Successfully housebreaking a puppy involves several stages, and this guide focuses on the crucial next step: teaching your puppy to communicate their need to go outside. This phase builds upon foundational training, ensuring your puppy not only understands the routine but actively signals their requirements. It’s essential to have completed the initial “house breaking 101” protocols before moving forward, ensuring there have been no accidents during the established schedule and your puppy may have already begun indicating a need to go out.
The Goal: Encouraging Communication
The primary objective of this advanced housebreaking phase is to foster the idea that your puppy can and should let you know when they need to relieve themselves. We achieve this by creating a scenario where the door to the outside is slightly ajar, prompting your puppy to realize they need your assistance to fully access the outdoors. This method encourages an active request rather than passive waiting.
An Add-On Procedure for Supervised Time
This technique is designed for times when your puppy is indoors with your supervision. Ensure this supervised period occurs in an area where your puppy has easy access to the door you consistently use for their potty breaks. This controlled environment allows you to effectively implement the training.
Let Your Pup Smell the Outside
During this transitional training period, keep the designated exit door slightly ajar. The opening should be just enough for your puppy to smell the outdoors, preventing them from leaving independently. For sliding patio doors, this is as simple as pulling the door open an inch or so. With standard swinging doors, an old-fashioned wedge-style stopper can be effective. Alternatively, a security door chain can be used to keep the door cracked open while maintaining security. Some owners have also installed security bolts in sliding doors to achieve the same “cracked open” effect without compromising external security.
Encouraging “Going Outside” Through Sensory Cues
Begin the “going outside ritual” each time your puppy shows interest in the outside air through the slightly open door. As they sniff, gently ask, “Do you want to go outside?” Pause for a moment, allowing your puppy to offer a signal. This might be a whine, a soft bark, or a paw at the door. If you observe your puppy moving away and intently sniffing the floor, it may be a sign they need to go. Gently guide them to the door and wait for their affirmative signal before opening it fully. Have your leash ready for an immediate transition outside, ensuring they go directly to the designated bathroom area under supervision.
Utilizing Bells for Notification
For those using hanging bells as a communication method, the procedure remains 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, bells should have been used consistently during the initial training phase so that they ring every time you take your puppy outside.
Dedicated Bathroom Trips Outside
It is crucial during this training phase to exclusively use the “outside” ritual for bathroom breaks. Avoid mixing “business with pleasure” by not playing extensively in the same area immediately after a potty break. This distinction is vital for solidifying the “ask to go out” skill. When your puppy requests to go outside, ensure they understand this is solely for relieving themselves. After they have finished, return inside. If you wish to engage in play, initiate a separate play session outdoors afterward. Avoid using the same phrase, “Do you want to go ‘outside’?”, for both bathroom trips and play sessions, as this can confuse the specific cue for a potty break.
It’s perfectly acceptable, and even encouraged, for your puppy to relieve themselves outside during playtime or walks. The explicit separation of the “bathroom” ritual from play and walk rituals serves to reinforce the prompt “do you want to go outside” and the skill of “asking” to go out.
Hopefully, this guide assists you in the next stage of your puppy’s training. You’re nearly there!
For further guidance, 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!
