Housetraining 101
Housetraining 101: A Guide to Success
Housetraining is one of the most essential skills for your dog and an important foundation for living harmoniously with your pet. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog where and when it is appropriate to eliminate. Use this guide to set you and your dog up for success!
Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine and consistency. A regular schedule will help your dog understand when it is time to eat, play, and go potty.
Take your dog out frequently: Puppies have small bladders and limited control, meaning they may need to go outside every 1–2 hours. As they grow, their ability to hold it will improve, but young puppies simply cannot wait long periods between potty breaks.
Use the same door and area: Consistency helps your dog associate a specific spot with eliminating.
Be patient and consistent: Some dogs may learn quickly, while others may take longer. Stay positive and consistent throughout the process.
Supervise and Confine
Supervision is critical during the housetraining process to prevent accidents and reinforce good habits.
Keep an eye on your dog: Watch for signs that your dog needs to go, such as sniffing, circling, or whining.
Leash indoors: If necessary, keep your dog on a leash indoors to monitor their behavior closely.
Crate train: Dogs are less likely to eliminate in their sleeping area. Use a crate that is appropriately sized—just big enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Understand Puppy Behavior
Housetraining puppies requires understanding how their natural behaviors influence learning.
Puppies’ pottying is self-rewarding: Eliminating relieves discomfort, so puppies may not immediately understand why they shouldn’t go indoors. Teaching them that going outside is even more rewarding—through praise and treats—is key.
Avoid punishment: Scolding or punishing a puppy for accidents doesn’t teach them to go outside; instead, it associates pottying with danger. This can cause puppies to hide and eliminate in less visible areas, making housetraining more difficult.
Houses are large dens: While we see our homes as a single space, puppies often don’t generalize this way. Rooms that aren’t frequently used or have less activity may not feel like part of their “den,” leading them to potty in these areas. Keeping your puppy in commonly used areas and supervising closely can help prevent this.
Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding good behavior is key to housetraining success.
Praise immediately: As soon as your dog eliminates in the right spot, offer enthusiastic verbal praise, treats, or both.
Be consistent with rewards: Always reward your dog for doing the right thing, especially during the early stages of training.
Avoid punishment: Focus on guiding your dog to the correct spot rather than reprimanding accidents. Positive experiences encourage quicker learning.
Clean Up Accidents Thoroughly
It is essential to clean up accidents properly to prevent your dog from returning to the same spot.
Use enzymatic cleaners: These cleaners break down odors that encourage repeat accidents.
Avoid ammonia-based cleaners: Ammonia smells similar to urine and can confuse your dog.
Clicker Training and Bell Training for Potty Success
Training your dog to communicate their need to go outside can make housetraining smoother.
Clicker Training
Introduce the clicker: Click and treat your dog several times to create a positive association with the sound.
Mark the behavior: When your dog eliminates in the desired spot, immediately click the clicker and afterwards reward with a treat.
Consistency is key: Over time, your dog will understand that eliminating outside leads to a reward.
Bell Training
Introduce the bell: Hang a bell near the door you use to take your dog outside.
Teach to ring: Encourage your dog to touch the bell with their nose or paw. When they do, immediately praise and reward.
Link to potty breaks: Before every trip outside, guide your dog to ring the bell. Then, take them out to eliminate. Reward them for success.
Build the habit: With repetition, your dog will learn to ring the bell to signal they need to go outside.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Frequent accidents indoors: Your dog may need more frequent trips outside or closer supervision.
Reluctance to go outside: Take your dog to a quiet area and reward them generously when they eliminate outside.
Regression: Changes in routine, stress, or medical issues can lead to setbacks. Re-establish a consistent routine and monitor your dog closely. Consult your veterinarian if needed.
Special Considerations
Puppies: Their small bladders and lack of control mean they need frequent potty breaks. Regular trips outside and close monitoring are essential.
Rescue dogs: Be patient with rescue dogs as they may have prior habits or trauma that need addressing.
Medical issues: If housetraining difficulties persist, consult a veterinarian to rule out health problems.
Tips for Success
Keep a potty journal to track your dog’s progress and identify patterns.
Use verbal cues like “Go potty” to help your dog associate the word with the action.
Gradually increase the time between potty breaks as your dog gains control.
Putting It All Together…
Housetraining is a process that takes time and effort, but the rewards of a well-trained companion are worth it. Begin by creating a consistent schedule, supervising closely, and using positive reinforcement to encourage success. Remember to remain patient and avoid punishment—it’s all part of building trust and understanding with your dog.
Thank you for choosing K9 Connections. For additional training resources or to schedule a consultation, visit www.k-9-connections.com or call us at (503) 400-5652.
