Successfully house-training a puppy requires patience and a systematic approach. After mastering the initial stages outlined in “House Breaking 101,” the next crucial step is teaching your puppy to actively signal their need to go outside. This phase focuses on creating a clear communication system, ensuring your puppy understands how and when to “ask” for a bathroom break. It’s an essential skill that solidifies your house-training progress and minimizes accidents.
Achieving the Prerequisite Goals
Before embarking on this advanced training, it’s vital to ensure your puppy has consistently met the goals established in the initial house-training phase. This includes adhering strictly to the established schedule without any accidents during that period. Ideally, your puppy may have already begun to show some initiative in indicating their need to go outside. Proceeding without these prerequisites can prolong the house-training timeline.
The Objective: Fostering a “Request” Signal
The primary goal of this next phase is to encourage your puppy to communicate their need to go outside. By strategically leaving the door ajar, you create a situation where your puppy realizes they need your assistance to fully access the outdoors. This controlled opening prompts them to seek your help, reinforcing the idea that they must “ask” to go out.
An Add-On Procedure for Supervised Time
This technique is designed to be implemented during periods of supervised indoor time. Ensure that your puppy has access to the door you consistently use for their bathroom breaks. This controlled environment is key to successfully teaching the “asking” behavior.
Allowing Your Puppy to Smell the Outdoors
During this transitional training period, keep the designated exit door slightly ajar. This allows your puppy to smell the enticing scents of the outside world without being able to exit independently. For sliding patio doors, simply open them an inch or so. For regular swinging doors, an old-fashioned wedge-type stopper or a security door chain can be effective. Clients have also utilized security bolts on sliding doors to achieve the same “cracked open” effect while maintaining security.
Encouraging “Going Outside” Through Sensory Cues
Begin the “going outside ritual” every time your puppy shows interest in the outside air through the slightly open door. As they sniff the door, gently ask, “Do you want to go outside?” Pause for a moment, allowing them to respond. Common signals include whining, a soft bark, or pawing at the door. If your puppy seems distracted or begins sniffing intently on the floor inside, gently guide them to the partially open door. After they signal their desire to go out, promptly leash them and accompany them outside for their bathroom break. It’s important to supervise these trips to ensure they relieve themselves.
Utilizing Bells for Communication
If you’ve chosen to use hanging bells as a communication tool, the procedure remains similar. Once at the partially open door, wait for your puppy’s sniffing to jostle the bells. As soon as the bells ring, praise them, offer a treat, and open the door. Remember to have these bells consistently present throughout the initial training phase so they jingle every time you take your puppy outside.
Differentiating Bathroom Trips from Playtime
It is crucial during this training phase to exclusively associate the “outside” ritual with bathroom breaks. Avoid mixing “business with pleasure” by refraining from extensive playtime in the same area immediately after a bathroom trip. When your puppy asks to go outside, ensure they understand this is solely for relieving themselves. Once they have finished, return inside, and then engage in a separate play session if desired. When taking your puppy out for play or a walk, use a different phrase than the one used to announce a bathroom trip, such as “Do you want to go play?” This distinction helps solidify the prompt for bathroom breaks and the skill of “asking” to go out. While it is perfectly acceptable for your puppy to relieve themselves during play or walks, explicitly separating the “bathroom” ritual is key to mastering the “asking” behavior.
This advanced stage of house training brings you closer to fully potty-trained success. Enjoy this next step in your puppy’s development!
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!
