How to Train Outdoor Dogs to Go While Walked on a Leash

If your dog lives outdoors, it is used to going to the bathroom whenever and wherever it pleases, at least within the confines of your yard. This can be a challenge if you take the dog camping or on a road trip and want it to go when walked on a leash. You can train a dog to go on command, and it's a fairly easy process. While this training will work best if you start when the dog is a puppy, you can train a dog of any age to "go" on command.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog collar
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide on a catch phrase that you will say to your dog when you want it to use the bathroom. Some people choose a single phrase, such as "get busy." Others choose a separate command for defecation and urination. It really doesn't matter what words you use, but it should be a phrase of only one or two words.

    • 2

      Attach the leash to your dog's collar. The type of collar you use will depend upon how stubborn your dog is. A regular collar works well for most puppies, but older dogs may need a choke chain or halter to lead them where you want to take them.

    • 3

      Lead your dog to the spot in your back yard where you'd like it to go to the bathroom most of the time. Stand in that general area until your dog goes to the bathroom. The timing on this can vary and you may have to repeat the process several times until you catch your dog in action. The repetition of using the leash to lead the dog to the same place over and over to use the bathroom will train it to go in this area.

    • 4

      Catch the moment the dog begins to use the bathroom. A female dog will squat, and a male dog will lift his leg when urinating.

    • 5

      When the dog begins to use the bathroom, say the catch phrase over and over. The goal is to get the dog to associate the words with the act of using the bathroom.

    • 6

      Repeat this process until your dog hears the words and then goes to the bathroom on command. Some dogs learn the command more quickly than others. Be patient and praise the dog when it goes on command. You may even want to award the dog with a small treat.