy or senior dog, praise and treat rewards will create positive reinforcement.
The next time they make an accidental mess on your apartment floor, simply lead them to the Porch Potty and encourage them to go on the Potty instead. When they get the idea, clearly express how happy you are with them with lots of love, treats, and praise!
4. Adjust the Drainage Correctly
For the most sanitary area, ensure that you adjust the drainage hose correctly to the Porch Potty. When you fit it on the bottom, check that it’s securely attached so there are no leaks.
Plus, you can cut the hose to any length you need, so feel free to shorten it if needed. Need a longer hose than 14-inches? Simply go to your local hardware store and ask for a hose coupler to fit a longer hose.
Lastly, check that your dog’s pee isn’t being drained down to someone else’s apartment balcony or property.
5. Clear Odours with Turftastic
Worried about the odour from your dog’s waste? Pick up TURFtastic from the Porch Potty store and let it work its magic! It eliminates odors on synthetic and real grass, all without deterring your dog from using the same spot to go.
Because it doesn’t contain any fragrance, it won’t wipe out the scent your dog has grown used to on the Porch Potty. It simply breaks down the proteins in pee and feces that cause the odor.
Plus, it’s non-toxic and biodegradable, so you know it’s safe for your dog.
6. Teaching an Older Dog to Use Porch Potty
It may be easier to train a puppy to use the Porch Potty because it may be the only potty training they’ll ever know. But what about a senior dog who has gone one way their whole life?
It might be more of a challenge, but it’s completely possible for an older dog to grow accustomed to using the Porch Potty.
Senior dogs can greatly benefit from an easier potty to reach, especially if they have an unpredictable schedule. It might take more for a senior dog to learn a new place to “go,” so create a simple command like, “Go potty!” every time they’re on the Porch Potty. If you stand by and use a command, they are sure to get the idea after some practice.
7. Adjust the sprinklers
Sometimes the sprinklers that come with the Porch Potty are factory-adjusted too tightly. This may cause the water to spray out too much outside of the Potty. But it’s an easy fix! Get a small, flathead screwdriver and gently turn the center nozzle of the sprinklers to the right.
This creates a gap between the top and bottom sections of the nozzle, which affects the water flow. After adjusting with the screwdriver, give the top section a little turn to the right and the water will be at the perfect level to clear out your dog’s urine.
8. Keep the Porch Potty Covered for All Seasons
Even if you don’t live in an area that experiences all four seasons, it’s still a good idea to keep your Porch Potty in the shade.
By keeping it under the roof of your balcony or deck, you’re protecting your pup from getting too much sun, as well as shielding them from weather elements like rain and snow. Keeping the Porch Potty protected from the weather also ensures that it doesn’t get flooded with water or damaged by the sun’s rays.
9. Rinse Grass Daily for Optimal Freshness
Just like we flush our toilets regularly, your dog potty needs a daily "flushing" too. Give the grass a nice wash every day by running the sprinklers or pouring water onto the Porch Potty with a garden pail. This will help the grass clean and ready for use.
10. Protect the Hose During Winter Months and Freezing Temperatures
During the colder winter months in some areas, the Porch Potty Premium needs to be detached from your garden hose to prevent it from freezing and possibly cracking the sprinkler base.
But what about the drainage hose? No worries, the drainage hose is okay to keep attached to the Porch Potty because the water and waste run down the hose too quickly for it to freeze. Whereas, a garden hose can easily freeze overnight when it’s sitting in a garage or on your porch.
Keep these tips in mind to get the best out of your Porch Potty, while also giving your dog a safer and cleaner place to go potty!
Do you have any Porch Potty life hacks to share? Tell us in our official Porch Potty Facebook group!