Potty Training Tips

Italian Greyhounds can be successfully potty trained to go outside. But due to their lack of fur, using an indoor litter box is especially helpful during cold weather, rain or for apartment living. They are NOT fans of going outside in bad weather.

Italian Greyhounds dislike cold, wet conditions and may resist outdoor potty breaks. An indoor option gives them a consistent, stress-free place to go.

Use a large litter box, plastic tote with the end cut out or a specific designed dog potty box placed in a quiet, easily accessible area. Many owners use potty pads due to their cost and ease of use.

Consistency is key. Place your Italian Greyhound in the litter box:

• First thing in the morning
• After hard play
• After meals
• After naps
• Before bedtime

Use a "go here" scent product to help attract their attention to the pad in the box. 

As the leader, you must manage your pup and play hockey goalie; gently shove them back in each time they try to leave the box when you know they very likely need to go. Don’t let them leave the box until they do their business. Praise and reward immediately after successful use with lots of verbal praise and a small treat Always rotate your praise and treats; you don’t want them expect a treat every time following good potty behavior, or the first time you miss that treat, you’ll get an accident the next time. They are smart cookies and will do only as much as they need to, especially as they are learning how to live with you.

Dogs use the same spots for the bathroom based on scent. If you immediately clean everything very well, for a young puppy, that erases the memory of where to go. While you’re training, just leave it alone for the day as long as it was done in the right place—unless it’s messy and you want to avoid them stepping in it. Their poo and pee odors bring them back to the right spot the next time. When they’re finished, keep puppy wipes near the potty and wipe their feet afterwards so they don’t track things back into the rest of your home.

Italian Greyhounds are sensitive dogs. Hands-on encouragement, small treats and calm praise work far better than punishment, which can create anxiety and setbacks. Speak in baby talk to praise them because that connotes happiness from you to them (as their mom would do by yipping in a high-pitched tone).

Getting angry and yelling should not be part of your tools when it comes to potty training. If your IG has broken a cardinal rule and peed right in the middle of your bed, your reaction is going to be anger. Don’t lose your mind. Stay calm and understand they made a mistake and this too will pass if you work at it. They also won't understand you; they don't speak your language. So negative reinforcement is not advised unless you catch them in the act.

If bad behavior continues, the best way to stop it is to (1) catch them in the act and (2) then in a deep loud low voice quickly tell them “NO! NO! NO!” Your voice and reaction will be akin to what a mommy Iggy would teach her baby by using growls and snaps to discipline when they misbehave.