The Ultimate Guide To House Training Your Dog

If you have a dog and aren’t already familiar with the term “house training,” it means doing all you can to help your pet learn where they need to go when they have to use the bathroom. It’s a crucial skill that every dog needs in order to live in a home with other pets, people, or even outside alone.

If your pup is still learning how not to pee or poop inside after months of training efforts (and good for them!), this ultimate guide on house training will help get them over that hump and ensure that you never step in anything gross again.

The Complete Guide to Potty Training Your Puppy!

Takeaways
– House training your puppy takes time and patience, but it is an essential part of dog ownership.
– Consistency is key when it comes to potty training. Stick to a schedule and use positive reinforcement for good behavior.
– Crate training can be a valuable tool for preventing accidents and keeping your puppy safe when you’re not around.
– Mistakes will happen, so be prepared with cleaning supplies and a good sense of humor. Try not to punish your puppy for accidents.
– If your puppy is struggling with house training, seek advice from a professional trainer or behaviorist for personalized help.

Table of Contents

Get Started

If you’re new to dog training, the best place to start is with a puppy. They’re more likely to catch on quickly, and they’ll be easier for you to train than an adult dog would be.

Keep in mind that house training isn’t just about teaching your pet how not to pee or poop in the house–it’s also about making sure they understand what behaviors are acceptable and which ones aren’t. This will help ensure that both of you are happy living together!

The first thing I recommend doing when starting out is picking one spot in the house where it’s easy for both of you (and others) not only clean up after accidents but also keep up with regular maintenance as needed throughout the day.

Make sure this spot doesn’t have any furniture nearby; this way there won’t be anything else around which could get stained if something gets spilled onto them during playtime later on down the road between now and then too – saving time/money later down those paths too 🙂

A good walk with your dog is great for their physical and mental health, but it can be frustrating if they keep pulling. Check out our guide on how to train your dog to walk on a leash without pulling with tips and techniques to make your walks enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Establish a Schedule

Establishing a schedule for your dog is one of the best ways to help them learn when it’s time for potty breaks and feeding.

You can use this schedule as a reference point for training, too: if your pup has an accident or refuses to go outside when he should, then there may be something off about his routine.

A few tips on how to establish a schedule:

Set aside time each day for feeding, potty breaks and exercise (exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous–a walk around the neighborhood will do).
Try not to vary these times by more than 10 minutes in either direction; otherwise things can get confusing! If possible, stick with one consistent time slot per day rather than switching days depending on how busy you are with work/school/etcetera; this will allow your dog’s internal clock more easily adjust itself over time without needing much effort from yourself at all!

Dogs can make wonderful family pets, but it’s important to establish good behavior early on. Our guide on how to train your dog to be the perfect family pet provides tips for helping your dog get along with children, other pets, and guests, as well as general training techniques to make life with your dog more enjoyable.

Pick the Right Potty Spot

Now that you’ve decided to house train your dog, it’s time to pick the right potty spot.

Pick a spot that is easy to clean. You don’t want to have to get down on your hands and knees every time you need to clean up after your pup!

Pick a spot that is easy to get to. While it might be tempting just to leave the poop there until later (or forever), remember: this is supposed to be an easy process! If it takes too much effort, then maybe try another location instead?

Don’t pick a spot near anything else important like beds or food bowls — dogs can get confused when they’re learning where they should go potty versus where they shouldn’t go potty!

“Stay” is one of the most useful commands you can teach your dog, but it can be challenging to get them to hold still. Our guide on the most effective methods for training your dog to stay provides step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to help you teach your dog this useful skill.

Teach Your Dog to “Go” Outside

Teaching your dog to use the bathroom outside is one of the most important parts of house training. Your dog will be much easier to train if he already knows what “go” means, so take some time to teach him this command before you start working on house training.

First, get some treats and find a place where there are no distractions (like kids running around). Then say “Go” in a happy voice while holding up one of your hands with fingers pointing toward the sky–this will be their signal for when they need to go outside!

When they go into their outdoor spot or squat down on their own, reward them with lots of praise and treats!

If they continue having accidents inside despite all these efforts, try keeping them near an open window where they can see outside but not escape from it until after dark so that no one sees them making mistakes or getting punished; this may also help prevent future accidents by reminding them what happens when we don’t listen carefully enough during our lessons together!

Steps	Tips
Establish a schedule	Take your dog outside at the same time every day, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Stick to this schedule as much as possible.
Choose a “go” spot	Pick a designated spot for your dog to go potty. This can be a specific area in your yard or a nearby park.
Use a command	Choose a word or phrase to use as a command each time you take your dog to their “go” spot. “Go potty” or “do your business” are good options.
Praise good behavior	When your dog goes potty outside, immediately praise and reward them with treats or affection. This positive reinforcement will help them associate going outside with positive experiences.
Be patient	House training takes time, so don’t expect your dog to be fully trained overnight. Stay consistent and patient, and eventually they’ll develop good habits.

Train Your Dog to Come When Called

The next step is to teach your dog to come when called. Most dogs will come when called if they know that there is a treat or toy waiting for them at the end of their journey.

To train this behavior, call your dog and then immediately reward him with something he loves (like food). If he doesn’t come when called, don’t call him again until he does!

Training your dog can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it to have a well-behaved companion. Don’t make the common mistakes that can hinder your progress. Take a look at our list of 15 common mistakes to avoid when training your dog so you can make the most of your training sessions.

Use a Crate or Crate Training Your Dog in General

The crate is a great tool for house training your dog, as it gives you more control over them and helps reinforce the rules of the house. It’s also helpful with potty training, as dogs naturally feel like they need to go outside when they are in the crate (or kennel).

If you crate train your dog early on and use it properly, they will learn that if they do their business inside their kennel then they won’t be allowed out until later on in the day when there has been plenty of time for them to go outside!

Crate	Benefits
Prevents accidents	Using a crate can help train your dog to hold their bladder and bowels until it’s time to go outside.
Keeps your dog safe	Crating your dog when you’re away from home can prevent them from getting into dangerous situations or injuring themselves.
Provides a comfortable space	With a comfortable bed and some toys, your dog will begin to think of their crate as a safe and calming space.
Eases separation anxiety	Being in a cozy crate can help your dog feel more secure when you’re not around, which can reduce separation anxiety.
Facilitates travel	If your dog is used to being in a crate, traveling by car or plane can be less stressful for them.

Note: It’s important to choose the right size crate for your dog to ensure their comfort and safety. Too small of a crate can cause discomfort, while too large of a crate can lead to accidents. Follow recommendations from the crate manufacturer or consult with a veterinarian for guidance.

Be Consistent and Patient with Your Dog When They Mess Up

One of the most important things to remember when house training your dog is to be consistent and patient. Consistency in commands is important because it helps your pet learn what’s expected of them, so they can quickly learn what you want them to do or not do.

If you’re having trouble getting your dog to understand a command, try repeating it several times in a row until he or she does what you ask!

If you recently got a new puppy, you may be wondering when to start training them and what techniques to use. Our guide on when to start training your puppy: tips and tricks offers advice on when to begin training, what to focus on in early training sessions, and how to make sure your little one has fun while learning.

Conclusion

You and your dog can have a great relationship, but it will take some work on both of your parts. You will need to be patient and consistent with your dog as they learn how to be house trained. The key is to start small and work up from there!

FAQs

How long does it take to potty train a puppy?

The time it takes to house train a puppy varies depending on the breed, age, and individual needs of the dog. On average, puppies can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to become fully potty trained.

Is crate training necessary for house training a puppy?

While crate training is not necessary for all puppies, it can be a valuable tool for potty training. A crate can keep your puppy contained when you can’t supervise them and prevent accidents while they learn to hold their bladder and bowels.

How can I prevent my puppy from having accidents in the house?

Prevention is key when house training your puppy. Take your puppy outside frequently, use positive reinforcement when they go potty outside, and supervise them closely when they are inside to prevent accidents.

How should I react when my puppy has an accident inside?

Stay calm and avoid scolding or punishing your puppy when they have an accident. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly and use positive reinforcement when they go potty outside.

What should I do if my puppy is not making progress with house training?

If your puppy is struggling to make progress with house training, consider talking to a professional trainer or behaviorist for guidance. They may be able to offer personalized advice and techniques to help your puppy succeed.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

My name is Dr. Hellen James, and I am a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience in pets training. My qualifications are that I have been involved in the pet industry since I was 16 years old. I have worked as a groomer, dog trainer, and veterinarian.