How to Train a Dog Not to Mess in the House

When you first own a dog that is not housebroken, it can be very discouraging and frustrating trying to teach your pet not to relieve himself inside your house. Be aware that dogs cannot voluntarily control their bodily functions until they are at least 12 weeks old. Trying to housebreak a dog before then will be pointless. Training a dog is not an overly difficult process, but requires patience and repetition in order for the dog to understand what you want and learn to ask to go outside.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspapers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Catch your dog in the act. A dog will not understand why you are mad at him if you yell at him several minutes after he has relieved himself in the house. He will only understand that you are mad at the mess, but will not know how to correct it in the future. Catching your dog in the act gives him an exact instance of what you do not want. And if you take the dog directly outside, he will get the idea of what you do want, as well. In addition, clean up the dog's mess immediately.

    • 2

      Use an angry voice tone when correcting the dog. Dogs can sense when you are mad based on your vocal patterns. Some people rub the dog's nose in the mess, as well, though a voice command should be sufficient. Do not hit your dog after it has made a mess.

    • 3

      Take your dog for frequent walks. When your dog relieves herself while walking, praise her and act happy and excited. You can even give your dog a treat for going outside.

    • 4

      Start your dog off with a living area covered in newspapers to absorb any mess he makes. Gradually reduce this area as you continue the training process, and eventually move the newspapers outside when he starts to understand that he is supposed to relieve himself outside. After a while, the newspapers will not be necessary at all.