House training a puppy or an adult dog may seem difficult at first, but it is something that almost every dog can learn. With the right approach, your dog can be taught to wait at the door and go to the bathroom outside, instead of inside your home. The process starts with creating a regular schedule for feeding and taking your dog outside. Each time your dog relieves themselves in the right spot, you can reward them with treats and praise. This helps your dog understand what you want them to do. House training takes patience and a positive attitude, but with time and consistency, your dog will adapt and become a happy member of your family.
Step One: Setting Up a Routine
1. Take Your Dog Outside Frequently
Taking your dog outside often is the most important step in house training. Dogs need many chances to learn where to go to the bathroom. Try to take your dog outside about every half an hour. This may seem like a lot, but it helps your dog understand that outside is the right place to relieve themselves.
Keep a regular schedule for these trips. Do not skip any planned outside times. When you stick to a routine, your dog will start to connect going outside with bathroom breaks. This makes learning much faster and easier.
If you are training a puppy, you will need to go outside even more often. Puppies have very small bladders. They cannot hold their pee for long. Taking them out often helps prevent accidents and teaches them good habits from the start.
2. Set a Consistent Meal Routine for Your Dog
Feeding your dog at the same times every day helps with house training. Dogs are creatures of habit and feel more secure with a routine. When you feed your dog at set times in the morning and evening, it becomes easier to predict when they will need to go outside to relieve themselves. Usually, you should wait about 20 to 30 minutes after a meal before taking your dog out. This helps your dog learn to connect mealtime with bathroom breaks.
For puppies, a regular feeding schedule is even more important. Puppies need to eat three times a day because they have small stomachs and high energy needs. After each meal, take your puppy outside soon, as they usually need to go to the bathroom within 10 to 15 minutes after eating. Keeping this schedule will help your puppy learn faster and avoid accidents in the house.
Sticking to a feeding routine not only helps with house training but also makes your dog feel safe and confident. It is a simple step that makes life easier for both you and your pet.
3. Recognize When Your Dog Needs to Go Outside
Learning to spot the signs that your dog needs to go outside is a key part of house training. Dogs use their body language and actions to tell you when they need a bathroom break. Some common signs include standing or waiting by the door, sniffing the floor, pacing around, or making noises like whining or barking. Your dog may also stare at you, paw at the door, or suddenly act restless. If you see your dog sniffing carpets or corners, they might be looking for a place to go to the bathroom.
When you notice these signs, take your dog outside right away, even if it is not their usual time to go out. This helps your dog learn that outside is the right place to relieve themselves. You can also use a simple word or phrase, like “outside,” before you take them out. Over time, your dog will understand what this word means and may even respond when you ask if they need to go out.
Some owners train their dogs to give a clear signal, like ringing a bell or pawing at the door, when they need to go outside. This makes it easier for you to know when your dog needs a bathroom break. Remember, always watch your dog closely, especially after meals or after they drink water, as these are common times when they will need to go outside. Recognizing your dog’s signals and responding quickly will help prevent accidents and make house training much easier.
4. Choose a Special Bathroom Spot for Your Dog
Picking one spot outside for your dog to use as their bathroom is very helpful for house training. Dogs learn best with routines, and using the same place every time makes them feel safe and less confused. Choose a spot in your yard that is away from where people play or walk often. If you do not have a yard, find a quiet green patch near your home, away from busy streets or crowded areas.
Make sure the spot is big enough for your dog’s size. Small dogs need less space, while big dogs need a larger area so it does not get too dirty or smelly. Keep the area clean by picking up waste right away. This helps your dog want to use the spot and keeps your yard or neighborhood tidy.
When you take your dog to the spot, use a simple phrase like “go potty.” Say it each time so your dog learns what it means. Stand with your dog on a leash and wait until they finish. Reward them with praise or a treat when they use the spot. This helps your dog remember what to do next time.
If you use a public area, always bring a bag to pick up after your dog. This is polite and keeps the area clean for everyone. By using the same spot and routine, your dog will learn quickly and feel more comfortable going to the bathroom outside.
5. Keep a Close Eye on Your Dog During Training
When you start house training your dog or puppy, it is very important to watch them closely. This helps you stop accidents before they happen. By keeping an eye on your dog, you can quickly take them outside if they show signs that they need to go to the bathroom.
Supervision is key in the early days. If you see your dog sniffing, circling, or looking restless, take them out right away. This teaches your dog that going outside is the right thing to do. The more you catch them before they go indoors, the faster they will learn.
If you cannot be home all day, ask a friend or family member to help. They should also take your dog to the same bathroom spot each time. This keeps your dog’s routine the same and helps them learn faster.
Watching your dog closely during house training helps prevent accidents and teaches good habits. With patience and attention, your dog will soon understand where they should go.
6. Use a Crate for Safe and Clean Nights and Absences
Keeping your dog in a crate at night and when you are away helps prevent accidents in the house. Dogs naturally avoid going to the bathroom where they sleep. A crate acts like a safe den for your dog, helping them learn to hold it until you take them outside.
Make sure the crate is cozy and comfortable. Your dog should have soft bedding and enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Never use the crate as a punishment. The crate should feel like a safe and happy place for your dog.
Do not leave your dog in the crate for too long. Puppies need to go outside more often, so they should only be crated for a few hours at a time. Adult dogs can stay in the crate overnight, but they also need regular breaks during the day for bathroom trips, exercise, and play.
Always take your dog outside as soon as you let them out of the crate. This helps them learn that going outside is the right place to relieve themselves. With a good crate routine, your dog will feel secure and house training will be much easier.
7. Clean Up Accidents Quickly and Thoroughly
If your dog has an accident in the house, clean it up right away. Use a special cleaning solution that removes pet odors. This is important because if your dog can still smell the mess, they may think it is okay to use that spot as a bathroom again.
Do not punish your dog for making a mess. Accidents are a normal part of house training. Just clean up, stay calm, and keep following your schedule. By cleaning up quickly and removing all smells, you help your dog learn the right place to go. This keeps your home clean and helps your dog learn faster.
Related Post: How Long Does House Training a Dog Take
Step two: Rewarding the Dog for Good Behavior
1. Reward Your Dog Every Time They Go Outside
Giving your dog treats and praise each time they go to the bathroom outside is one of the best ways to teach good habits. Dogs learn quickly when they are rewarded for doing the right thing. As soon as your dog finishes in their bathroom spot, give them a small treat and say kind words like “good dog.” You can also give them a gentle pet or scratch on the head.
This method is called positive reinforcement. It helps your dog understand that going outside brings good things, like treats and attention. Always reward your dog right after they finish, so they connect the reward with the action. Be sure to do this every single time, especially when your dog is still learning. Consistency is important for your dog to remember what you want them to do.
You can also use treats and praise to reward other good behaviors, like sitting or staying. Over time, your dog will want to repeat these actions to get more rewards. Using treats and praise makes training fun and helps build a strong bond between you and your dog.
2. Give Rewards at the Right Time
It is very important to reward your dog at the right moment. When your dog goes to the bathroom in the correct spot, give them a treat and praise right after they finish. If you give the reward too early, your dog might get confused about what they are being rewarded for. If you wait too long, your dog may not connect the treat with going to the bathroom outside.
Always have treats ready when you take your dog outside. As soon as your dog is done, give them the treat and say “good dog” or another happy phrase. This helps your dog understand that going to the bathroom in that spot is the right thing to do. Timing your reward correctly makes house training faster and easier for your dog.
3. Teach Your Dog to Use a Bell for Bathroom Breaks
Using a bell or chime can help your dog let you know when they need to go outside. This method is called bell training. It is a simple way to improve communication between you and your dog, and it can help prevent accidents in the house.
To start, introduce your dog to the bell. Let your dog sniff and touch the bell so they get used to it. Hang the bell on the door your dog will use to go outside, at a height your dog can reach with their nose or paw. Each time you take your dog out for a bathroom break, ring the bell yourself. Use a cue word like “outside” as you do this. Over time, your dog will begin to connect ringing the bell with going outside.
You can encourage your dog to touch the bell by using a small treat or a bit of peanut butter on the bell. When your dog rings the bell, praise them and take them outside right away. After your dog goes to the bathroom in the right spot, reward them again with treats and praise. Repeat this process several times a day. Most dogs learn this skill quickly if you are patient and consistent.
Remember, only use the bell for bathroom breaks. If your dog rings the bell just to go out and play, calmly bring them back inside if they do not go to the bathroom. This teaches your dog that the bell means potty time, not playtime.
Bell training is a helpful tool, but you may want to stop using the bell after your dog is fully trained. To do this, slowly use the bell less often and watch for your dog’s other signals. With practice, your dog will learn to tell you when they need to go outside, even without the bell.
4. Use a Calm and Friendly Voice During Training
Always keep your voice light and friendly when you talk to your dog about going to the bathroom. Speak in a happy and gentle way. This helps your dog feel safe and relaxed. Never yell or use a harsh tone. If you sound angry, your dog might become scared or confused. They could start to think that going to the bathroom is bad.
If your dog has an accident inside, stay calm. Do not punish or shame your dog. Simply clean up the mess and try to stick to your training routine. You can withhold praise if they go in the wrong place, but never make your dog feel afraid.
When you use words like “outside,” “go potty,” or “good dog,” say them the same way each time. Consistent words and a kind voice help your dog learn what you want. Repeating these cues in a friendly tone will make bathroom training easier and help your dog feel happy and confident.
5. Avoid Punishing Your Dog for Accidents
Never punish your dog for making a mess in the house. Dogs do not understand punishment the way people do. If you yell, hit, or scare your dog, they will only become afraid of you. This fear can make house training harder and damage your bond with your pet.
Do not rub your dog’s nose in their mess. This old method does not work. Your dog will not understand why you are doing it. Instead, they may become confused or scared, which can lead to more problems.
If your dog has an accident, stay calm. Clean up the mess and continue with your training routine. Focus on rewarding your dog when they do the right thing, not punishing them for mistakes. Positive training helps your dog learn faster and builds trust between you and your pet.
Step 3: Paper Training a Dog in an Apartment
1. Choose a Convenient Indoor Bathroom Spot for Your Dog
If you live in a high-rise or cannot always get outside quickly, it is important to pick a good indoor bathroom spot for your dog. Select a place that is away from busy areas in your home but still easy for your dog to reach at any time. A quiet corner in the laundry room or kitchen often works well.
Try to choose an area with hard flooring, like tile, hardwood, or vinyl. These surfaces are much easier to clean than carpet if your dog has an accident. Avoid picking a spot in the middle of your main living space, as this can be messy and uncomfortable for everyone.
Set up a special potty pad or tray in this spot. Always bring your dog to the same place when they need to go. This helps your dog learn where it is okay to relieve themselves indoors. With patience and a regular routine, your dog will get used to using their special spot when going outside is not possible.
2. Cover the Bathroom Area with Pads or Newspaper
Cover your dog’s bathroom spot with newspaper or special training pads. Newspaper is a cheap and easy option for making a bathroom mat. Training pads, sold at pet stores, are made to soak up liquid and control smells. Pick the option that works best for your home and your dog.
You can also use a dog litter tray. If you plan to take your dog outside sometimes, try filling the tray with soil. This helps your dog learn that it is okay to go both indoors and outdoors.
Remember, if you only use newspaper, your dog may get used to going only on paper. Change the setup if you want your dog to start using other surfaces, like grass or soil, later on. Using pads or newspaper keeps your home cleaner and helps your dog know exactly where to go.
3. Bring Your Dog to the Bathroom Spot on a Consistent Schedule
Taking your dog to their bathroom spot at regular times each day is very important for successful house training. Dogs and puppies learn best when they have a clear routine. Bring your dog to the bathroom mat or designated spot many times throughout the day, just like you would if you were training them to go outside.
Make a schedule and stick to it. Take your dog to the spot:
- First thing in the morning
- After every meal
- After naps or playtime
- Before bedtime
- Any time they show signs they need to go, like sniffing, circling, or becoming restless
For puppies, you may need to take them to the spot every one to two hours, since they cannot hold their bladder for long. Older dogs can usually wait longer, but regular trips are still important, especially during training.
Each time you take your dog to the spot, use the same words, like “go potty,” to help them understand what you want them to do. Reward your dog right away when they use the spot correctly. With patience and a steady routine, your dog will learn where and when it is okay to go to the bathroom
4. Keep the Bathroom Mat Clean but Leave a Scent
Change your dog’s bathroom mat or pad often to keep it clean and fresh. Always remove solid waste right away. However, leave a small spot of dried urine on the new mat or pad. The smell helps your dog remember that this is the right place to go to the bathroom.
Dogs use their sense of smell to find their bathroom spot. By leaving a little scent behind, you make it easier for your dog to learn and stick to good habits. This simple step helps with training and keeps your home cleaner.
5. Praise and Reward Your Dog for Using the Mat
Every time your dog goes to the bathroom on the mat, give them a treat, gentle petting, and lots of praise. Use a happy voice and say things like “good dog!” right after they finish. This helps your dog feel proud and happy about using the mat.
When you reward your dog each time, they learn that going on the mat is a good thing. Soon, your dog will start using the mat by themselves, even when you are not watching. Positive rewards make house training easier and help your dog learn faster.
FAQS.
What is the best way to toilet train your puppy?
Take your puppy outside right after naps, after eating or drinking, and after play. Go out often, even if your puppy doesn’t go every time. If your puppy does not go, put them back in their crate for 15 minutes, then try again. Repeat this as needed. Be patient and reward your puppy when they go in the right spot.
How do you stop a dog from peeing and pooping in the house?
Take your dog outside often. Puppies can hold their bladder for about one hour for each month of age. Use a crate if you can’t watch your dog. Set an alarm at night to take your dog out. Clean up any messes right away so your dog is not attracted to the same spot again.
How do you retrain a dog to stop using puppy pads indoors and toilet outside instead?
How do you retrain a dog to stop using puppy pads indoors and toilet outside instead?
First, teach your dog a cue word like “Toilet” when they use the pad. Slowly move the pad closer to the door day by day. Then, place the pad outside and use the cue word. Reward your dog when they go outside. Gradually remove the pad so your dog learns to go on grass or soil.
Is it best to use puppy pads or go outside from the start?
It’s best to train your puppy to go outside from the start. Puppy pads are for emergencies only. Take your puppy outside every 20 to 30 minutes and praise them when they go. If they use the pad, don’t punish or praise them. Just keep taking them outside often.
Why does my dog still toilet indoors even though I take her outside?
Your dog may not understand what you want. Stay outside with your dog and praise her when she goes. Watch her closely indoors. If she shows signs of needing to go, take her out right away. Use a crate when you can’t watch her. Clean up indoor messes well to remove the smell.
When toilet training an older dog, how often should you take him outside?
Take your older dog out after meals, after waking up, before bedtime, and every 1 to 2 hours when he’s awake. Watch him closely indoors, and take him out at the first sign he needs to go.
At what age should a dog be potty trained?
Most puppies start potty training at 8 weeks old. By 12 weeks, many are doing well. Every dog is different, so be patient and consistent.
How do I house train my dog that hates to go outside in general?
Find out why your dog does not like going outside. Make the outside area more comfortable. Go outside with your dog and praise him when he is brave. Use treats and kind words to help him feel safe.
How do you discipline a dog?
Never hit or yell at your dog. Say “No” in a firm voice. Remove your dog from the bad situation and ignore them for a short time. Reward good behavior instead.
Is it possible to train a 7-month-old dog?
Yes, you can train a dog at any age. Older dogs may take longer to learn. Be patient and reward your dog for going outside. Use a leash indoors and take your dog out often. If you can’t watch your dog, use a crate.
Is it okay for me to carry my puppy outside to its potty spot?
Yes, you can carry your puppy outside. Watch for signs that your puppy needs to go and take them out quickly.
