House training a dog or housebreaking a dog is the process in which you teach your canine buddy to eliminate at a proper, desired spot (whether indoors or outdoors) and on a schedule you have chosen.

He must learn to keep control until you are able to take him to his potty location. Once he has mastered this task, he should refrain from relieving himself inside your home or any other in appropriate locations.

House training a dog


In the wild, dogs are den dwellers. They mate, socialize with fellow pack members, hunt for food, and relive themselves outside their dens. Den dwellers will never soil their own nests, and it’s this prime reason why house training a dog can easily be accomplished.

Puppies usually need to eat several times a day. Puppies also need to eliminate about 10-20 minutes after eating, waking up, or playing—also after a long time in confinement. Take advantage of these canine habits to improve "dog toilet training" behaviors. If possible, an adult should be available to direct a young puppy where to go outdoors and what kind of surface to go on (grass, concrete or gravel). The secret to successfully housebreaking your adult dog or puppy relies on one being consistent, persistent and patient. Dogs are naturally clean creatures, so once they get the message, they will be happy to oblige.

An older dog not properly house trained can be taught "how to" by using the same methods used to house train a puppy. Older dogs do not need to eliminate as often as a pup. They can hold their bladder and bowel for a reasonable length of time. While a puppy will be more responsive to training, it could take a bit longer to house train an older dog. However, there’s no rule that says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Direct your older dog or puppy in the morning, after meals, and at night to the location where you want him to relieve himself, and wait till he completes his business. While indoors, keep a watchful eye on your dog. If you notice him sniffing around or in the process of eliminating, make a startling and distracting noise, like clapping your hands repeatedly, to interrupt and stop him. Immediately pick him up or lead him outside to his potty spot, along the way say the word “outside” to him in a stern, but not too harsh tone of voice. Allow him to relieve himself, then praise him happily. When you can’t devote the time to watch Fido indoors, consider confining him to his crate, the laundry room or a bathroom.

Whether it’s a young puppy or an older dog, establish a strategy that works for you and follow a consistent plan to effectively housebreak your canine companion. For example:

  • Select the desired spot to allow your dog to relieve himself
  • Set up a proper eating plan
  • Confine your dog to one area
  • Set a regular feeding, watering and walking schedule
  • Use correction
  • Eliminate scent-posting odors

Gear up for success! Ensure to have some of these helpful dog housebreaking equipment or tools that will simplify training: a crate, leashes, plastic bags, scoopers, digester, dog urine cleaners or doggie “accident” cleaning aids, absorbent training pads, exercise pens, doggie doors, fencing, tie-outs, dog runs and dog clothing for outdoors. Good Luck!