How to Train Outside Dogs to Potty in a Designated Area

Whether your dog is an indoor or outdoor pet, it's no fun to play in the backyard and accidentally step in your dog's "deposits." The acid in dog urine can also ruin the lawn and kill flowers. Your outside dog can learn to potty in a specific part of your yard designated as the "doggy outhouse," which will save your lawn from bare spots and the soles of your shoes from being covered with a yucky mess.

Things You'll Need

  • Low fence or other barrier
  • Sand
  • Leash
  • Treats
  • Poop scooper
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take advantage of your dog's natural behavior. Observe your yard carefully, and see if your dog has already selected a spot for defecating. Some dogs choose their own potty area; if your dog has done this already, your job is half done. Select that spot as your outdoor dog's outhouse. If your dog has not chosen a part of the yard for "business," pick one that is away from high backyard traffic areas, and relatively quiet.

    • 2

      Mark and prepare the spot. Erect a low fence or other barrier to delineate the borders of your dog's spot; dogs don't notice arbitrary mental borders people put up. Be generous -- give your dog adequate room to use the space, depending on your pet's size. For easy cleanup, dig out four inches of the soil, and replace it with sand.

    • 3

      Spend as much time as possible in the yard while training your dog to use the new outdoor facilities. Depending on where you live, starting training in cold months is not a good idea. You need to be outside with your dog to train it.

    • 4

      Teach your dog that "X marks the spot." Put your outside dog on a leash, and take it to the spot. When your dog pees or poops, praise, treat and praise it. Eventually your dog will figure out that this is the right place to do business. Training will take longer than it would for an indoor dog simply because you are not in the backyard all day and night. Expect to find places away from the designated area where your dog has eliminated, at least at first.

    • 5

      Keep the spot clean. Use a poop scoop to remove solid waste at least every other day. No one likes a messy bathroom, including your dog. Have an old bucket handy to help remove the poop.