How to retrain my dog to use the bathroom outside?

Question

My 1 year old dog is currently somewhat paper trained on those training mats from the pet store. However, she still has some accidents and I've read that it's because the mats are indoors so she thinks it's ok to go in other rooms of the apartment.

I would like to retrain her to use the bathroom outside only and ring a bell when she needs to go. Currently she goes when I take her outside twice a day, but she'll use the mat indoors at her leisure. If I just remove those mats will she start going around the house or will she hold it until I take her out? Unfortunately I don't have a yard for her to go out to on her own.

Thanks for your help!

Also can I hang the bell on the door to my room instead of the front door since that's where I usually keep her? Will she associate that with going outside still?

Answer 1

First things first. take the mat away. she will associate it with relieving herself. 2. When she is not being carefully supervised, crate her in a crate that is just big enough for her, not too large or she might do her business in the crate. This is not cruel, it is CRUCIAL especially with terrier breeds which are arguably harder to retrain. It is natural for canines to "den" and my dog loved her crate and went there when we had children visiting. It was her personal space. Always give her a treat when she is crated; this is a +ve reinforcement. Yes, I have trained my dog to ring a bell to go outside. It should be on the outside door and always give a treat for going outside, AFTER she does her business. PRAISE FIRST then treat, that is the order. Take her out more often in the training process to ensure success.

Answer 2

I think ur job will be hard enough to retrain her to go outside without the added burden of trying to teach her to ring a bell at the same time. One thing at a time. First, u must be available to take her out every 2 hrs or so or when u see her circling or sniffing the floor, once she does her business outside, praise her
lavishly or reward with a treat. You must continue taking her outdoors regularly whether she does anything or not. In the meantime, u must get rid of all the indoor odors of her previous accidents, otherwise she will smell the spots and think that is where she is to go. U must be consistent in taking her out at regular intervals. Once she learns to go outside, then u can start the bell bit, it may work it may not, depends how smart ur dog is. Before u take her out the door, ring the bell, keep doing it everytime, then she will associate the bell with going outdoors, keep it on the front door so as not to confuse her. When u ring the bell, call to her "outside" that way she will associate the two and may pick it up on her own. But, for right now just try to get her housebroken first. Good luck.

Answer 3

Ringing a bell may be asking a bit much! However, at a year old she should be able to hold better. Now the small, toy breeds are harder to train and cannot hold long at all. If a more regular size dog/breed then she is being lazy. You made it convenient and let it go on too long.

Any pads should only be in front of exit door when not home. Step 1. May have to invest in a good urine cleaning product to use with a steam cleaner. Winter time is not best time to start this process or clean carpet. They will use all the old locations due to scent.

Any way you can limit her to the vinyl floor area of kitchen with a child gate? I have a pup that already has figured out that vinyl is ok/carpet isn't. Save a soiled pad to place there to give her the hint. Limit her pad to kitchen and exit door. If you find another soiled spot, blot it up with a pad and put pad back where should be. Keep a bottle of urine cleaner on hand.

Do you work? I assume since you take out twice a day. If not, then may have to go out more often at first. I encourage food/water down at all times. However, if you work you can limit amount left down while gone. But replenish soon as get home so have time to void most of that before bedtime. She should be taken out soon as back home and right before your bedtime and then in morning. Twice a day is not enough and you may be rushing her. She needs much exercise as possible with cold weather. Takes them awhile to finish. If you are taking in soon as does business you aren't allowing to finish. And causing a problem!

You said you didn't have a yard but that is not excuse not to take for good walk and play time. And twice a day is not enough. How often do you go in a day?? Think about it. Be patient. It will take time to undo the habit you allowed.

Answer 4

Here's a suggestion, Try taking your little one out on a leash once every hour. When she doe's her business tell her what a good girl she is. When you get her back inside give her a special reward. She will eventually get the hint that she is pleasing you and she will want to continue doing so. That;s how I trained my 2 boy's.

Answer 5

We take our canines water faraway from him around 8pm and then take him for a short walk around the Block till now going to mattress. then you do not have a multitude to freshen up in the morning.

Answer 6

This site has what you are looking for - http://www.squidoo.com/puppy-housetraining/

Good luck with your dog.