What is the best way to potty train a dog?

Question

We have had a doxie for 9 months and we can not potty train him. What do we do?

Answer 1

Put the dog on a schedule: consistency with the schedule is very important. If you know the interval between eliminations, start with that less 15 minutes. That means if the dog can/will hold it for 4 hours, take him out every 3-3/4 hours and reward him when he goes. You can use treats or just praise given in a high, excited voice. The crate makes this much easier. Keep him in the crate unless he's just eliminated, or if he's out to play or walk, etc., especially if you're out and overnight. Dogs that are used to going whenever they feel the desire have to train their bladders and bowels to hold it: initially, it's almost physically impossible for them 'til they build the muscle strength. The crate should be small enough that he would have to lie in his own urine/feces if he goes in the crate, but large enough to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. You can block off part of the crate at first if it's too big.
Some people think it's "mean" or "cruel" to crate train a dog. WRONG! Dogs are naturally den animals and generally adapt quickly to the crate (learn how to crate train online or from someone knowledgeable). Also, it's better than being given away, turned in to a shelter, or being punished often because he keeps messing in the house. Keep in mind that needing to stay in the crate a lot is a TEMPORARY situation! Also, if you ever plan to travel with him, some hotels will allow dogs in crates to stay in your room, or if you go camping, it comes in very handy. Once he's trustworthy, he can have more and more free time. NEVER punish him for going in the house: this does not teach him not to go in the house, it teaches him not to go IN FRONT OF YOU. Also, NEVER put his nose in it! He has no idea why he's being punished, so again, you're only teaching him to fear you. If you catch him in the act, say "Hey" or something in a sharp voice to startle him (he won't stop pooping but he will most likely stop peeing) then get him outside immediately. If he goes at all outside, make a big fuss and tell him what a good dog he is! Dogs learn best with positive reinforcement and poorly with punishment, just like children (and adults), and you'll have a much more positive relationship with your best friend.
I personally don't paper train at all: it makes housebreaking a double chore, first teaching them to go on the paper and THEN teaching them to go outside. There are also enzyme cleaners you can use on floors and rugs to remove the odor of accidents so he can no longer smell them (they tend to use a former pee spot at a later time because of the smell. Good luck!

Answer 2

There are several ways to train a dog. Some people use potty pads that u can get at walmart or someting.You stick them to a floor and it is supposed to make themwant to go there. WE used a pee stick that u stick next to a tree that makes them want to go there. You have to be very consistent and remember what time you took him out everyday. It is different with every dog though. It took us a year to train our dog. That was because she didn't like to go outside.I hope you are successful.

Answer 3

I trained 3 at the same time. Different ages. I kept them in the same room I was in or had son do the same. I started with training pads. When they started sniffing around as if restless we would catch them and put them on pad, sometimes several times, then offer them Outside and take pad out to throw out and have them follow you. Make sure and call all of them to go out early in the morning and right before bedtime. Now my dogs will jump up and hit me when they want to go. They know what outside means and run to door. Dont get angry if they pee inside just because you didnt get up. Also a lot of floor cleaners smell bad and they will pee there to remove the smell. Once outside, the dogs will bark at the door when they want to come back in. Good luck! And by the way. I have never shoved my dogs noses in their mess. I have just shown them and said no firmly and pointed to the door and said Outside? All I have to do now is ask Outside? They start running to the door.

Answer 4

Some think it cruel, but crate training is excellent. If you look at dog psychology, you will see that they are den animals, they like to rest in small confined spaces. But they don't like to poop or pee in those places. Once they get used to it, a crate will be their happy home forever. Then you can control when they go, because you can take them straight outside. This will get them in the habit of going outside. You also need to get some special enzyme cleaner to get the odor all the way out of the place that has been soiled already. You may even have to replace carpet padding, or gate them away from these areas. You can also keep them by your side on a leash at all times. Do this for a few weeks, with positive rewards for going outside, and showing him it is bad to go inside, just a deep scowl in your voice will do, they communicate with growling:)

Best of luck:)

Answer 5

My advice is to try the search box at the top of the page. Housebreaking questions are asked on here probably a dozen times a day - use the previous answers to help you find a technique that works for you.

And remember, screaming, hitting, yelling, swatting, smacking, hitting with objects like newspapers, rubbing her nose in waste, and other archane tactics are not necessary, border on abuse, and can actually make the situation worse. Be patient, gentle, consistent, and aware. : )

edit: Shame on CNA.

Answer 6

Use a crate. Research the proper way to crate train. This is the only way he will learn.

Answer 7

my pups 10 weeks and i use treats and a cage she still has accidents but thats going to happen, every time she goes out i give her a treat and if she has an accident i take her out then put her in the cage for a few min. and when im not home she gets locked up good luck

Answer 8

Buy some newspaper, and then purchase some spray it smells like pee. And spray it on a paper and itll know where to pee/poop.

Answer 9

if they have an "accident" rub their nose in it and say "no"
do not do it to hurt the dog of coarse....but gentely bring it over to the spot grab the dogs head nicely...and place the tip of the nose down so they can smell it...and say "no"

I could be wrong

Answer 10

give them a treat every time they go outside, it works, that how we did it!!