How to Train Your Dog to Go Pee Outside
Even for experienced pet owners, training a canine of any age to use the outdoors as its bathroom might be overwhelming!
While it seems perfectly normal to have a dog use the great outdoors as a bathroom, canines do not have a genetic predisposition to use the grass in your yard rather than the carpet in your living room.
Dogs can be trained to go outside with the right kind of positive reinforcement and a lot of time and effort.
Helpful Steps in Dog Pee Training
Do you think your puppy can tell you they need to pee? The key is teaching them a "pee cue" when they need to relieve themselves.
Start teaching your dog "pee-speak," or the signals for going outside to relieve themselves, as soon as possible. If you take your puppy outdoors every time it needs to urinate, it will eventually learn that going potty only occurs when it is outside. Here are the steps on how to train your dog to go pee outside.
Step 1: You Must Train Your Puppy To Use the Bathroom in a Designated Area.
Place the dog beside the patio's exit. The dog is barking, so it wants you to open the back door and let it out.
Don't want to train your dog to make noise? Give a bell a ring and see what happens. After hearing the doorbell, let your pet outdoors. Don't let your puppy play too much outside after going potty because otherwise, they'll start associating the potty cue with access to playtime rather than just doing potty.
So you've trained your dog to alert you when they have to use the restroom, but now they bark constantly.
You can attempt to train them to respond to a new cue, such as sitting by the door. To make things even easier, you may keep a rug at the entrance and teach your dog that if it sits on it, the door will open.
Step 2: Pick a Permanent Bathroom Location.
Clip a leash onto your puppy's collar and lead him or her outside to the designated area of the yard. Stop right now and turn around.
Instead, you should wait for your pet to relieve themselves. Give your puppy a treat and vocal praise when it does something you want it to learn. It will improve the experience of going to the bathroom outside. If your puppy still refuses to pee outside, you should try indoors. They'll pick it up in no time.
Step 3: Kennel Your Pet When You Leave the House
Keep your pet in a secure environment, like a crate, when you're not around. When you're not there to see or hear the cue, this reduces the risk of mishaps occurring in your bedroom, living room, or any other place.
Essentials in Training Your Dog to Pee
Stocking up on these goods will make the pee training process go more smoothly.
Towels For Wiping
When housebreaking a puppy or retraining an adult dog to utilize a toilet, disposable pee pads are an excellent aid. However, many new dog owners express trepidation about introducing pee pads to their rescued pup or puppy.
They are concerned that their dog will come to rely on them and that he or she will begin soiling in other places of the house in addition to the pads. Fortunately, this is just a fabrication. Any dog, not just puppies, can move from pee pads to the outdoors easily.
Carpets
Dogs, like humans, can be put off by the stink of waste, and your dog may be tempted to urinate there again if the smell lingers. Any dirty spots must be scrubbed clean thoroughly.
Never use an ammonia-based product. Your dog is more likely to urinate in the exact location because it contains a chemical found in its urine, which is also a common element in many cleaning products.
Dog Cage, Doghouse, or Kennel
Crates and kennels are great places for your dog to relax after vigorous play or when you need to do housework and can't keep an eye on him. They are also helpful in calming a young dog down during the downtime between potty training sessions, primarily if the dog hasn't been eliminated when you think it should have.
If you hear your dog moving around or whimpering, put him or her in a room where you can still readily see him or her so you can take him or her outdoors to try to potty.
Squatty Potty Bells
Hanging a potty bell on the bathroom door might make teaching kids to use the toilet much more accessible. Each door your dog will use to exit should have its own set. Keep them at a level where your dog can reach them and ring them loudly enough for you to pay attention.
Treats
Give a young puppy or your new rescue dog an excellent reinforcer right when they start to go outside to potty to encourage them to maintain the behavior. Say "good potty" when they begin to use the restroom, and then reward them with a tasty snack when they're done. So, the whole thing is a chance to show your dog friend some love and praise him.
Conclusion
Training your dog to go pee outside is a challenge that requires patience, consistency, and the right techniques. It's essential to focus on rewarding correct behavior rather than punishing mistakes. Begin by setting up a "pee cue" and a designated bathroom spot, and use positive reinforcement like treats and praise to encourage your dog.
However, if you find yourself needing additional support or guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to The Trusted Companion. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you succeed in training your dog to go pee outside.
Contact us today to learn more about our methods and how we can assist you in making this training journey a smooth and successful one for both you and your furry friend.
FAQs
How long does it typically take to train a dog to pee outside?
Training duration varies with each dog, but typically, it can take a few weeks to a few months. Consistency and patience are key factors in successfully training your dog.
Can older dogs be trained to pee outside if they're used to going indoors?
Yes, older dogs can be trained to pee outside. It requires patience and a consistent routine, but with positive reinforcement, older dogs can learn new habits.
What should I do if my dog has an accident indoors?
If your dog has an accident indoors, calmly clean it up without showing anger. It's important to use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent and avoid punishment, as it can lead to fear and confusion.
How often should I take my puppy outside for potty training?
Puppies generally need to go outside every 1-2 hours, including after meals, first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. As they grow older, they can hold their bladder for longer periods.
What are the best rewards to use for potty training?
Treats, praise, and playtime are effective rewards for potty training. Choose a high-value treat that your dog loves, and always praise them enthusiastically after they go potty outside.