How to Potty Train a Pitbull

Pit bulls are a popular breed that need structure and training in order to coexist as a pet inside of a home, just like any other breed of canine. It is important to remember that all dogs are different and take to potty training at different speeds. When it comes to your end of the training process, the steps are not the only elements to help you achieve the goal of potty training your pit bull. It also takes time, consistency, routine, and positive reenforcement in order for you to potty train your pit bull successfully.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Crate
  • Dog pin
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish a potty area outside where your dog can eliminate waste--ideally, a fenced-in backyard. Always use a leash to take your dog to the potty area.

    • 2

      Take your pit bull to the designated potty area. Do it consistently every hour. Take it to the designated area 30 minutes after each feeding or whenever he drinks water. Take him right before bed and as soon as you wake up in the morning as well.

    • 3

      Establish a command such as "go" or "potty." Say this command each time your dog begins to eliminate waste in the designated area outside.

    • 4

      Praise your dog each time it eliminates waste in the designated area in a positive tone of voice. Also give it a treat as soon as it finishes its business. Praise the dog each time, consistently. This type of positive reinforcement will encourage your dog to see eliminating waste outside as something positive and desirable. Positive reinforcement is the key to any type of training for any type of canine.

    • 5

      Designate an area inside of the home where you can confine your dog when you cannot watch it. A crate or dog pin is ideal. This area will act as a "living space" for your dog. Dogs do not like to soil their "living space" and will hold their waste until they can relieve themselves somewhere else, such as the designated potty area you have already established. A confinement area, though, is not a solution. You must consistently let your dog out of the confinement area to eliminate waste consistently and preferably on a routine schedule.

    • 6

      Continue to take your pit bull to the designated potty area every hour; then, slowly, add time between trips. Dogs are creatures of habit. Eventually, your pit bull will no longer eliminate waste willingly until you let it go outside to the designated potty area.