How to Stop Dogs From Eliminating in Yards

It can be annoying when your dog doesn't eliminate where you want him to, but proper house training takes time and repetition. You have to teach your dog where you want him to eliminate and where you don't want him to eliminate. If your dog is eliminating in a place you don't want him to, you're going to have to break your dog's habit and teach him where he should be eliminating.

Things You'll Need

  • Elimination prevention product

Instructions

    • 1

      Supervise your dog whenever he is in the yard. When he starts to eliminate, stop him by speaking loudly and removing him from the spot. Do not be too harsh in your actions; as far as your dog knows, this is a natural act. Supervision in the yard is an important part of the retraining process. If your dog gets to eliminate in the yard while you're retraining him, you'll end up confusing him, and the training will take longer.

    • 2

      Bring your dog immediately to the place where you want him to eliminate instead, and give him an elimination cue such as, "potty." Wait until he eliminates, and praise him. Sometimes your moving him will startle him enough that it'll take him a while to get back to eliminating.

    • 3

      Spray your yard with a product that prevents your dog from eliminating in the forbidden spots. These can be found at pet supply stores and have a scent that your dog will avoid. This is a solution only for dogs that are not responding to training, as it is only a temporary cure.

    • 4

      Get your dog in the habit of eliminating in the spot you choose by walking your dog often. You might have to wait in the area a while before your dog eliminates, but be patient. When your dog starts to eliminate, give the elimination cue and praise him profusely. After a few times, he should learn that this spot is where you want him to eliminate.