How to teach a dog to do its business outside

Having a dog is a rewarding experience, but housetraining can sometimes be a challenge for owners. However, with patience, consistency, and a positive approach, you can teach your dog to go to the bathroom outside. Here are some tips to help guide you through the training process.

Start early and be consistent

Housebreaking should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home. Dogs are generally easier to housetrain when they are young. The key to success is consistency. Take your dog outside regularly, especially after meals, waking up, and playtime . Keep in mind that puppies do not have sphincter control until they are 4 months old, so they are not able to hold it for more than a few hours (estimated 1 hour per month of life).

Create a routine

Dogs love routines. Establish a regular schedule for going out, this will help your dog anticipate when he can go to the bathroom. Always take him to the same place to reinforce the association between that place and eliminating.

Use positive reinforcements

When your dog goes to the bathroom outside, praise him abundantly. Use words and a soft voice or petting to reinforce this positive behavior. Dogs are more likely to repeat actions that are followed by rewards.

Pay attention to the signs

Learn to recognize the signs that your dog needs to go outside. This could include circling, sniffing the ground intensively, or even staring at you. By paying attention to these signs, you can anticipate and take your dog outside in time.

Avoid punishment

If your dog does his business inside, avoid punishing him. Dogs don't understand punishment well after the fact and it can create anxiety. Instead, simply clean up the mess and work harder to reinforce good habits outside. Your dog loves you and wants to do things right, but he doesn't always know how. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a dog.

Use a limited space

A small space or a specific room in the house can be a useful solution for housetraining. Dogs naturally tend to avoid going to the bathroom in their living space. For example, for just a few nights, you can have your pet sleep in a relatively small room and he should quickly learn to hold it. Of course, it makes no sense to lock a 4-month-old puppy in a room for 8 hours and think that he will become housetrained (see point #1). Like babies, your dog needs time, and like babies, some learn faster than others, so be patient and kind.

Some will tell you to use a transport cage precisely to limit the space. This is still a debate today. At Goofy Goldens , we do not recommend using this type of cage, we find them traumatic for the dog and we think that there are other ways to limit the space and learn cleanliness.

But what if I adopt an adult dog that is still not housetrained?

Same as with a puppy. One key thing to remember is that dogs can continue to learn throughout their lives. So, it's important to go back to basics when training them! Encourage them, praise them, and most importantly, motivate them. The main goal is to get your dog to associate the outdoors with a comfortable place to do their business. So we recommend taking your dog out more frequently and keeping treats on hand.

However, the outdoors can be very distracting for your dog, especially if he has previously lived in a cramped environment. He may forget to go to the bathroom or feel uncomfortable in this environment that he perceives as hostile. It is therefore crucial to transform this environment into a pleasant place for him. This is especially the case for dogs rescued from abuse who are not yet clean because they have been locked in cages or on balconies or even tied up outside day and night and therefore do not have the right codes to go to the bathroom.

To teach him this, find a quiet, low-stimulation area where your dog feels safe. As soon as he relieves himself, immediately reward him with a treat and petting. Repeat this exercise regularly, and over time, your dog will learn to be clean. It is also important to pay attention to the signs he shows when he needs to relieve himself. If he circles, heads for the door, or tries to get your attention, it is likely that he wants to go outside. In this case, do not delay and take him outside while praising him.

Consult a veterinarian if the problem persists.

If your dog, whether puppy, youngster, or adult, continues to go to the bathroom indoors despite your best efforts, there may be an underlying medical problem. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any physical causes for this behavior.

In conclusion, potty training a dog is just like training humans; it takes time, patience, and consistency. By following these tips and staying positive, you will create an environment conducive to learning and strengthen the bond between you and your faithful companion.