JSPCA HOUSE TRAINING FACT SHEET  

House training advice

For some owners, house training their newly adopted dog or puppy can often be very frustrating.  However, with careful supervision, time and patience, most young puppies or older dogs can be house trained in less than two weeks; puppies are naturally clean animals and with patience, will soon learn to relieve themselves outside.  

The single most important aspect of house training is for the owner to praise and reward the dog each and every time it performs in the chosen toileting area.  Always ignore any ‘mistakes’.  Dogs that are punished for inappropriate toileting may become fearful of performing in front of the owner, instead toileting in the owner’s absence or in a hidden area in the house; harsh reprimand will not be understood and will only cause nervousness and problems later.

Aside from house training a puppy, there may be other circumstances where a dog may need some re-training in house training, such as if a dog has spent a period of time in kennels.  

In all cases, the same house training programme can be adopted to achieve successful results.  If problems persist, it would be recommended that veterinary advice should be sought, to ensure that no underlying medical problems are present.

House training your dog: 

• Firstly it is important to develop a regular and consistent routine and identify the times when the dog needs to relieve himself

• With puppies, there is often a fairly set pattern to their toileting habits: puppies often need to relieve themselves first thing in the morning after waking, after each meal, after exercise or play and last thing at night.  

• Observe changes in behaviour which may suggest that he needs to relieve himself, such as sniffing the floor, circling, or whining. Whenever the puppy shows suggestive signs of needing the toilet, pick him, take him outside to the chosen toilet area and stay with him whilst he performs his task.  Then be generous with praise.

• Ensure that the puppy is carefully supervised during the times that he would normally relieve himself.  This means that he should not be out of sight at any time.

• Very few dogs, given the choice, will relieve themselves in their own sleeping area.

• In then evenings, encourage the puppy to sleep, waking him to go outside to toilet before leaving him overnight.  Gradually extend the period of time the puppy is left overnight in between toileting.

• During the day take him outside to the chosen area every hour; young puppies cannot go more than a few hours without relieving themselves.

• Wait with him quietly until he has performed. It is important to reward him at the right time.

Please note: if he has been scolded for going to the toilet in the house, it may be necessary for the owner to hide at a discreet distance as he may associate toileting in front of the owner with punishment. 

• When the puppy goes, praise him generously but quietly so as not to overwhelm him and offer a tasty titbit or remain outside using play as a form or reward.

• If the puppy asks to go out and does not perform within three minutes, take him back inside, withholding any form of praise and pace him in an area where he would not choose to go to the toilet.  Leave him for an hour and take him outside again, praising him if he performs.

• Do not instigate free play until the puppy has performed.

• Introduce a 'toilet' word to say when the dog toilets, such as 'do your business', 'toilet' or 'be quick', followed by praise.  Soon he will associate the chosen word with the action of relieving himself.

• Once the puppy has an accident indoors, the soiled surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly with a biological (non-ammonia) detergent to discourage him from repeating the behaviour.  It may be necessary to restrict the puppy's access to these areas.

• Check the consistency of his bowel movements to ensure they are solid.  It is important to find a diet which suits your dog and meets his nutritional requirements.  If in doubt, discuss this with your veterinary surgeon.

Please remember always take a poop scoop when taking your dog out for house training and walks.  It is a legal obligation in Britain to clean up after your dog in public places.

Many 'mistakes' that occur are due to the owner's inability to supervise the puppy closely or recognise the puppy's toileting needs.

JSPCA working to

“prevent cruelty, promote knowledge, provide for aged, sick, lost and unwanted animals.”

Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Inc.)

Founded 1868 – Incorporated 1936

89 St Saviour’s Road, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4GJ         

Tel: 01534 724331          Fax: 01534 871797

E-mail: info@jspca.org.je          Website: www.jspca.org.je

References and further reading:

• Dogs Trust (National Canine Defence League) – Housetraining fact sheet