Instructions on Potty Training a Dog

Teaching a dog to eliminate outdoors is perhaps the most important aspect of his training. While humans may think going potty outdoors is a natural instinct for dogs, the truth is, they will typically go anywhere at first. Therefore, it's up to the dog owners to guide their pets to eliminate in a place that will please both the human and the pet. Fortunately, there are a few ways to successfully accomplish this feat.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Treat
  • Crate
  • Enzymatic cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      DogTrainerSearch.com suggests placing a leash on your dog and attaching it to your body around the waist or through a belt loop. This will allow you to keep your dog by your side at all times and watch for signs that he needs to eliminate. Dogs will often walk in circles when they need to release their bladders or bowels. When you spot this behavior, immediately pick the dog up, if possible, and take him outside.

    • 2

      Take your dog outside to the same spot each and every time he eliminates, and use one door for this purpose. The repetition will help the dog learn that when he goes through a certain door to a particular area, he's supposed to go potty.

    • 3

      Say "potty" or "go" every time you take the dog to his designated spot. Teaching the dog these commands will help him learn that when you say that word, he's supposed to eliminate. Use the same word each time to avoid any confusion to the dog.

    • 4

      Give your dog a treat and enthusiastic praise when he has eliminated in the appropriate area. Doing so will encourage the canine to use the bathroom outdoors as he will continually seek this encouraging response.

    • 5

      According to the "Complete Guide to Responsible Dog Ownership" website, you'll need to take the dog outside every day at the same time. Establishing a strict schedule will help your dog learn how long he needs to hold his bladder and bowels before he's allowed to release them. Routines teach dogs what is expected of them.

    • 6

      NetPets.com suggests that you place your dog in a crate while you're asleep, away, or otherwise can't keep an eye on your pet. Dogs generally try to avoid eliminating in areas where they rest. If the dog is placed in a crate that's just big enough for him to stand up, turn around and lie down, he'll have to lie in his mess if he eliminates in the crate. This is uncomfortable for most dogs, and teaches them not to eliminate indoors. Take your pet outdoors immediately upon releasing him from the crate.

    • 7

      DogTrainerSearch.com recommends cleaning up accidents in the house with an enzymatic cleaner designed for the removal of dog waste. Typical household cleaners do not entirely remove the waste odor. If a dog smells the area in which it has previously eliminated, he will likely continue to go potty in that same area.