Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Signals
The key to getting your dog to let you know when he needs to go potty is to pay close attention to his behavior and learn his individual signals. Some common signs that your dog needs to go outside include:
- Pacing around the house
- Sniffing around or circling
- Whining or barking
- Going to the door and looking at you
- Becoming restless
Your dog may exhibit one or more of these behaviors when he needs a potty break. Some dogs have very subtle signals, while other dogs will make it extremely obvious. Learn what is normal for your individual dog. If you see him exhibiting his potty behaviors, immediately take him outside to relieve himself.
Use a Bell or Chimes
Hanging a bell or set of chimes on the door and training your dog to ring them with his nose or paw when he needs to go out is a simple way to get your dog to let you know he needs to pee. Here are the steps:
- Hang the bell on the door at your dog’s nose level.
- Gently take your dog’s paw and use it to ring the bell each time before you take him outside to pee. Say “go potty” as you do this.
- Keep repeating this each time you take your dog out until he learns to ring the bell independently.
- When your dog rings the bell on his own, immediately praise him and take him outside.
- Be consistent about only taking your dog out when he rings the bell. This will reinforce the behavior.
The bell becomes a clear signal to let you know when your dog is ready to go outside to pee or poop. Just be sure to hang the bell low enough that it is easy for your dog to reach.
Create a Consistent Potty Schedule
Adhering to a consistent and frequent potty break schedule can help train your dog’s bladder and make it easier for him to let you know when he needs to go. Try taking your dog outside:
- First thing in the morning
- After every meal
- After drinking water
- After naps
- After playing
- Every 2-3 hours
- Right before bedtime
Puppies under 6 months old may need to go out even more frequently, such as every 30-60 minutes when active. Sticking to a routine helps your dog learn to hold it until appropriate potty times. He will become conditioned to go at those times and have an easier time indicating when he needs to pee outside of the schedule.
Use a Crate for House Training
Crate training is hugely helpful for house training your dog. Dogs naturally try to avoid soiling in their sleeping area, so they will learn to hold it longer when confined. Follow these tips:
- Introduce the crate slowly so it is a positive place for your dog.
- Furnish it with blankets and toys so it is cozy and den-like.
- Use it when you are away or sleeping.
- Take your dog directly outside to pee as soon as you take him out of the crate.
- Praise your dog for peeing outside.
Your dog will quickly learn that the crate means it is time to hold it and that peeing outside earns rewards. This establishes good bathroom habits.
Respond to Accidents Properly
If your dog has an accident in the house, respond calmly without punishment. Yelling or rubbing your dog’s nose in it will only make him afraid to pee in front of you. Clean up accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate odors. Then:
- Immediately take your dog outside to finish peeing.
- Praise your dog and give him a treat when he pees outside.
- Consider re-evaluating your potty schedule to make sure you are taking him out often enough.
- Limit your dog’s access to areas of the house until he is fully house trained.
Staying positive will help reinforce where your dog should pee. Frequent accidents indicate you need to take your dog out more often and supervise him more diligently in the house.
Use a Potty Command
Giving a verbal potty command like “go pee” or “go potty” can help cue your dog that it is time to relieve himself. Here’s how to teach it:
- Take your dog to his potty area on leash and wait until he starts to pee.
- Say your phrase in a happy, encouraging tone of voice while he is in the act of peeing.
- Keep repeating this every time you take him to pee. Be consistent.
- Over time, saying the phrase will trigger your dog to pee when you are outside.
- Eventually your dog will associate the phrase with the action of peeing and may go to the door when you say it.
Choose a short, unique phrase like “go tinkle” and use it every time your dog eliminates. This will help him learn to pee on command.
Watch for Sudden Changes
If your house-trained dog suddenly starts having frequent accidents, it could signify an underlying medical issue like a urinary tract infection or bladder infection. Some other signs to watch for include:
- Straining or taking a long time to pee
- Dribbling urine or bloody urine
- Crying out when peeing
- Excessive licking of genital area
Schedule a vet visit immediately if you notice any odd urinary behavior in your dog. Getting infections treated quickly will help get your potty training back on track.
Be Patient and Consistent
Potty training is a process that requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Some tips:
- Stick to your routine as closely as possible.
- Give treats and praise for peeing outside.
- Clean up any accidents calmly without scolding.
- Don’t expect overnight results. It can take 4-6 months for a puppy.
The more consistent you are, the faster your dog will learn to let you know when nature calls. Just remember that accidents are part of the training process. Stay positive and keep rewarding your dog for doing the right thing.
Use Indoor Potty Solutions as a Backup
For days when you can’t get home in time, indoor potty systems can be an acceptable backup option. Options include:
- Potty pads – disposable pads soaked in attractant that cues your dog to pee
- Indoor turf – fake grass patches for your dog to use inside
- Indoor potty trays – containers of grass or faux grass
- Litter boxes – can contain soil, pee pads or litter for small dogs
Place the indoor potty in an accessible area and train your dog to use it on days when you will be delayed getting home. This can help avoid accidents, but outdoor potty walks should remain the priority.
Potty Training Products
The following products can help assist you in potty training your dog to ask to go outside:
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| PoochieBells | Hanging doorbells that dog rings to go outside |
| Fresh Patch | Real grass turf for indoor potty training |
| Potty Chimes | Bell with adhesive backing to stick on door |
| Piddle Place | Indoor potty with artificial grass |
| Puppy Go Here Tray | Indoor potty tray with faux grass |
These products provide helpful tools for signaling potty needs and providing indoor backups as you potty train your dog.
Conclusion
Getting your dog to communicate that he needs to pee requires patience and paying close attention to his natural signals. Use bells, crates, schedules and consistent positive reinforcement to establish good potty habits. Provide plenty of outside potty breaks. With time, your dog will learn to let you know when nature calls through signals like going to the door or ringing a bell. Be consistent in your training and celebrate your dog’s potty successes.