It’s quite unusual when a dog refuses to potty outside. However, this case happens when dogs experiene a traumatic or negative experience, causing them to feel worried to frightened of being outside. In some cases, it may also be because they have lived entirely indoors throughout puppyhood, making them uncomfortable outdoors. There are numerous reasons, but whatever the case, you need to let your dogs enjoy the outdoors without holding the call of nature.
As an owner, you need patience and dedication when training your furry friends to potty outside. This may not be an easy process, but fret not; we are here to guide you!
In this post, we have listed some easy steps on how you can train your dogs to potty outside. Here’s how:
Step #1: Dedicate a Small Confinement Area Outside
As a first step, you need to create a dedicated confined area outside of your house so that your dogs can recognize that the space is solely for that purpose, and they will feel more comfortable. The first step will be most effective in the morning when you know it’s time to do their business. You should be alert so that you can take them outside right away. Now, after you have placed them in the confined area, try to stand back from the space and leave them to do their business. While you are waiting, time them for at least 10 minutes, and if you see that your dog has successfully relieved itself outdoors, give them a treat and celebrate by praising them!
However, if after 10 minutes nothing happens, try to take them back inside, and if they try to poop while indoors, interrupt them and take them back to the confined area outside. It may be harsh, but it can be effective in helping them get comfortable outdoors.
Step #2: Gradually Remove the Confinement Area
When you feel like your dog is getting comfortable in the confinement area, start reducing any flooring or pads you placed inside the dedicated space. This way, you can gradually expose them so that they can be comfortable even without the help of confinement. You can do this one step at a time so that it will not be so hard for your dog to adjust. Give them some time to make themselves comfortable until you remove the confinement altogether.
Step #3: Be Consistent
As an owner, you should always be on the lookout for your dog every time they have to relieve themselves. This way, you can ensure that the training will work for the long term because you are consistently imposing that they should do it outside. By being consistent, you can also avoid having unexpected indoor accidents, and you can help your dog be 100% comfortable eliminating outside.
Conclusion
Potty training your dog outside is not that hard. You just need to have consistency, dedication, and commitment. Hopefully, our easy steps will be helpful when you start to potty train your dogs outside. If you follow these steps closely, you can have a higher chance of making your potty training successful. Just make sure to supervise your dogs at all times and reward them for doing such a great job after.
If you are looking for helpful information regarding potty training or other training concerns for your dog, Dog Obedience Training is here to give you extra help! We always provide dog training blogs to guide owners who want to train or are currently training their dogs. Browse our topics today!