How to Train Dogs to Bark to Go Outside

If your dog is not an outside dog and you do not have a doggy door, then your dog has to have a way to communicate his need to go outside to go potty. Training your dog to bark when he needs to go outside is an effective way for your dog to let you know what he needs. This is easy to do and allows your dog to tell you what he needs without scratching at your walls or having to install a doggy door.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin a basic house training method. You can choose to use a crate, paper train or keep your dog next to you at all times. Regardless of the method you choose, your dog should be at the very least, mostly house trained, if not completely house trained, before you begin teaching her to bark to go out.

    • 2

      Train your dog to bark on command. An easy way to do this is to show your dog a treat. Get him excited and in a higher than normal voice tell him to speak. Continue to entice him with the treat and say "speak" until he barks. Then, give him the treat. Continue to repeat this process until he will bark without the treat.

    • 3

      Wait until your dog gives signs she needs to go outside to go potty. When she does, say "speak." If she barks, praise her by opening the door and telling her she is a good dog. If she does not, ask her again until she speaks. The opening of the door is the reward and she will see it as her treat.

    • 4

      Repeat step three every time your dog indicates he needs to go potty. As time progresses, he will associate the barking with the door being opened and will begin to bark to let you know his needs.