How to Look for Signs When a Pup Has to Pee

The purpose of housetraining your puppy is to teach him to use the proper place to relieve himself, which is outdoors. You are the one responsible for teaching the pup when and where he can relieve himself. You must establish a pattern to demonstrate to him that he will have lots of chances to go outdoors for business purposes. You must convey this to your pet in a way that he can understand, and you have to be willing to dedicate lots of time and effort to housetraining. When your puppy needs to go, he will exhibit certain body language and behaviors that he reserves for preparing to relieve himself. Your job is to be vigilant and interpret these signs correctly. You need to get the little guy outside to do his business so he can succeed and win your praise.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Toys
  • Newspapers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the puppy closely every minute that you are home and he is not confined to his crate or a designated puppy area. Puppies give their signals and squat in rapid succession when they have to go. Don't take your eyes off of him even for a second or you'll miss those signs, which may be subtle. If you cannot watch the pup, confine him until he is at least four or five months old.

    • 2

      Scoop the puppy up and run outside with him if he skims the floor rapidly with his nose. He is looking for a suitable spot to go. He will move his head around quickly with his nose close to the floor in a sweeping motion and will not stop to sniff in a single place.

    • 3

      Watch your puppy closely while you're playing with him. If he stops playing suddenly, get him outside immediately. Puppies are easily engaged and occupied with play, so if they stop abruptly it's for an important reason. This is a clear sign that the pup has to go.

    • 4

      Keep your eye on the puppy as he follows you around the house. Always watch him over your shoulder. If he stops abruptly, something else has caught his interest or he needs to go outside right away.

    • 5

      Take the puppy out at once if he stops whatever he is doing and begins to move back and forth from left to right on stiff legs as he tries to walk. His tail will straighten out and extend stiffly so that it appears to be nearly flat. This puppy needs to go now.

    • 6

      Pick the puppy up and take him out quickly if he begins to pace back and forth rapidly, or turns in circles. He needs to relieve himself.

    • 7

      Grab the puppy up and run outside the second you see him giving you any of the signs that he needs to go. He will not necessarily give you more than one signal. He is telling you that he is about to go potty somewhere and that this spot looks just fine for it. Tell him, "Go outside" repeatedly on the way out the door.

    • 8

      Put the puppy down and say, "Outside." He obviously has to go already and will quickly oblige. Repeat the word several times while he is going. Teach him quickly to associate the action with the word by saying lovingly, "Good outside" repeatedly as he is going. Praise the puppy lavishly when he finishes. Take him back indoors immediately. Don't let him get the idea that these trips are for playing.

    • 9

      Take the puppy outside once every hour thereafter during the entire time you are home. Always take him to the same spot outdoors so that he can smell where he has already relieved himself. Do this routinely whether he shows signs of needing to go or not. This teaches the pup quickly that he is going to have lots of chances to go out and encourages him to hold the urge.