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How to Get Your Dog Peeing in the Toilet

Red fire hydrant in dead grass next to sidewalk

Potty training your dog is necessary to save your lawn or yard from becoming a mess. This is a difficult-to-learn training for most dogs and must be initiated as soon as possible. This is because canines find it hard to develop the habit of peeing in a specified spot (toilet).

You should always be patient and offer constant encouragement (to your dog) during this training. Additionally, you can also use the following guidelines to train your dog to pee in the toilet.

Select a Peeing Spot

Choosing a suitable area for the toilet of your dog should always be your first step. Make sure that the spot you select is away from the high traffic areas of your home. Likewise, your dog’s toilet should be in accordance with the size of your pooch. Lastly, try to consider the potty zone that is easy to clean because canines don’t like dirty and smelly spots.     

Sometimes, a dog might choose his/her peeing area on his own. This can happen if the dog regularly revisits the same place to pee or poop. In this case, it’s recommended to make that spot his/her toilet. Just make sure that the dog has chosen a realistic location and it doesn’t oppose the above instructions.

Keep the Area Clean

leg shot of someone raking leaves

Once you have selected your pup’s potty spot, it’s important to keep it clean and fresh. In contrast to that, you can put some dirt in the dog’s toilet while training him/her. This will help your canine friend to know the right peeing spot. However, if the area gets too dirty, your dog may refuse to use the chosen spot and eliminate somewhere else.

Clean Up the Accidents Immediately

person cleaning up dog poop with gloved hand. Golden retriever and playset in background

If the dog has an ‘accident’ (during the training) at the chosen spot, you must clean the area completely. It is crucial because dogs don’t like to relieve themselves in dirty areas. Therefore, proper cleaning is necessary to help the dog to go again in the same place (without disturbing the training).

Although you can use an enzymatic cleaner for cleaning, make sure that it is ammonia-free. Alternatively, white vinegar can be used, especially if the chosen spot has the smell of ammonia. Vinegar is excellent for neutralizing the smell of ammonia due to its amazing scent-absorbing properties.

Choose a Specific Command

close up of person and dog outdoors, person is pointing a finger and the dog

This is one of the easiest ways to train your dog to go to a specific place. This is because all you need is a single word or even a sound. Most owners prefer to use the word “go” as a command for this training. The dog will determine the command and perform the actions as per your instructions.

You will use the selected command to potty-train your dog and teach him/her where to urinate or defecate. Once the dog is trained, he/she will instinctively go to his/her toilet upon hearing this command. Giving your pup a treat after he/she has successfully gone to the spot can be very beneficial for the training.

Initially, you may use temporary fencing to block off the area and place the dog within the fenced space. In this way, you can just point the dog towards the potty spot. When the dog has finished his/her business, you can let him/her out of the enclosure.

Understand Your Dog

Dog looking through door

If you want to ensure that your dog is peeing in the toilet, you must observe him/her very closely. In this context, The Spruce Pets talks about the importance of studying your dog’s body language during playtime.

Most of the dogs show sudden signs when they are about to relieve. For instance, extra speed, spinning, or sniffing are among the common indicators that show your pup wants to eliminate. These signs must be noticed by the owner so that he/she could take the dog to the mark in time.  

Establish a Routine

Chocolate lab outdoors with butt end facing camera, peeing

Once you have chosen the spot and made your dog familiar with it, it’s time to establish a routine. During this process, you have to pay close attention to your dog’s peeing and pooping needs and schedule them.

Now, take your dog to the toilet according to the schedule and hang out with him/her until he/she has reached the spot. This will also help you to avoid any accidents. Keep repeating this practice and your dog will eventually learn to relieve himself/herself in the toilet. 

Praise Good Behavior

dog receiving hugs in praise

Appreciation is one of the strongest aspects of achieving success in dog trainings. The same is true for this situation as you are trying to teach your dog the right spot for urination. You can praise your pooch by making some cheerful and happy sounds. Likewise, you can also speak words that your pet can understand.

Consistent encouragement helps your dog to learn more quickly and correctly. Additionally, it also makes potty time a relaxing event for your canine friend. This is because he/she knows that a reward is waiting for him/her. It will also encourage your dog to hold patiently until you allow him/her to go. Other than dog treats, you can also use a relaxing walk for encouragement.

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