No pet owner wants a sullied home, so from the very start it’s important to teach your dog that relieving himself in the house is unacceptable. The longer you wait to instil this lesson, the harder his behaviour will be to modify.

To train your dog to eliminate outdoors, start by establishing an elimination spot. In the morning, take him by leash to the designated spot and let him relieve himself. Offer clear commands like “go potty” or “hurry up.” After he does his duty, bring him back inside for food and water. About 15 to 20 minutes after the meal, return to his spot for elimination once again. It’s important to maintain this type of regular feeding, drinking, and elimination schedule when housebreaking your pooch.

It also helps to remember that housetraining takes time, so be careful not to rush your dog through the process. Ending the training too quickly can cause canine confusion. If your dog should experience an accident or two, take it as a signal to back up and slow down.

Marking

Marking and eliminating are different behaviours, and shouldn’t be confused. Dogs leave their mark to claim territory or to vie for the role of “master of the house.” If you should notice this behaviour indoors or out, strengthen all obedience commands immediately. Your dog should have no doubts about who’s in charge.

If your dog continues his “territorial marking,” consult your veterinarian. If he’s not spayed or neutered, you may want to consider the procedure. It usually has a very positive effect on this type of behaviour problem.

Preventing Accidents

Even well-trained dogs have accidents, but there are things you can do to help prevent the occasional “oops.”

If a dog’s crate is too large, he may begin to sleep in one corner and relieve himself in the other. He should have enough space to stand up, lie down, and turn around—but not much more. Place food and water outside his crate so he’ll never be caught inside with a full bladder or bowels. Also be sure to take your dog outdoors to eliminate just prior to being left alone for prolonged periods of time.

Other ways to fend off accidents include: avoiding sudden changes in your dog’s diet, eliminating late-night snacks, and making sure he spends ample time outdoors. And, should he have an accident, clean the area with a pet-odour neutralizer so he won’t be tempted to repeat his mistake.

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