Housetraining 101
How to Housetrain Your Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide for Success
Learn how to teach your dog or puppy where and when to go, using positive reinforcement and a consistent routine.
Housetraining is one of the most important first steps in helping your dog become a well-adjusted member of your household.
Whether you’re working with a brand-new puppy or an adult dog who needs a refresher, consistent routines, supervision, and positive reinforcement are the keys to success.
With patience and the right approach, most dogs can learn when and where to go potty—leading to fewer accidents and a more confident, relaxed dog.
The tips below will help you create a housetraining plan that works for your home and your lifestyle.
DURING TRAINING
IMPORTANT NOTE
Do not correct "accidents" even if you see them happen! This will just teach him not to pee when you're around to see it.
He may even wrongly assume that applies to going potty outside, too — we don't want him to get that message!
TEACHING HOUSETRAINING
When you get outside, stand still and ignore him. You want to be as boring to him as possible so he can focus on the task at hand. No looking, no touching, no talking (except to calmly and not-too-frequently encourage him with whichever “go potty” command you’re going to use). Wait. You may have to wait several minutes or longer, but continue to wait - and don’t move. He will go.
Immediately when he finishes (and not before), commence the payoff! Praise him and gush over what a good job he did in the most happy, gleeful voice you can! Pet him, love on him, and tell him he’s a very good boy. Your tone of voice will convey to him that he’s done a good job. Accompany this with a small but high-value food reinforcement (think dehydrated chicken livers or bacon bits - not kibble).
Then, only once he has successfully gone and been rewarded, he can play or go for a walk or otherwise move on. If he doesn’t get down to business and you really can’t wait ‘til sunrise, put him right back in his crate and (this is important) try again in about 5 minutes.
If you see him hanging out by the door or spinning around in circles or sniffing over-intently, hustle him outside! This may be a sign he’s learning where he’s supposed to go!
NEED MORE HELP?
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