Housetraining a Dog That Has Been Outside Its Whole Life

Training a puppy is difficult enough, but trying to teach a dog that has lived its entire life outside how to behave in the house is even more of a challenge because the animal has already internalized its behavior. Outside dogs have never learned that behavior that is OK outside --- including rambunctious play and urinating or defecating --- is not acceptable indoors. House training an outdoor dog is possible, but it will require patience and practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Dog treats
  • Kennel or crate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set and maintain a strict schedule for feeding the dog and taking it for walks. This helps the dog establish a routine for relieving itself. Stick to this schedule even if your dog is not showing any progress. Remember: Training a dog accustomed to living outdoors requires persistence. Unchainyourdog.org suggests ringing a bell located on a handle of a door every time you take your dog outside. The dog may learn to ring the bell when it needs to go outside.

    • 2

      Praise and pet the dog and provide it with treats when it does eliminate outside. Outdoor dogs that are not used to extra attention may prove especially receptive to rewards.

    • 3

      Keep your dog isolated to one area or a large crate when you are not home. Allowing your dog free rein of your house when you can't watch it guarantees accidents. Crate training is particularly effective because dogs don't like to sleep in the same place that they eliminate, so when you return home, you have an opportunity to take the dog outside and reward it when it relieves itself in the designated spot, according to Brown University.

    • 4

      Clean any accidents your dog has with something that can remove the smell and bacteria. If your dog can detect any lingering scent, it will try to use that location again, according to unchainyourdog.org. Some suggested cleaning supplies include vinegar and water, safe household cleaning products (nothing with bleach) or cleaners made specifically to eliminate pet smells, which can be found in pet stores or larger grocery stores.