House Training Your Dog - It Can Be Done

Out of all the training you do with your dog, house training can be one of the most frustrating for you.  It feels like a joke has been played on you, doesn't it?  You're an adult, able to get along quite nicely, yet you can't figure out how to get your dog to go potty outside instead of on your carpet.

Here's what you do:

Take your dog outside on a regular basis.  Start with first thing in the morning, after breakfast, after nap, after playtime, after lunch, and so on.  Depending on the age of your dog, this could be every 30-45 minutes to start with.  If you get a routine down, your puppy will learn what you expect of her, and you'll be able to pinpoint how often she needs to go outside.

You need a code word your dog can learn to associate with going to the bathroom.  For many people it's the word "potty".  Remember you'll be using your word in public settings such as the park, so you probably don't want to make it "wee wee" or "tinkle".  Make sure everyone associated with taking your dog outside to do her business uses this same word.

Sometimes you will observe your dog doing her thing on the rug.  If that happens, startle her with a loud "no" to interrupt her, and run her outdoors so she can finish up in the proper setting.

Puppies don't understand at first what you want them to do.  Use your code word when taking her outside and stay outside with her so you can catch her doing the right thing and offer her praise.  When you go outside with her, she's going to want to play with you.  Don't play, don't even make eye contact, until she's done her duty.  Afterwards is the time for praise and play.

Dogs will give you signs, just like little kids, when they need to go.  She might start sniffing the floor and pacing, or going around in circles looking for the right spot.  She might even start sniffing at the door.  My dog leans against the back sliding glass door and stares at me until I open the door.  Do your part and become aware.  It will save your carpet and ensure your dog's success.

Incorporate crate training with your potty training, especially when you're not home.  Dogs don't like to defecate where they sleep so they're more willing to hold it.  Keep in mind crates are not for leaving your dog in for hours when you are home.

If your dog has an accident in the house and you don't catch her in the act, don't reprimand her.  She won't make the connection after the fact the way humans can.  If you catch her in the act when she's outside, give her lots of praise while saying the command word.  She will make the connection.

It may take longer than you expect as there are factors that come into play - the age, size, and breed of your dog, plus how much time you can devote to house training her.  But stick to your plan and have plenty of patience and you will rewarded.