How to House-Train Two Dogs at the Same Time

House-training dogs takes time and diligence. It is even more difficult to train multiple dogs because they are so demanding and if one urinates inside the other will want to mark the spot with its own urine. It is important to keep a rigid schedule when house-training dogs and to use a crate. Crates expedite house training and keep the dogs safe when they cannot be supervised.

Things You'll Need

  • Crates
  • Dog beds
  • Dishes
  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Puppy pen
  • Towels
  • Enzyme cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get a crate for each dog. Choose a crate that is large enough for the dog to turn around and sleep comfortably but not so large that it can eliminate on one side and sleep on the other. Each crate should have a bed or cushion and bowls for food and water. Keep in mind that young puppies may destroy their bedding or dishes so you may choose to use durable blankets for puppies until they are older.

    • 2

      Start a routine for the dogs. It is important for the dogs to be on a routine so they know what to expect. Always take one dog out in the morning and then the next right after. Do not mix up the order. The dogs will learn that they can wait to go out because they will not have to wait long.

    • 3

      Take the dogs out first thing in the morning on a short leash, one at a time. Take them to the same spot in the yard each time and wait for them to eliminate. Do not interact with the dog until he has done his business. This is not a time for playing. When he does go, praise him and reward him with a treat. Return him to the crate and repeat with the second dog.

    • 4

      Feed the dogs at the same time every day. Give their last meal early in the evening so they have time to eliminate before they go to bed.

    • 5

      Take the dogs out to eliminate every day at the same time. Dogs can hold their bladder for roughly one hour for each month they have been alive, to a maximum of six hours. Young puppies will only hold their bladder for one to two hours. Take them out regularly.

    • 6

      Supervise the dogs constantly when they are not in their crates. They can be tethered to you, in a puppy pen or with you in the yard. This will eliminate the chances of an uncaught accident. It is better to only have one dog out of the crate at a time unless you have someone to help you supervise.

    • 7

      Clap your hands, shake your keys or make some sort of distracting noise if you catch your dogs eliminating indoors. Pick the dog up immediately, if possible, and take him to his potty spot. Tell him to "go potty" and praise him extensively if he does. Even if he does not eliminate further it is important to praise him.

    • 8

      Clean up indoor messes by picking up solids, soaking up liquids and using an enzyme-based cleaner on the remaining mess. The enzymes consume the odors that will cause the dogs to reurinate in the same spot.

    • 9

      Increase the amount of time between potty breaks slowly and only if the dogs have been accident free for several weeks on the current schedule. Give the dogs free unsupervised time in the home only when you are confident they are comfortable in their potty routines.