My dog goes inside. How do I teach her to signal for potty breaks?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  I recommend crate training Lily. It allows you to keep an eye on her for signs that she has to go potty, and will teach her to hold it until you put her outdoors. The crate needs to be big enough for her to stand up, turn around, and lie down, but it should not be big enough for her to go potty in. Signs that she needs to potty include sniffing at the ground, circling, and whining. When you see those signs, take her outside to potty immediately. Also make sure to take her outside 15-20 minutes after meals, first thing when Lily wakes up in the morning, after each time she wakes up from a nap, and right before bed.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 29th, 2019

  Sometimes puppies will go backwards in training but this is generally temporary. I'm sure this situation is very frustrating. I recommend to go back to crate training. Here is a helpful link in case you need a refresher: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-crate-train-your-dog/
  Now, once your pup is adjusted to the crate and assuming she will not potty in the crate, you will do this: Use a leash or carry her directly from the crate to the yard. You need to avoid the opportunity for her to potty in the house. Give her 15 minutes outside. If nothing happens, use the leash or carry her from the yard and directly into the crate. Keep her in the crate for 30-45 minutes. Then use a leash or carry her directly outside. Repeat this until she eventually potties outside. As soon as she potties, praise her and give her treats. She needs to be rewarded so that she starts to understand. She can then have freedom in the house until you know she should need to potty again. Also, keep her on a leash in the house as this will prevent her from sneaking away. If she seems to be urinating frequently, have her checked by the veterinarian some something like a bladder infection. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 1st, 2019

  Congratulations on adding Queen to your family. If Queen is going to the bathroom in the house, try crate training. Here is a helpful link in case you need a refresher: https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-crate-train-your-dog/
  Now, once your pup is adjusted to the crate and assuming she will not potty in the crate, you will do this: Use a leash or carry her directly from the crate to the yard. You need to avoid the opportunity for her to potty in the house. Give her 15 minutes outside. If nothing happens, use the leash or carry her from the yard and directly into the crate. Keep her in the crate for 30-45 minutes. Then use a leash or carry her directly outside. Repeat this until she eventually potties outside. As soon as she potties, praise her and give her treats. She needs to be rewarded so that she starts to understand. She can then have freedom in the house until you know she should need to potty again. Also, keep her on a leash in the house as this will prevent her from sneaking away. If she seems to be urinating frequently, have her checked by the veterinarian for something like a bladder infection.
  It also sounds like she may be having some submissive/excited urination:
  https://www.petcoach.co/article/submissive-excitement-urination-how-to-control-it/
  I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Davis

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 26th, 2017

  Ema needs to be reminded of her housebreaking. I would keep her in a crate or small room when you are away or not watching her. Have her on a leash with you when you’re home so she can’t sneak off and go somewhere when you’re not watching. Take her to a specific potty area outside and give her a command to go. When she uses the bathroom praise her and give her a treat. If she’s been playing and doesn’t go when you think she should bring her inside with you for a few minutes until she’s calmed down then take her out again to the potty area. This may take several weeks to get her retrained. Then only give her a small area in the house when you first let her out of the crate. Block off the bedroom so she can’t go there. Gradually as she becomes reliable again she can have free run of the house. The time you put in now will pay off in a well trained dog later. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ema.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful