Successfully housebreaking a puppy involves more than just establishing a schedule; it’s about fostering clear communication between you and your canine companion. Once your puppy has mastered the basics outlined in “House Breaking 101,” it’s time to introduce the crucial skill of them signaling their need to go outside. This phase builds upon established routines, encouraging your puppy to actively ask for a potty break, rather than simply following a set schedule. This article will guide you through the process of teaching your puppy to communicate their needs, a vital step in achieving complete house training success.
The Goal: Fostering Independence in Potty Habits
The objective of this advanced stage of puppy house training is to instill the understanding that your puppy can and should alert you when they need to relieve themselves. By slightly ajarring the door used for potty breaks, you create an environment where your puppy realizes they need your assistance to go outside. This controlled approach helps them connect the act of needing to go out with the action of seeking your help.
An Add-On Procedure, Not a New Ritual
This technique is designed to be integrated into your puppy’s supervised indoor time. Ensure that your puppy has regular access to the door you’ve consistently used for their potty breaks. This supervised freedom is key to them learning to associate the door with the opportunity to go outside.
Letting Your Pup Smell the Outside
During this transitional training period, keep the designated exit door slightly ajar. It should be open just enough for your puppy to catch the scent of the outdoors without being able to exit independently. For sliding patio doors, this is straightforward; simply leave the door open an inch or so. A wedge-style door stopper works well for traditional swinging doors. Alternatively, a security door chain can allow the door to be cracked open while still providing security. Some owners have also successfully used security bolts on sliding doors to achieve the same “cracked open” effect without compromising external security.
Encouraging “Going Outside” When Your Pup Smells the Outside Air
Initiate your established “going outside ritual” whenever your puppy begins to sniff the air through the slightly open door. As they investigate, calmly ask, “Do you want to go outside?” Pause for a moment, allowing your puppy to respond. Common affirmative signals include whining, a soft bark, or pawing at the door. If you observe your puppy moving away and intensely sniffing the floor indoors, it may be a sign they need to go. Gently guide them to the door and wait for their signal before opening it fully. Have the leash ready to ensure a swift transition outside. It’s important to supervise these potty trips, keeping them on leash initially to ensure they focus on their business rather than exploring the yard.
Incorporating Bells for Communication
Many owners find success using hanging bells as a communication tool. If you’ve chosen this method, the procedure is similar. When your puppy approaches the slightly open door and their sniffing causes the bells to jingle, offer immediate praise, a treat, and open the door. Remember, bells should have been introduced during the initial house-training phase, jingling each time you take your puppy outside. This consistency helps them associate the sound with going out.
Encouraging Only Bathroom Trips Outside
During this critical phase, it is crucial to reserve the “outside” ritual exclusively for bathroom breaks. Avoid mixing “business with pleasure.” Do not take your puppy out for a potty break and then immediately engage in extended play in the same area. This distinction is vital for solidifying the “ask to go out” skill. When they signal their need to go, ensure they understand this is solely for relieving themselves. Once they are finished, return inside. If you wish to play outside, schedule a separate play session afterward.
HINT: When going outside for play or a walk, use a different phrase than the one you use to announce a “bathroom trip.” For example, avoid saying, “Do you want to go ‘outside’?” if that’s your designated potty-trip phrase.
NOTE: It is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged for your puppy to relieve themselves while playing or walking outside. The explicit separation of the “bathroom” ritual from play and walk rituals is solely to reinforce the prompt “do you want to go outside” and the skill of “asking” to go out.
Hopefully, these steps will help you and your puppy navigate this important stage of house training. You are almost there!
For further guidance on puppy training, you might find these articles helpful:
- House Breaking 101
- Crate Training 101
- Your Puppy’s First Couple of Weeks: Tips to Make the Transition Easier
Best of luck with all your puppy training!
