Housetraining is Magic

Of all the things we teach our dogs, teaching them to eliminate only outside is, in my opinion, the most amazing.

If you think about it, almost everything we teach our dogs to do is the complete opposite of what they’d do if left to their own devices.

Digging holes in the yard, chewing whatever they happen to find around the house, and sneaking food are all behaviors hardwired into our dogs that once served a survival function.

But of all the wondrous things we teach our dogs, I think the most amazing is teaching them to refrain from eliminating wherever and whenever they have the urge. 

If you’ve struggled to housetrain your dog, don’t despair. It’s possible to teach your dog where and when they can go, but it takes a plan and patience.

Is your dog suddenly having accidents indoors? Inappropriate elimination in a previously house-trained dog can be a symptom of separation or isolation distress. Check with your vet to rule out a physical cause and then connect with a trainer specializing in separation anxiety.

That “guilty look” isn’t guilt

Those “big eyes” aren’t guilt … your reaction to an accident is likely worrying your dog.

People often tell me the dog “knows” he did the wrong thing when they come home, or into another room, and discover an accident. You may express exasperation, frustration, and scold your dog for not knowing better. 

We can’t get into our dog’s psyche enough to know if they feel guilt, but it’s likely we humans are attaching an emotional interpretation to the dog’s body language.

Here’s the thing: Your dog doesn’t remember that they eliminated in the wrong spot, whether 5 minutes or 5 hours ago. It’s more likely the dog has learned that your appearance predicts something unpleasant or scary for them.

What’s worse, chastising your dog after discovering an accident can teach your dog that eliminating in your presence isn’t safe for them. What that means is when you’re out on a walk and you want your dog to eliminate, she may be afraid to, worrying that a scolding will follow. 

This fear-based reaction can take a very long time for a pro trainer to undo.

Housetraining TL:DR

Reward your dog the moment she is done eliminating outside, and don’t let an un-housetrained dog out of your sight indoors. This method works for puppies and adult dogs who are new in the home and may need a refresher. 

The details

1. A crate or dogproofed area

Crate the puppy whenever you’re away or can’t supervise (when you’re busy around the house, sleeping, etc.). This will make her hold on so that you can succeed outside later.

Keep your eyes on your puppy. It only takes a moment for her to duck behind something to eliminate. You can also keep her tethered to you by a leash attached to her harness and the handle end tucked into your waistband.

If you find the puppy is soiling her crate, the crate is probably too large: the puppy is using one end as a bed and the other as a toilet. It may also have gotten dirty.

Never force your puppy into the crate. If your pup is afraid of the crate, talk to your trainer.

2.A Schedule

Have a set schedule for your puppy to eat and go outside. If you are away for longer than four hours, have someone come to take him out. Optimally, there is always someone at home during the housetraining period.

When you go outside, take the puppy to the same spot so he begins to associate the area with its purpose. Don’t interact with the puppy. If nothing happens after five minutes, bring him back into the house and crate him for thirty minutes. Then try again.

If he does eliminate, he may have a free period in the kitchen or confinement area or, better yet, a nice walk. This acts as a bonus for performing.

A very young puppy (6 - 8 weeks) may need to go out once during the night.

3.Extra-Special Treats

Every time the puppy eliminates outside, lavish him with enthusiastic praise and a couple of very special treats the moment he is finished. Freeze-dried chicken and bits of Pupperoni are examples of special nonperishable treats. Keep the treats right by the door you exit so you don’t forget them.

Yes, this means you need to accompany your puppy or dog outside, every time, on leash, until she is house-trained. Failing to do this is a common reason house-training doesn’t seem to “take.”

4. Good Observational Skills

Puppies and dogs give signals prior to elimination. Learn what these are so you can prevent mistakes.

Common behaviors include circling, restlessness and sniffing. Whenever you see these, take the puppy out!

Our own dog Daisy will nibble at and rub her body alongside the furniture, and occasionally get snappy with our other dog Petey, when she needs to go out.

5. Patience

Don’t lose your cool. Most puppies will have accidents, especially in the beginning of training. Since your puppy will only be loose in the kitchen when he is “empty,” mistakes should be few.

If you see him starting to eliminate, gently say “outside” and then carry the puppy there as quickly as possible. Stay outside for the five minute period and praise and treat if he finishes eliminating. If not, bring him back inside and either supervise or crate him for another try later.

If the puppy has an accident in the house or in the crate simply clean it up and apply a commercial odor neutralizer. Vow to supervise more closely in the future, start using that tether or crate, and/or add another outing to your schedule.  

It’s really this simple

The fewer accidents indoors, the faster the dog will be trained. Magic!