How To Get My Dog To Poop Outside?
So, you’ve brought home a new pup. Congratulations! You’re in for endless cuddles, adorable face-licks, and…a lot of cleaning. House training can be one of the trickiest parts of dog ownership, but hey, let’s face it—it’s also full of comical moments (that might not seem so funny when you’re scrubbing your carpet for the third time in a day). Grab some treats, roll up your sleeves, and let’s turn your dog into a potty-trained pro!
Step 1: Get Your “Potty Voice” Ready
This might sound silly, but you’re going to need a special voice for this. Some dog parents go with high-pitched excitement; others prefer the motivational coach. Whichever voice you choose, get ready to cheer like you’ve won the lottery every time they get it right. Why? Because dogs love to make us happy, and a little party every time they go potty outside will make them more likely to repeat it.
Pro Tip: If your neighbors don’t think you’re weird, you’re not cheering loud enough.
Step 2: Choose a Spot, Any Spot
Pick one spot outside and make it the “bathroom zone.” Lead your dog there every time, so they associate that spot with doing their business. Dogs are creatures of habit, and once they get the hang of it, they’ll head there instinctively.
Note: This might take a while, so be prepared for them to sniff every square inch of the yard before committing to the spot.
Step 3: Timing Is Everything
Consistency is key, so take your dog out on a schedule: after meals, after naps, after playtime, after they look at you funny. Basically, you’ll feel like a full-time bathroom attendant, but this phase doesn’t last forever. And remember, dogs (especially puppies) have tiny bladders, so don't wait too long between breaks.
Bonus Tip: Invest in comfy shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking back and forth.
Step 4: Celebrate Their Success (Even the Tiny Ones)
Did they sniff the right spot? Give them a little cheer. Did they squat? Jackpot! Keep treats in your pocket and hand them out like it’s Halloween every time they go where they’re supposed to. Yes, it sounds a bit over-the-top, but they’ll get the message soon enough. And don’t be stingy—treats are basically their version of a standing ovation.
Step 5: Stay Calm When Accidents Happen
I know it’s tempting to yell, “Why? Why the new carpet?!” But dogs don’t respond well to frustration. Clean it up quietly and move on. They didn’t do it to spite you—they’re just learning. (And honestly, we’ve all had a time or two when we couldn’t make it to the bathroom in time!)
Pro Tip: Get some high-quality pet cleaner. You’re going to need it.
Step 6: Embrace the “Puppy Dance”
If your dog starts sniffing the ground, circling, or looking antsy indoors, it’s go-time! That little dance usually means, “Hey, I need to go!” Get them outside fast, and you might just save your floor. Think of it as a little cardio for yourself, too.
Step 7: Be Prepared for the “Sneaky Pee”
Sometimes, you’ll swear you just took them out, but somehow they managed to find a new corner to christen. This is normal. They’ll learn soon enough that peeing inside isn’t the same as peeing in the magical backyard potty zone.
Dog Logic 101: The bathroom is always at least two rooms away from the humans.
Step 8: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Consistency is your best friend here. It might feel like a never-ending cycle, but trust me—after a few weeks of taking them out, celebrating their successes, and cleaning up a few (or many) accidents, they’ll start to get it. Just stick with it and stay positive!
Step 9: Celebrate When They’re Fully Trained
When they finally “get it” and start heading outside like pros, you’ll feel like you’ve conquered Everest. Give yourself a pat on the back (and maybe buy yourself a carpet shampooer as a reward). Before you know it, house training will be a thing of the past, and your dog will be the well-trained superstar you knew they could be.
So hang in there, fellow dog parents! House training takes patience, humor, and the willingness to act ridiculous in front of your neighbors. But when your dog looks up at you, knowing they’ve made you proud, it’ll all be worth it.
