How do I get my dog to pee outside at a new house?

Answered by Frank Schwing

To get your dog to pee outside at a new house, it’s important to establish a routine and be consistent with your training. Dogs thrive on structure and repetition, so creating a set schedule for bathroom breaks will help them understand when and where they should eliminate.

Start by taking your dog out at the same times every day. This could include first thing in the morning when he wakes up, when you arrive home from work, and before you go to bed. By sticking to a consistent schedule, your dog will learn and anticipate these times for bathroom breaks.

When you take your dog outside, choose a specific spot in your yard where you want them to go. This will help them associate that area with bathroom breaks. It’s important to bring your dog directly to this spot rather than letting them wander around the yard. This will eliminate confusion and encourage them to go in the designated area.

When your dog eliminates outside, be sure to praise them lavishly. Positive reinforcement is key in training. Use a happy and excited tone of voice, and you can even give them a treat as a reward. This positive reinforcement will reinforce the behavior and make them more likely to continue eliminating outside.

If your dog has accidents inside the house, it’s important not to scold or punish them. This can create fear and anxiety, making it harder for them to learn. Instead, clean up the accident using an enzymatic cleaner to remove any lingering scent. This will help prevent your dog from being drawn back to that spot.

In addition to establishing a routine, it’s important to be patient and consistent with your training. Some dogs may take longer to adjust to a new house and understand the new rules. Stay calm and persistent, and eventually, your dog will learn to pee outside at the new house.

Personal Experience:
When I moved to a new house with my dog, I followed these steps to help her adjust to the new environment. At first, she seemed a bit confused and would have accidents inside the house. However, by establishing a routine and consistently taking her outside to the designated spot, she quickly learned where to go. I made sure to praise her enthusiastically every time she eliminated outside and rewarded her with treats. Within a few weeks, she was fully adjusted and consistently going outside to pee. It just took a little bit of patience and consistency.