How to Train Your Dog to Go to the Bathroom Outside

Getting your dog to go to the bathroom outside is an important step in its life and yours. Dog owners must understand that when a dog urinates in the home repeatedly, it is not doing so because it is disobedient. Until it is at least 12 weeks old, it is unable to control itself, so you must be diligent about taking your dog outside every few hours and praise it lavishly when it does well. Dogs live to please, and with proper techniques the two of you can develop a mutual understanding.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Leash where required
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn how to understand your dog. If it has an accident in the house, show your disapproval immediately. Even five minutes later is too late. If you catch the dog in the act, firmly say "NO" and take it outside. If you discover the mess after the fact, show your displeasure to the dog but do not attempt punishment or put the dog outside at this point. The dog will not understand that its actions caused your disapproval; it will understand only that you don't like the mess.

    • 2

      Take the dog outside after every meal and allow at least 10 minutes for it to relieve itself. Dogs will typically try to play and walk around the yard. This is okay, but do not play or engage with your dog during this time. It will eventually learn that this is not play time. After your dog has gone to the bathroom, praise it with a positive tone in your voice.

    • 3

      Try crate training. The crate should be big enough for the dog to comfortably stand up and lie down in, but not so big that it can go to a corner and urinate. A dog's instincts cause it to avoid going to the bathroom in the same place it sleeps. Do not use the crate for more than three or four weeks, and do not expect your dog to stay in the crate all day. If you want your dog to sleep in the crate at night, be sure to take it outside to do its business right before you go to bed yourself. When you wake up in the morning, take your dog outside immediately. Crate training should be taken very seriously, and you must watch the clock and keep track of how long your dog has been inside the crate.