If you’re training a puppy, you’ll need to take them outside more frequently. Puppies have small bladders and can’t physically hold their pee for long periods of time.
Puppies need to be fed three times a day. If you have a puppy, schedule a regular lunchtime feeding as well. Again, a puppy should be given more opportunities to go outside, since it has a smaller bladder.
When you first start training your dog to go outside, you’re teaching them that when they feel the urge, that means it’s time to go outside. Each time your dog successfully goes outside, the idea that bathroom equals outside is reinforced.
Remember to follow your city’s ordinances regarding picking up after your pet. If you have no choice but to let your dog use a public spot as their bathroom, you’ll need to bring a bag so you can pick up the waste and dispose of it.
If you can’t stay home all day to supervise your dog, you’ll need to have someone else come over to take the dog out several times during the day. Make sure the person knows to take the dog to the designated spot each time.
Do not let your dog stay in their crate for too long before taking them outside. If you wait too long, they’ll have no choice but to relieve themself in the crate. Dogs need plenty of exercise and playtime too, so you should never leave them crated for more than a few hours at a time or overnight.
Do not punish the dog for making a mess. Just clean it up and stick to the schedule.
You can, of course, reward your dog for other things, like learning how to sit and stay. All good behavior should be rewarded.
The drawback here is that, eventually, you won’t want to keep using a chime or bell every time your dog goes to the bathroom. Initially phasing it out might be confusing to the dog.
If using verbal cues, such as “outside”, “go potty”, or “good dog” be consistent. The repetition of these words along with the action and environment will reinforce where you want your dog to relieve themself.
Do not rub your dog’s face in their mess. Contrary to some beliefs, this does not teach a dog not to go to the bathroom in the house. The dog will not understand what you’re doing and you’ll just end up scaring him.
You could also use a dog litter tray. If you’ll also take your dog outside to relieve themself, consider filling the tray with soil. This way, the dog will learn that it’s acceptable to relieve themself outdoors and indoors.
