Housetraining a puppy presents its own challenges, but what about retraining an older dog, like my 7-year-old Maddie, to use a designated potty spot on a balcony? It might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and plenty of patience, it’s entirely achievable. My goal was to provide Maddie with a convenient outdoor option for when I was at work all day, and to avoid late-night trips down 17 floors.
This guide will walk you through How To Train Dog To Pee On Balcony, based on my successful experience. If you’re also considering more elaborate setups, you might find tips on making an outdoor dog litter box helpful.
Pick a Consistent Potty Spot
Introduce the fake grass patch in its permanent location on your balcony. Moving it around can confuse dogs, as they associate specific spots with their potty area. Consistency from the start helps your dog quickly learn and accept the new designated space.
Establish a Strict Potty Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. For the first week of training, I consistently took Maddie to the fake grass at her usual potty times – before breakfast and dinner, and before bedtime. Even putting on her collar and leash helped simulate a regular walk, reinforcing the routine of going to the balcony for her potty breaks.
Utilize a Specific Command
A clear verbal cue is invaluable. My dog already associated phrases like “go outside” or “need to pee” with potty time. I consistently used the command “go pee” every time she relieved herself successfully during walks. This helped her connect the specific action of peeing with that verbal command, which was then transferred to the balcony spot.
Incorporate Natural Scents and Elements
To make the artificial setup more appealing, integrate familiar outdoor elements. I gathered wood chips and real grass from areas Maddie frequently used outdoors and sprinkled them over the fake grass. This provided a natural scent cue. Crucially, I also lined the fake grass with a pee pad that had absorbed some of Maddie’s urine from a previous outdoor trip. This familiar scent strongly encouraged her to use the designated balcony spot.
Fake grass patch on a balcony with real grass and sticks sprinkled on top
Use Kibble for Scent Association
Dogs often sniff and circle before relieving themselves. Placing kibble around and on the fake grass patch encourages this natural behavior. As your pup sniffs for the kibble, they will encounter the familiar scents you’ve added, further reinforcing the idea that this specific area is their designated potty spot.
Reinforce with Enthusiastic Praise
Positive reinforcement is paramount. Praise your dog enthusiastically every single time they use the fake grass successfully! This strong positive association builds confidence and makes them more likely to repeat the desired behavior, even if it takes a few tries for the habit to fully form.
Cultivate Patience and Consistency
Patience is key, especially with older dogs learning new tricks. It took Maddie four mornings to finally use the fake grass after holding her pee for nearly 12 hours. While I don’t recommend forcing a dog to hold it, her motivation to relieve herself, combined with consistent guidance, eventually led to success. Progress may not be linear; sometimes a normal walk is still needed, but persistent effort will pay off.
Long-Term Success: An Update
Maddie, now almost 11, continues to benefit from this training. We’ve transitioned to pee pads within a plastic tray on the balcony. Although she still prefers outdoor walks, she will readily use the balcony pee pad on command, accessed via her doggy flap. Her ability to signal her need to go and willingly use the balcony demonstrates the lasting impact of this consistent training approach.
Retraining an older dog to use a balcony potty is a journey requiring dedication and understanding, but as Maddie’s story shows, it is absolutely achievable. By following these steps – establishing routines, using clear commands, enhancing the potty spot, and offering consistent praise and patience – you can successfully teach your dog to pee on a balcony. This provides convenience for you and a comfortable, accessible solution for your furry companion.
