“How do I stop my dog toileting in my house?”
This is one of the most frequently asked questions in puppy preschool and among owners of newly adopted adult dogs who may not have had the best start in life. Toilet training does not need to be difficult, but there are some key steps you need to take to set yourself up for success.
Please note: we use the term “puppy” in this article, but these principles can be applied to dogs of all ages!
Set a routine from the start
It is critical to establish a routine for your new puppy from the moment he or she arrives at your home. This will help your puppy understand what is expected of them and promote trust. Puppies typically go through a cycle of eating, toileting, playing, and sleeping. Create a routine based on this natural cycle. Remember that the order may need to be adjusted depending on your puppy’s preferences and the time of day (e.g., if it’s not mealtime, a puppy will not need to eat).
Tip: Maintain a routine but be flexible! If something isn’t working, you don’t have to keep doing it for the sake of keeping the routine.
Know the signs
When your puppy needs to go to the toilet, it will show signs. Sniffing around, fidgeting, and starting to circle before squatting are all examples. Whining or pacing, or quickly stopping a behaviour may be an indication that they need to go to the toilet.
Give plenty of opportunities to get it right
This is related to having a routine. Allow your puppy plenty of opportunities to go to the toilet area. Take them outside at regular intervals, and if it helps, set an alarm for every hour!
Take your puppy to the toilet area
If you want your puppy to toilet in a specific area of the garden, take them there every time. Instead of carrying your puppy outside, encourage them to walk alongside you. Use nose-to-hand touches to get a distracted puppy to follow you if your puppy already knows this behaviour (an article on how to teach this will be published soon!). Choose a location that is free of distractions and has a suitable surface (e.g., grass). Allow your puppy to sniff around and call them back to you if they get distracted and wander away. Try not to interact too much because it will distract them and give the impression that you are attempting to play.
Praise and reward
Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement! Keep in mind that your puppy wants to please you. When they have finished toileting in the appropriate location, lavish them with attention and treats. Positive association fosters trust between you and your puppy, making the behaviour more likely to occur again.
Know there will be accidents
Puppies and their owners are not infallible! Your puppy may not realise they need to go to the toilet until it is too late. You may forget to take them outside to allow them to use the toilet in the proper location. While your puppy is learning, accidents will occur. Remember that puppies, like babies, have little control over their bladders and bowels until they are older.
Know how to manage accidents
Should you rub it up your dog’s nose? Should you smack them? No! Check out our article “Do dogs understand right and wrong?” to learn why this isn’t a good idea. (To be released soon!) In short, puppies may appear “guilty,” but they are reacting to your displeasure and intimidation by appearing as non-threatening as possible. They will not associate punishment with the behaviour, and you will simply frighten them. Punishment can sometimes result in puppies simply becoming more adept at hiding their accidents behind the couch or in cupboards!
If you catch your puppy in the act of toileting in an inappropriate place, make like Elsa and let it go. If you catch them a split second before the act, call them and quickly take them outside and praise them for completing the toileting in the right place.
Use an appropriate cleaner to clean up any accidents. Use a product that is intended to break down ammonia and disinfect the surface. If you do not clean up thoroughly, your puppy will be able to smell the urine or faeces in this area, which will encourage them to continue going there.
Add a cue
DID YOU KNOW: You can train your puppy to go to the toilet on command? You can shape the behaviour and put it on cue once your puppy understands where the toileting spot is and what they are supposed to do there. If you’d like to learn more about this, contact us for a puppy consultation and we’ll teach you how to train your puppy to toilet on cue!
Still having problems?
Consider having your puppy checked by a veterinarian for any health issues that may be contributing to toilet training issues. For example, bladder infections do occur in dogs, and, like humans, may require more frequent toileting.
Once medical causes have been ruled out, you should consult with a qualified dog trainer to assist you in troubleshooting the issue. To learn more, please send us an email.