Things You'll Need
- Dog leash
- Deodorizer
Instructions
Consistency
Establish a routine. Your dog has to relieve itself first thing in the morning, after meals and before bedtime. Puppies and small dogs need to relieve themselves more frequently than adult dogs and larger breeds. Walk with your dog for at least half an hour, at least twice a day, to give it a chance to relieve itself and get some exercise.
Take your dog for a walk first thing in the morning, every day. Dogs love routine and prefer to relieve themselves away from places they sleep or eat. If you can walk in your neighborhood or take your dog to a park, it will smell the scent of other dogs and find a suitable place to relieve itself.
Designate a place at home where you do want your dog to relieve himself. Move or lead your dog off the back porch and onto the designated spot before the bowel movement has started. Clean any feces and scent off the porch to discourage your dog from associating this as an acceptable place to relieve itself.
Be consistent. Get up every time your dog needs to relieve itself, and take him to the designated spot. If it is 3 a.m. and you don't want to go any further than the back porch, you only reinforce the behavior you do not want. Take your dog for a walk or to the designated area every time, no matter how tired you are.
Positive Reinforcement
Use simple, one-syllable voice commands accompanied by a simple hand signal. Use exactly the same word and tone every time. Do not speak in sentences when training your dog, nor combine a "No!" with a positive command. This will confuse your dog.
Reward good behavior. Give your dog a treat and most importantly, lavishly praise it. Tell your dog he's a good dog every time it poops in the designated spot rather than on the back porch. Your dog loves you and wants only to please you. Use positive reinforcement rather than punishment to train your dog.
Treat your dog with love and gentleness. Show your dog that you will care for him and provide a safe home even if it occasionally does the wrong thing. Yelling at your dog, striking it, or otherwise exhibiting anger only cause your dog to fear you. Your dog doesn't understand you are angry about something that happened a week ago, so stick to the present moment.