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Training your dog to pee or poop on command could be the difference between standing in the rain forever or getting in out of the rain quickly.
It will take a little bit of time for your dog to associate the behavior that you’re after, but the end result will be worth it!
Why Going On Command Is Good
This little trick comes in handy at the following times:
- When it’s raining (or snowing) outside and you don’t want your dog (or you!) to get too wet or cold.
- If your dog is still having issues going potty inside your house.
- When you’re in a hurry and only have a little bit of time to get your dog outside to do his business.
When training your dog to pee or poo on command, you need to have your dog on a leash each time he goes outside (just until he learns to go on command). Also, make sure you have some of your dog’s favorite treats in your pocket.
Here’s how to do it…
Pick A Cue Word
When your dog starts to sniff around looking for a place to poop, or if he starts circling, immediately use a cue word. A cue word can be anything you want to use that lets your dog know it’s time to go.
Examples of some good cue words are:
- “get busy”
- “go outside”
- “go potty”
- “pee quick”
Just remember not to use that cue word in your everyday conversation — because if your dog hears it said in everyday conversation, it will not be effective as a cue word that signals going pee or poop on command.
Praise, Treat, & Repeat The Cue Word For A Job Well Done
Once your dog starts to go potty, stop saying the cue word. In fact, stop talking altogether! The reason? If you talk to your dog while he is going potty, he will most likely stop and concentrate on you instead of what he should be doing.
The second your dog has finished his business, immediately praise and reward him with a treat. At the same time, repeat your cue word over and over again, “Good get busy! Did you get busy?! Good get busy!”
At the same time, continue praising your dog and giving him treats.
From that point forward, remember to only use that cue word when you truly want your dog to pee or poop on command.
Now, See How It’s Done…
Here’s another similar way to do the same thing:
When he does go to the bathroom say “good potty, good, good potty” the WHOLE time they are relieving themselves. Pet the dog when they finish, and reward them with a few minutes off leash in a fenced area or a few minutes of play. Repeat at least twice a day, waiting for the dog to poop or urinate, and then praising them with the word when they successfully go. After several days (a week to 10 days for puppies), start giving your dog the command as soon as you arrive at an appropriate spot. Praise the dog if they go on command. If not, continue above method until the dog associates the command with the action. Source
As you know from dog housebreaking 101, you need to establish lots of potty breaks, always supervise your dog, and confine your dog to a limited area. Training your dog to pee or poop on command will be yet another useful tool for housebreaking your dog.
I have 2 Miniature Pinschers. My husband and I consider them our 4-legged kids.
