When your dog urinates and defecates inside, it can be very embarrassing for you. This is especially true if you have a dog that is trained for security and obedience. It is hard enough training your dog for basic commands such as stay and sit, and trying to teach them how to use the bathroom outside can make things even more difficult. Unfortunately, many dog owners do not realize that the behavior they are trying to correct by squirting in the bathroom is a natural response. There are some simple dog training tricks that can help curb this problem.
To start with, there are a number of dog training tricks that will help you overcome your embarrassment and train your dog to go to the bathroom outside on command. The first trick that you will want to use is known as the hold it in position. As mentioned above, dogs naturally hold their waste in until they are ready to void it. The way to get around this and get your dog to hold his urine and fecal waste in for a longer period of time is to make him hold it in using his butt. You may not think that this is a trick, but it is in fact a very effective dog training trick.
To teach this trick, you will need to stand behind the toilet seat and make sure your dog is securely wrapped up in his leash. Once you have done this, get down on your knees next to the toilet. Utilize one hand to hold your dog’s butt and another hand to hold onto the toilet seat. Slowly move forward on your dog until he is sitting up straight on his poop. When you are teaching him this “hold it” toilet technique, it is important that you don’t hold his tail while he is sitting down.
This next exercise is called the “hold it until I poop” exercise. Again, be on your knees by the toilet seat. Move forward and hold your dog’s poop for a few seconds. Then, release his bladder and let him relieve himself. Repeat this a few times. This can take up to 15 minutes of your dog’s time each day in order to toilet train him.
If you would like to teach how to train your dog to go to the bathroom outside on a leash, you can try using treats. When your dog finishes eliminating, offer him a treat as a way of saying thanks. He will soon realize that he will get a treat if he eliminates before his owner. Using treats as a reward for good behavior goes a long way towards reinforcing your dog’s positive traits.
When asking how to train your dog to go to the bathroom outside on a leash, you will want to take into account that your dog has never been exposed to the outdoors before. If he were on a dog walk, he would most likely relieve himself in an open area. It is imperative that you take him to his dog house, or a designated area outside of your home first. Once your dog has gone to the designated place, begin taking him through familiar territory. Keep with the leash at all times, and don’t pull hard on the leash as this can scare your dog.
Once your dog has gone several times outside with you, it is time to introduce him to the bathroom outside. Lead him by the hand and lead him to the bathroom. At first, he may be nervous about going alone, but don’t push it. Let him do his business, and reward him afterwards.
In addition to learning how to train your dog to go to the bathroom outside, another important aspect of dog training is potty training. If your dog stays in one spot for too long, then he can develop problems with “going to the potty,” such as incontinence. Therefore, it is imperative that you work to keep your dog in a relaxed state of mind, one where he can potty off when he wishes.
