How to Train a Dog to Stop Defacating in the House

If your dog defecates inside your home, this may indicate a number of different problems. Whether the dog suffers from a medical issue or simply has not been properly trained, your approach to solving the problem will contain many of the same elements. House-training an adult dog differs little from training a new puppy, even if the dog was previously trained and has reverted to old behavior patterns.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Monitor your dog's behavior and try to discover the reasons why he defecates in your home. If he has never been house trained, he will simply need the proper guidance. If he has diarrhea or some other digestive problem, you may need to change his diet, maybe emphasizing a commercial dog food regimen and forgoing table scraps. If he has recently had to endure a dramatic lifestyle change, like a move into a new home, he may require additional love and attention.

    • 2

      Teach your dog to sleep in a dog crate. Dogs are den animals by nature and will typically take to crate-dwelling with little effort. If your dog adjusts to sleeping in a crate at night, this will eliminate nighttime accidents as a dog will almost never defecate where he sleeps. Introduce him to the crate by inserting treats or some of his favorite toys, and let him explore it on his own. Never use the crate as a punishment and never leave him trapped inside for longer than the length of a night's sleep.

    • 3

      Restrict your dog to a smaller area of your home while dealing with the defecation problem. Do not allow him full access, but rather confine him to areas where you can monitor his behavior. Take him outside if it appears he may need to go. Look for signs like sniffing, peering outdoors, squatting and shuffling in small circles.

    • 4

      Feed your dog at precisely the same time every day. Take him outside as soon as he finishes his meal and allow her access to the outdoors every four hours, or every two hours for puppies.

    • 5

      Take your dog for daily walks. The combination of exercise, human interaction and outdoor exposure can make a huge difference in encouraging the right potty habits.

    • 6

      Reward your dog for relieving himself outdoors. When you see him doing his business correctly, praise him and give him a treat. Likewise, scold him when you catch him defecating inside your home, but only if you catch him in the act. Never use physical aggression or verbal abuse, but scold in a firm, authoritative manner.