How do you train a puppy to pee on command?

Question

I have a 4 month old puppy that is doing pretty well with the crate training, but I'd like him to pee on command.

Answer 1

This is the easiest thing ever and yet looks impressive to the onlooker.
It is called reverse training. Each and every time the dog pees you give a keyword. (I use 'Get Empty') and masses of praise when the task is completed. Eventually the keyword takes over and becomes the cue for the dog to perform
It was extremely useful when I was a Police Dog Handler. I could get my dog clean before entering to search a factory for example where the dog was going to work for some considerable time.
Just try it and persist and you'll be quite surprised

Answer 2

I have trained my puppy to do this to the command hurry-up. Everytime i took him out to pee and he did, immediately i said hurry-up and praised him afterwards, he is getting the command really well, he is only 6 months, plus the command also works for if he needs a poo too.
It makes it easier if you command then if you have only a little bit of time like on a night when you don't want them to play just do their buisness.
I have trained all my dogs to do this and it takes time and patience but it certainly can be done.

One thing to do is try to wait until he is ready to go which allows you command at the correct times.
Just train him like you would when gettting your puppy to sit and stay. I used a clicker and treat option as it made the training alot quicker.

Answer 3

Hi Heidi,
Yes it is possible, but of course only when it is an appropriate time of day, such as first thing in the morning or prior to bedtime. My 2 year old boxer is trained to go when and where. If she starts to dawdle, I will say "go take care of business". She will immediately pee or poop in the designated area. Your puppy may be too young to be completely "potty trained" The attached link cites that a dog may not be completely trained until it is at least 9 months old. A puppy does not have bowel control as does an older dog. However, I would start with consistent training and you will discover one day that she does eliminate on command.
If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me again
Torin

Answer 4

I used to train dogs for the blind and being able to toilet on command is one of the skills needed.
Take the puppy out the moment he wakes up and after eating. Look out for any signs that he needs to go and take him out asap. When he does actually 'go' give him a command word. I use 'Make' (Think carefully about the actual word - 'Do pee pees' is cute with a puppy in your own garden, not so good with a fully grown dog in a public place). While he is actually doing whatever it is, continually say 'Make , good dog, Make, Make, good dog, Make'. When he's finished give him lots of praise.
If he has an accident, don't scold him. Don't say anything to him, don't even make eye contact with your dog. Just clean it up and take him outside.
Also if he thinks the crate is the place you want him to go keep watch for him going to the his crate to toilet and take him outside. You will get lots of false alarms, taking him outside when he doesn't need to go and times when you should have taken him out but didn't. Just persevere and it will happen.
Being able to toilet on command is very useful, long car journey etc.

Answer 5

I just trained my newly adopted dog to do this. He is about a year old but you can teach the same thing to puppies! Every time my dog goes potty, I say, "Pee pee! Good boy!" and praise him. It's important to say the phrase WHILE he is IN the act of going. I ignore him until he goes pee and only praise him after. You can also try giving a treat after you say the phrase and after he has gone potty. You can also use any phrase you want such as "get busy" or "do it". Now, my older dog has started peeing on command because I take them both out at the same time. When we go out, I say "pee pee!" and they both go! It's terrific!

Answer 6

A puppy is an instinctual animal who's behaviors are to a large degree influenced by an inherited pattern of behaviors.
A puppy learns by a trial and error in which he samples different behaviors.
If a behavior is met with a favorable or positive reward, the puppy will continue the behavior, seeking the reward.

If you start rewarding your puppy with something when he does what you tell him to do, he will get the picture and learn how to go on command. I have a service dog that relieves herself only when I give my word command.

Answer 7

I don't think you can make your puppy go unless it needs to, if you see the signs then perhaps you could use a command to speed the process up. I use such a command, she's only 13 weeks old but when she went where I wanted her to I would say "potty" as she was doing something & praise her a lot. Now, the word is used to remind her where to go (sometimes, she has accidents or forgets) or to tell her she can get something in return for going when I know she needs it.

Answer 8

Potty training a puppy can be easily accomplished as long as you have the information to do it right. You should get this info from an expert, and luckily there are great resources available on line. Someone turned me on to an ebook written by a dog training expert and it made the training process so much easier with much less stress. I highly recommend it.

Answer 9

When you walk him, don't play with him until he goes. As soon as he squats or lifts his leg, say the cue word that you want to be his command (pee or go or whatever you want). Praise him like crazy when hes done. If you say the cue word every time, he will eventually associate the word with going. It might take a little time but it is definitely worth it on those cold nights when they just can't seem to find the right spot!!!

Answer 10

rose_merrick is right

i started doing the same thing with my great dane when he was a puppy and after about a week he would go on command...if he has to of course :)

i started telling him...good boy go pee pee while he was peeing and would say good boy good poops .....i know sounds silly but it works ..especially when he's outside and wandering the yard i'm going to be late for work , i just tell him..go pee pee ..etc... and he does it

B.