Dog Community

Yard training after always getting a walk

bp32

Posted : 4/9/2007 7:10:01 PM

My wife and I are trying to get our dog of 2 years to go to the bathroom in our backyard rather than needing to be taken for a regular walk twice a day. So far he is resistant as he doesn't want to go out unless you grab the leash and put on things like a coat, hat, etc--so he knows its a walk in other words.

He has had an accident lately where he peed and had a boul movement in the house after we left for an hour in the evening. He had been walked that night but not that morning, so we think he just isn't going enough in the yard since he likely thinks he will just wait for his walk.

Any suggestions on how to a) get him out to the yard without faking that he is going for a walk and b) getting him to go enough in the yard so that he isn't going to have an accident in the house?

Thanks!

snownose

Posted : 4/9/2007 8:06:11 PM

Just think of how you house trained your dog to begin with.
You might have to fake it for a while, until your dog understands "Putting shoes and coat on means going outside to potty". Praise your dog when it gets it right, and make it an exciting, positive time to go out in the yard to go "Potty".
Eventually, just clapping your hands and saying "Potty " will be the green light for your dog.........

mudpuppy

Posted : 4/12/2007 10:27:34 AM

I don't like to pick up poop, so I get the dogs to go in the yard before going for a walk. You could insist the dog go in the yard before taking him for a walk-- get all set for your walk, and then walk him around the yard on leash until he goes (this might take some time the first few attempts), then reward, reward, reward, and then take the walk. After awhile you could fade out the walk part, and then fade out the "fake walk" part.
Although I do hope that your goal isn't to completely stop walking him? dogs need regular daily exercise.

Ixas_girl

Posted : 4/12/2007 11:39:54 AM

One thing you could add to what mudpuppy said is to say "hurry up" when you're in the yard, and then "good hurry up" with treats when the dog relieves. It's a way to hook a cue to it, so when you put the dog out back, you say "hurry up" to cue her. Worked like a charm for me. And, yes, you have to be patient, but it's worth it!

ORIGINAL: mudpuppy
Although I do hope that your goal isn't to completely stop walking him? dogs need regular daily exercise.

I was thinking that, too.