Being a pet parent brings you lots of joy and happiness. But, all of them come with specific responsibilities too. One is to train your dogs to poop at a designated spot.
Dogs generally don't like to poop where they eat or sleep. So, the best place to train them is outdoors. But, sometimes, your dog might refuse to poop outside even after trying everything.
In this blog, we will discuss some potential reasons for this behavior and give tips on how to make your dog poop outside.
Why Does My Dog Refuse To Poop Outside?
There can be several reasons why your dog might refuse to poop outside. Some of the most common ones are:
- Your dog is not used to going outside to poop.
- Your dog is afraid of the outdoors.
- The weather is too cold or warm for your dog.
- There are too many people or animals around the designated potty spot.
- The grass on the ground is too long, or there are too many leaves around.
- Your dog doesn't like the potty spot you've designated for him.
- Your dog is ill or has some medical condition causing this behavior.
If your dog refuses to go outside, consider these possible reasons and see if you can fix the issue. This is because dog faces may host germs that are harmful to humans and resistant to a variety of antibiotics, as stated in a peer-reviewed study about "Environmental Contamination by Dog's Faeces: A Public Health Problem?" published at the National Institute of Health.
To learn more about germs that are harmful to humans, we recommend reading Dog Zoonotic Diseases.
How To Make A Dog Poop Outside
Take Your Puppy Outside Frequently
If your puppy is pooping inside, it is maybe because you don't take him out frequently enough. Dogs generally need to poop after they eat or drink. So, you should take your puppy for a potty break after every meal or drink.
Puppies also need to poop more often than adult dogs. So, you should take your puppy out every hour or two. Once your puppy gets used to this pooping schedule, you can increase potty breaks.
Pick One Potty Spot Outside
It's essential to pick one spot in the yard where you want your dog to poop outside. Once you've picked the spot, take your dog to that spot and let him sniff around.
When your dog poops in that spot, praise him and give him a delicious treat. This is a vital step in potty training your dog as it will help him associate pooping with getting a reward.
Tip: Positive reinforcement is the key to successful potty training. When you go anywhere with your dog, bring some dog treats with you. These are The Best Reviewed Pet Food Express Dog Treats.
Praise every Time Your Dog Poop Outside
It's important to praise your pet dog every time he poops outside. This is because dogs respond well to positive reinforcement than negative reinforcement.
So, whenever your dog poops outside, praise him enthusiastically. This will help him know that he's doing the right thing and will be more likely to do it in the future.
You can praise your dog by giving him treats, petting him, or just telling him he's a good dog. For this, we recommend, The Best Wellness Puppy Treats and The Top Ranking Puppy Treats.
When rewarding your dog, wait until he's finished pooping. Otherwise, he may think he's being rewarded for something else and get confused.
Keep A Consistent Feeding Schedule
Another vital thing you should do is to keep a consistent feeding schedule. This means feeding your dog at the same time every day. Feeding your puppy at the same intervals each day will increase the likelihood that they'll go to the bathroom consistently, making house training easier for both of you.
A consistent feeding schedule will help your dog know when it's time for a bathroom break. This will make it easier for your dog to hold it in until he can go outside.
Stop Feeding Your Dog 2 Hours Before Bedtime
Many dog owners are unaware that they should stop feeding their dogs 2 hours before bedtime. This is because many dogs poop during the night for several reasons, and if they have food in their system, they are more likely to poop inside. By stopping feeding your dog 2 hours before bedtime, you can help to reduce the chances of them pooping inside, as explained by Daily Puppy.
Additionally, if your dog does need to go to potty break during the night, it will be easier for them to hold it in until morning if they haven't eaten for a few hours. As a result, stopping feeding your dog 2 hours before bedtime can help to keep your house cleaner and your dog happier.
Take Your Dog Out One time At Midnight If Possible
One of the best things you can do when house training your dog is to take them out for bathroom breaks at night. Like humans, most dogs need to relieve themselves several times throughout the day. If they are stuck inside the home all day, they are likely to have accidents inside the house.
Taking them out on a leash at midnight gives them the chance to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom break in a safe place. It also allows you to bond with your dog and get fresh air. Just be sure to stay in well-lit areas and keep an eye on your dog at all times. If you can, take your dog out once at midnight. This will help him get into the habit of going out to poop at night.
Tip: Usually, puppies can sleep for about seven hours before they need to go to the bathroom. So, keep this timing in your mind when planning your regular schedule.
Supervise Your Puppy When You Are Around
Whenever your puppy is indoors, you should be actively supervising them. This means keeping an eye on them constantly and not allowing them to wander off or soil in the house.
When your dog needs to go out, it will show obvious signs, such as barking, circling, or sniffing around. As soon as you see these signs, grab the leash and take your puppy outside immediately.
Do not wait for your puppy to have an accident before you take him outdoors. By then, it will be too late, and your puppy will learn that it's okay to soil inside the house.
When You Can't Be Around, Confine Your Dog
House training a puppy or new dog can be difficult, especially when you're not there to supervise. If your dog is making progress with house training but still has accidents when you're not around, confining him to a smaller space may help. You can do crate training by using a crate or pen or blocking off a small house area with baby gates.
Tip: Buying one of these Best Reviewed Extra Small Dog Crates is recommended if you own a small dog.
If your dog refuses to go into a crate or pen, you can try putting his bed in the area you want him to stay in, along with some toys and bones. You may also need to use pee pads or newspapers if your dog refuses to go outside. With patience and consistency, crate training your dog when you can't be around will help him learn that he needs to hold it until you return.
Dress Your Pet When Needed
While some people may think dressing their pet is silly, there are a few good reasons to do so. For one, bad weather can be challenging for our furry friends. Smaller dogs, in particular, can get cold easily and benefit from a sweater or coat when it's chilly outside. This will help your dog to hold the bowel movements longer and avoid accidents.
Additionally, if you have a dog that likes to poop inside, dressing them in a cute outfit may help remind you to take them outside to do their business. No one wants their dog to poop inside so a little reminder can go a long way. Further, your pup will refuse to go to the bathroom when dressed.
So, as you see, dressing your pet can be helpful in potty training them. Be sure to choose a comfortable outfit that won't irritate your dog's skin.
Clean The Indoors Using An Odor Eliminator
If your dog prefers to do their business indoors, an enzymatic cleaner can be an excellent tool for keeping your home clean and odor-free. According to A-Z Animals, these cleaners break down the molecules (Proteins) that cause odors, making them a highly effective way to eliminate pet smells.
Generally, the likelihood of dogs urinating and pooping in the same spot again decreases when the area is cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner. As a result, your pet will be less likely to have accidents in the house if you use one of these cleaners after each potty break.
However, it's essential to choose the right cleaner for the job. Some enzymatic cleaners are designed specifically for dog urine, while others are more general. Read the label carefully to ensure you're using the right product for your needs.
If Your Puppy Poops More Than Usual, Take Him To The Vet
If your puppy is pooping inside more than usual, it's essential to ask for veterinary advice immediately. While puppy accidents are common, sudden changes in bowel movements can be a sign of a medical issue such as an intestinal disorder, spine injury, tail injury or/and anal gland disease, as stated in PetMD.
The vet will be able to check your puppy for any underlying medical problems and provide treatment if necessary. In the meantime, clean up urine and feces promptly and keep an eye on your puppy's bathroom habits.
Conclusion
Potty training a puppy or new dog can be challenging, but it's essential to be patient and consistent. Following this guide can help your dog learn to poop outside and keep your home clean and odor-free.
FAQ
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0="h2" question-0="How Can I Stimulate My Dog To Poop?" answer-0="You can try a few different things to persuade your dog to poop outside. To begin, take your dog for a walk or play with them to assist them in moving their bowels. You can also add a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to their food as a natural stool softener. Finally, if everything else fails, you can request a mild laxative from your veterinarian to assist your dog in pooping." image-0="" headline-1="h2" question-1="How Long Should It Take For A Dog To Poop Outside?" answer-1="It depends on the individual dog, but most dogs will learn to poop outside within a few weeks. However, some dogs may take longer, especially puppies. Be patient and keep up with the training; your dog will eventually learn to poop outside." image-1="" count="2" html="true" css_class=""]
