House-Training Your Dog
Before starting the house training process, decide what your preferred method is. Do you want to train your dog to use pee pads, do you want to litter train, or do you want to train for outdoors only? For your dog to learn what you want them to do, you have to establish a routine.
During periods when you cannot supervise your dog, restrict him or her to a small, easy-to-clean room with a child gate or a crate. While supervised, the dog can have access to the house. Encourage your dog to view this room or crate as his or her “safe space” by including a bed, water bowl, and toys or bones to chew on. Providing meals in this area will also encourage the dog to feel comfortable.
Establish a schedule with your dog to walk to the area for elimination after each meal, nap, and every couple of hours in between. Encourage the dog to eliminate with a key word or phrase used each time (this can be anything from go potty, do your business, etc.). Once he or she has eliminated, reward with praise and a treat.
The older the dog, the longer he or she can hold their bladder and bowels. Puppies do not have the muscle development to go longer than a few hours. If you are away from your dog for more than a few hours while training to go outside, you will need someone to assist with walks/potty breaks. If you are training to a pee pad or litter tray, ensure there is enough space in their contained area to sleep away from the elimination area. Bear in mind, dogs trained to pee pads or litter trays may retain a preference for surfaces for the rest of their life, causing them to eliminate on papers around the house. Teaching a puppy to eliminate in the house will prolong training for outside training.
Extend the freedom the dog is allowed after successful outdoor trips after a week of no accidents. Continue with supervision in the house and praises/treats during successful outdoor trips. While the dog has freedom in the house, observe for sniffing and circling. If you see an accident in progress, stop the dog and take him/her to the correct spot; praise the dog if he or she stopped the accident when told. Do not punish the dog if an accident is found after it has already happened. If possible clean up the accident and move it to the preferred elimination spot to encourage the dog to go in that spot.