Potty training an older dog can be a daunting task, especially if they’ve been having accidents in the house for a while. But what if I told you there’s a secret trick that can make the process much easier? As a professional dog trainer, I’ve discovered a method that many others overlook, and it involves a tool you might not expect: a blacklight.
The CSI Approach to Potty Training
Imagine this: you’re a detective on a mission to uncover hidden evidence. That’s exactly what you’ll be doing with a blacklight. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell—up to 10,000 times better than ours. If they can still smell urine in the house, they’ll continue to think it’s okay to pee there. This is where the blacklight comes in handy.
Step 1: Uncovering the Hidden Spots
Grab a blacklight (yes, like the ones used in CSI shows) and turn off the lights in your house. Shine the blacklight around the areas where your dog has had accidents. You’ll be surprised at how many spots light up, revealing old urine stains that you thought were cleaned but still linger. (There are many blacklight options on Amazon. I initially tried cheaper ones, but the stains were hard to see. Upgrading to a professional “uvBeast Blacklight” made a huge difference—I can see stains even with the lights on.)
Step 2: The Magic Cleaner
Now that you’ve identified the problem areas, it’s time to bring out the big guns. My go-to solution is Eco-88, the best urine and stain cleaner I’ve ever used. I’ve personally tackled stains that were five years old and had been cleaned multiple times, yet Eco-88 managed to completely remove them. Spray it on the affected areas and let it work its magic – no scrubbing needed. (If you’re dealing with numerous old stains, the Eco-88 Starter Pack is your best bet. It makes cleaning up old stains effortless.)
And if you’re thinking…’ Cyndi, I already have a urine cleaner. I’ve sprayed all the stains,’ trust me on this – Eco-88 is the best out there. I’m not exaggerating. I’ve had clients tell me it saved them from extra rental fees and even cleaned diarrhea out of cream white carpet.
Step 3: The KEY Step – Erase the Evidence
The key to successfully re-potty training an adult dog is eliminating all traces of past accidents. Dogs are creatures of habit, and if they catch even a whiff of urine, they’ll think it’s okay to go there again. By using a blacklight and Eco-88, you can erase the evidence, making it easier for your dog to understand that the house is not a bathroom.
Why This Method Works
This method works because it addresses the root of the problem: the lingering smell of urine. Many pet parents and trainers focus on the behavior without realizing that the environment plays a crucial role. By removing the smell, you’re setting your dog up for success and making the potty training process much smoother.
Final Thoughts
Potty training an older dog doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. With this secret trick, you can tackle the problem head-on and see real progress. Remember, the key is to remove all evidence of previous accidents, and with a blacklight and Eco-88, you have the perfect tools to do just that.
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