How do I train my dog to pee outside?

To stop your dog from going to the toilet indoors, you’ll first need to show them where they should go. Rewarding them when they do their business somewhere appropriate will help them form good toileting habits. Take your dog out regularly and at appropriate times. It’s important to give your dog plenty of opportunities to go to the toilet outside while they’re learning to control their bowel and bladder. Whatever the weather or time, try to take them outside when they’re likely to need to relieve themselves, for example: after a sleep, after eating or drinking, after play or exercise, whenever they become very excited, for example when visitors arrive. Whether you’re taking them out into the garden or the street, start by keeping them on the lead, so you can keep them safe and be close enough to reward them as soon as they go to the toilet. Always reward them for toileting outside. It’s essential that you give your dog a reward as soon as they have toileted, so they know that you are really pleased with this behaviour.

When you begin toilet training you need to give your dog plenty of opportunities to go in an appropriate place. Puppies need to toilet regularly and should be taken outside: When they wake up, Before bed, After every meal, After playtime or exercise, After any excitement, for example visitors to the home, Before you leave them and when you come back. Then every 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the puppy’s age. You'll be more successful if you actively supervise your dog. When you recognise the signs that your dog is thinking about toileting: Take them to the correct place so that you can reward them when they go. Try to take them to the same place each time. When they begin to toilet, use a verbal cue they can associate with the correct behaviour, for example, 'toilet'. When they've finished, reward them immediately, every time, with lots of praise, treats and play. Before going back inside, walk your dog around or play for a while. Continue taking your dog outside and reward them with lots of praise when they go and eventually they'll let you know when they need to go outside to toilet.

Toilet training your puppy should be quite a simple process, as long as you make the time and investment to get into a good routine. You may find it useful to keep a record of when your puppy eats sleeps, urinates and defecates. Puppies need to urinate immediately after waking up, so you need to be there to take your puppy straight into the garden without any delay. Eating its meal stimulates its digestive system, and puppies normally urinate within fifteen minutes of eating, and defecate within half an hour of eating. Puppies have very poor bladder control, and need to urinate at least every hour or two. Always go with your puppy into the garden so you are there to reward and attach the cue words to the successful actions. Repeat cue words like 'wee wees' and 'poo poos' or 'be busy' and 'be clean' while the puppy is actually urinating or defecating. Use different words for each action so that you will be able to prompt the puppy later on.

Take your puppy out first thing in the morning for a toilet break and encourage them to poo and wee outside. It can help to have your puppy on a lead at first to avoid any chance of them running around exploring and not focusing on the fact that a toilet break is due. Take your puppy out every 2-3 hours during the day. Give your puppy a toilet break shortly after each meal, as they’ll need a poo not long after eating. It’s a good idea to take them outside when they’ve just woken up, too. Puppy play can also make them need the loo, especially if they get really excited. Take them outside straight afterwards or give them a break halfway through a play session. When your puppy does go to the toilet outside give them lots of praise and a high-value reward, like a healthy snack.