How to Potty Train House Dogs

If you have an indoor dog, teaching her to go to the bathroom outside is an important component of her training. Dogs do not instinctively understand that eliminating indoors is not desirable for their owners, as they will go wherever they are at the time they feel the need, unless you train them otherwise. Fortunately, house dogs typically catch on to potty training rather fast, as long as they have owners who are consistent in their teachings and offer praise for jobs well done.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Crate
  • Treats
  • Enzymatic cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch for signs that your dog needs to eliminate. If you are able to catch your dog before he actually goes, you can take him outside to eliminate in the appropriate space. Typically, signs include walking in a circle or a backward "s" shape and sniffing the ground. Dogtrainersearch.com suggests placing your dog on a leash and attaching it to your belt or pants loop to keep the dog near you at all times during the training process.

    • 2

      Choose a designated area in your yard in which you would like your dog to eliminate. By taking the dog to this area every time you take her to go potty, you are helping her to associate that area with the desired response. Similarly, taking the dog outside through the same door each time helps with the association, as well.

    • 3

      Put the dog in a crate when you are not able to watch him. A dog will typically avoid eliminating in a crate because he will not want to go where he sleeps and rests and he will also not want to lie in his waste, as dogs are generally clean animals. Therefore, you are using the dog's natural instincts to help you potty train when you use a crate.

    • 4

      Take your house dog outside at the same times every day. Appropriate times in which to take your pooch out to go potty include immediately after she wakes up and eats and before she goes to sleep at night, states training-dogs.com. You also should set up a routine during the day, taking the dog out every few hours to avoid accidents. In addition, take the dog outside as soon as you release her from the crate and if she cries at night due to the need to eliminate.

    • 5

      Praise your dog by giving him a treat or petting him after he goes potty in the appropriate way. Enthusiastically praising your dog will let him know he did the right thing, and the dog will likely try to keep it up.