Successfully housebreaking a puppy involves several stages, and reaching the point where your dog reliably signals their need to go outside is a significant milestone. This next phase builds upon foundational training, encouraging your puppy to actively communicate their potty needs. By implementing a few key strategies, you can help your canine companion master this essential skill, bringing you closer to a fully housebroken dog.
Prerequisites for Advanced House Training
Before introducing methods to teach your puppy to “ask” to go outside, it’s crucial to ensure they have a solid understanding of the basics. Referencing the “House Breaking 101” article is essential. For at least a few weeks, consistently follow the schedule and protocols outlined there. This means no accidents indoors during that period. Ideally, your puppy may have already begun to show subtle signs that they need to go out. Attempting to teach them to ask before these foundational steps are in place can prolong the housebreaking process and lead to setbacks.
The Goal: Encouraging Communication
The primary objective of this advanced phase is to foster the idea that your puppy should alert you when they need to relieve themselves. We achieve this by creating a situation where the puppy understands they require your assistance to access the outdoors. This involves using a partially open door as a consistent cue, prompting the puppy to realize they need to signal you to open it fully. This is not a new ritual but an add-on procedure to your existing supervised indoor time.
Implementing the “Cracked Door” Technique
During supervised indoor time, ensure your puppy has access to the door you use for their potty breaks. The key is to keep this door slightly ajar. For sliding patio doors, this is as simple as opening it an inch or so. For regular swinging doors, a wedge-type stopper or a security door chain can be effective. These methods allow the door to be cracked open enough for your puppy to smell the outside air without being able to escape on their own. Security bolts can also be installed in sliders to achieve the same effect, enhancing security.
Encouraging the “Ask” Signal
When your puppy begins to sniff the outside air through the cracked door, initiate the “going outside” ritual. As they show interest, ask, “Do you want to go outside?” Pause for a moment, observing for an affirmative signal from your puppy. This might be a whine, a small bark, or pawing at the door. If you notice your puppy moving away and intently sniffing the floor, gently guide them to the partially open door and wait for their signal. Have the leash readily available to ensure a prompt and supervised trip outside. It is vital not to let your puppy wander outside unattended; keep them on a leash during these bathroom breaks to maintain control and ensure they actually relieve themselves.
Utilizing Bells for Communication
For those who have chosen to use hanging bells as a communication tool, the process is similar. Once at the partially open door, wait until your puppy’s sniffing causes the bells to jingle. Immediately praise them, offer a treat, and open the door. Remember, these bells should have been integrated into your training from phase one, jingling every time you take your puppy outside.
Separating Business from Play
During this critical training period, it is essential to exclusively use the “outside” ritual for bathroom trips. Avoid mixing “business with pleasure” by not playing extensively in the same potty area immediately after they relieve themselves. This distinction is vital for solidifying the “ask to go out” skill. When your puppy asks to go outside, ensure they understand it’s solely for potty purposes. Once they are done, return inside. If you wish to play outside, schedule a separate play session afterward. Avoid using the same phrase, such as “Do you want to go ‘outside’?” for both potty trips and play or walks, as this can confuse the puppy. While it’s perfectly acceptable and even encouraged for your puppy to relieve themselves during play or walks, explicitly separating the “bathroom” ritual helps reinforce the specific prompt and the skill of “asking” to go out.
Hopefully, these techniques will help you and your puppy progress through this stage of house training. You’re almost there!
Additional Resources:
- 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!
