Toilet training

Toilet training a dog through reward-based, force-free, positive reinforcement involves encouraging desirable behaviour and rewarding successes. Establish a consistent bathroom break routine, ensuring your puppy has ample opportunities to relieve themselves in appropriate areas. When your dog toilets in a designated spot, immediately praise them enthusiastically and offer a treat as a reward.

This positive association reinforces the connection between the desired behaviour – toileting in the designated area – and the reward, encouraging your dog to repeat this behaviour.

Consistency is vital in reward-based, force-free, positive reinforcement toilet training. Take your dog to the designated toilet area frequently, especially after meals, waking up, or play sessions. Patience is crucial; accidents will happen during the learning process. If your puppy toilets inside, avoid punishment and redirect them to the correct area. Clean up accidents thoroughly to remove any lingering scent that might attract your dog back to that spot.

By consistently rewarding desired behaviours and remaining patient throughout training, you'll help your dog develop good outdoor toilet habits positively and effectively. In time, your dog will let you know when it needs to go outside. You can even train your dog to go to the toilet through a cue word or phrase – this is handy when travelling by car or on cold, rainy nights!