How to House Train a Dog in an Apartment

Potty training principles are relatively the same amongst dog breeds living in similar areas. There are many myths involved with potty training--such as small dogs can't be potty trained or to rub your dog's nose in their messes--that are simply not true. However, potty training in an apartment does have its own challenges because you need to find an appropriate area for your dog to relieve itself in lieu of a yard.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Puppy pads or indoor toilet
  • Treats
  • Small leash (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Potty Training an Apartment Dog

    • 1

      Decide where you want your dog to relieve itself. If you want your dog to hold off until you return home, use a litter box with sod or turf. If you want it to relieve itself in the apartment, select a potty pad or litter box that your dog likes. Your dog's first potty training experiences are very influential. Some dogs never learn to go outside because of the initial indoor training.

    • 2

      Feed at regular intervals instead of free feeding all day. Keep a journal of when your dog relieves itself and what business it does at those times.

    • 3

      Anticipate when your dog will need to go and lead it to the appropriate spot--either the yard outside or the potty pad if you want it to remain in the apartment. For example, if your dog has to relieve itself every hour, lead it to the spot at 55 minutes. Make your dog walk to the spot. Do not carry it. If you need to, put a small leash on your dog when you are present.

    • 4

      Reward your dog if it properly relieves itself. If not, put your dog in its crate or confinement area and wait another 10 to 30 minutes. Try again until your dog relieves itself, and allow another 55 minutes of house freedom.

    • 5

      Tether your dog to you or keep it in the same room where you can easily supervise its actions. If your dog starts sniffing, lead it to the potty spot immediately.

    • 6

      Confine your dog to a small area when you are not home with only enough room for a bed and the designated litter box. This way, your dog has no choice but to choose the appropriate area.