Peeing and pooping are behaviors like any other, so “training” them is simply a matter of teaching your dog to do them using cues you pick. Furthermore, it’s likely your dog is already using environmental cues to figure out if and when it’s time to go. For instance, the smell of pee on a tree could be a cue. So, all you have to do is introduce a new cue, and then tell your dog they’re a genius for understanding.
This can be done in five easy steps:
1. Pick the word or phrase you’re going to use that will mean “go pee”
You could use the classic “go potty” or the police dog cue “empty.” Honestly, it doesn’t matter. Feel free to get creative.
2. Figure out when your dog is most likely to go
If your dog has just woken up from a nap, finished a long play, or if you’re letting them out of their crate for the first time in a while, there is a good chance they will have to go. When in doubt, more walks are always better than fewer walks but keep the walks short. If your dog doesn’t go in the first five minutes, bring them inside and try again. In addition to teaching your dog to pee using a verbal cue, it’s also nice to teach them that when you go out, they should go right away. The longer you stay out without going, the more they’re learning that they can taken their time!
3. Pay attention to where your dog likes to go
Dogs definitely have preferences about where their pee and poop should go. If you already know where your dog likes to go, than head straight there. If not, try walking them on different textures and in areas with as few distractions as possible. If you’re doing this exercise with your dog in an enclosed yard, rather than on a leash, stay near them while they find a “good” spot to go.
4. Wait for your dog to go
The moment your dog starts to go, say your cue word. You’re only going to say it once, at the beginning, and only stay it AS your dog starts to go.
In time, start saying the cue word earlier and earlier. Just remember to pay attention to your dog’s signals. For instance, most dogs give some kind of indication that they’re going to go. Some will spin, others will start doing some really intense sniffing. The more you work at adding a cue to the behavior, the better you’ll get at judging that they’re about to go, and the earlier you’ll be able to say your cue word.
5. Give your dog some bacon
The second your dog finishes going, give them some bacon or another tasty treat!