I have trained all the dogs I have had to go in a preferred spot. It was pretty easy.
Here is how I did it.
Choose a command that the dog will understand I use “time to go potty” Make sure to use this command consistently.
When your dog shows signs of needing to go potty attach a leash to his collar, take him outside and lead him to the area. Give the command “time to go potty”.
Take the dog to the spot first thing when letting him outside and don’t let him run around to play in the yard until he’s done his business–keep him leashed. This teaches him to get his business done right away and will pay off for you down the road.
Each time the dog performs within the area, give lots of happy praise, playful pats and a treat. Whenever he shows signs of wanting to go in an area that’s off limits, say “no” or “not there” and lead him to his area.
there’s a slip, give no praise, no treat, no attention and no play. Make sure to clean up immediately and water the area well so he won’t smell that spot.
Being consistent and watchful is key and you’ll have to hover over your dog and keep him leashed when outside for a couple of two weeks to make sure he consistently goes in that spot. After two weeks you can try letting the dog out without his leash and watch. If he goes directly to his spot first to take his potty break, you know the training is working. If not, keep the leash on for another week and then try without the leash again.
After a solid four weeks of perfect performance and close monitoring, you can relax and be confident that the habit is being set successfully. Still keep your eye out though and correct mistakes immediately. Be sure to keep the assigned area clean. Dogs aren’t too happy tip toe-ing through stacks and piles of poo and urine. They like their bathroom areas clean like we do. During training you’ll want to keep a scoop or two within the area so the dog has an idea where to go, but be diligent in keeping the rest of the area clean. Water the urine spots well with water and scoop the poop as it happens, do a daily cleaning and watering if possible. After the habit has been set, you’ll still need to do your part in maintaining the potty area or the dog will start looking elsewhere to do his business.
Take regular walks with your dog so that he’s also accustomed to doing his business in back alleys or side roads and fields. The one thing you don’t want to do is train your dog to think that there is only one spot he can ever go to the bathroom. This will be a real problem if you travel with him or have him stay elsewhere when you’re away–the dog will suffer and absolutely not go potty until his body physically forces him to. The idea is to teach your dog there’s only one place in the yard he can go, not just one place no matter what.
. Purina dog chow and lots of poop it is. Tried getting them to go in the weeds, and sometimes they do. They aren't the most ambitious creatures, and sometimes don't feel like walking that far. And forget it in the rain.
