Potty training is one of the most challenging parts of dog ownership. However, some dog owners get lucky—they have dogs who naturally have both an instinct and willingness for cleanliness. These dogs instinctively want to go outside, and even a modest routine is enough to keep them on track. If you fall into this category, congratulations! But it’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean you did a great job potty training or that your dog respects you. It simply means you were fortunate to have a dog with these natural tendencies.

For many dog owners, though, the process is far more frustrating. Perhaps you rescued a dog or took in one that someone told you was already potty trained. You bring them home, only to find they’re having accidents all over the place. Most people feel upset and think they were lied to.

Your dog may have understood and respected the rules at their previous home, but they don’t understand or respect the rules at your house. I often compare this to the substitute teacher analogy.

Kids may behave perfectly for their regular classroom teacher. Before class, the teacher might tell the substitute, “Oh, my goodness, these kids are so well-behaved—you’re going to love them.” But as soon as the substitute steps in, the kids turn into little monsters. Why? The substitute lacks authority, and the kids behave differently because they don’t respect or understand the sub’s rules.

The same applies to dogs. A dog’s behavior can vary drastically depending on their environment and who is in charge. This is why your dog may behave perfectly at the shelter or in their old home, but struggle when they arrive at your house. It all comes back to respect and understanding your authority.

This article will outline the critical components of a successful potty training routine while explaining why respect is the key to making it work.

Respect: The Foundation of Successful Potty Training

Many dog owners already have routines in place—they feed their dog on a schedule, monitor indoor behavior, and take them outside regularly. Yet, accidents still happen. Why?

In most cases, the problem isn’t the routine itself—it’s a lack of respect. Some dogs understand the rules but choose to ignore them because they don’t see their owner as a leader.

If you’re a new dog owner, it’s possible you’re simply dealing with routine issues. Fixing these routine problems should resolve the situation quickly. However, if you correct the routine and are still struggling with accidents, it’s likely a respect issue. That’s when it’s time to go through my Perfect Dog Boot Camp Program. By the end of training, you’ll have a clear and firm understanding of everything that needs to be done to successfully potty train your dog.

My techniques are designed to establish respect and leadership, creating a foundation where potty training routines finally work.

Step 1: Build a Consistent Routine

A strong routine is essential for potty training success. Dogs thrive on structure, and a predictable schedule helps them learn when and where they should go.

• Scheduled Meals and Water: Feed your dog and provide water at the same times every day. This consistency regulates their bathroom schedule.

• Take Them Out Immediately: Take your dog outside right after meals, using a consistent command like “Go potty” or “Do your business.”

• Account for Activity: Dogs often need to go after walks, playtime, or other physical activity. Plan to take them out during these times.

Step 2: Limit Indoor Freedom

During potty training, your dog should not have free rein inside the house. Instead, they should always be:

1. Supervised closely,

2. On their bed,

3. Or in a properly sized crate.

Step 3: Temporarily Limit Feeding and Drinking

During potty training, it’s important not to leave unlimited access to food and water. Because dogs like to pee and poop shortly after eating or drinking, it’s going to be very difficult to manage their bathroom breaks if they are intermittently eating and drinking. If your dog doesn’t finish their food or water when you set it down, don’t worry – as they will start to finish their meals when they realize it’s going to disappear.

Why Limiting Freedom Can Be Challenging

I understand that limiting your dog’s indoor freedom can feel overwhelming. You may even feel bad about restricting your dog so much. However, the reality is, if you don’t take steps to restrict your dog’s behavior and freedom during potty training, the problem may never improve. This could lead to an endless cycle of frustration for both you and your dog.

When potty training fails to improve, it often becomes harder for dog owners to connect with their dog. This can increase the chances of wanting to rehome or surrender the dog. So ask yourself: Would you rather feel bad about restricting your dog temporarily, or would you rather feel bad because your dog is frustrating everyone and not getting the love they deserve?

With proper structure, your dog will learn the rules, gain freedom, and develop into the companion you’ve always wanted. That’s where my Perfect Dog Boot Camp Program can help. By the end of the program, you’ll know exactly how to handle these challenges and ensure your dog respects your authority.

Crate Training Tips

A crate should only be big enough for your dog to stand, spin, and lay down. If the crate is too large, dogs may pee or poop in one corner and lay in the other, defeating the purpose of the crate as a tool for teaching bladder and bowel control.

It’s also important to remember that crating your dog is only fair if you let them out regularly. Dogs need bathroom breaks throughout the day, especially during potty training.

What If My Dog Pees or Poops in the Crate?

Some dogs ignore their instincts to keep their “den” clean and will pee or poop in their crate. Often, this is a strategy to manipulate you into letting them out. This behavior is a clear sign of a stubborn dog who lacks respect for your authority.

Using my techniques in the Perfect Dog Boot Camp Program, I’ll teach you how to address this behavior and reestablish respect. Once your dog respects you as a leader, this issue typically resolves quickly, and you’ll leave the program with complete confidence in handling these situations.

Step 4: Look for Signs

Even with a routine, it’s important to watch for signs that your dog needs to go outside. Common signs include:

• Sniffing the floor or corners,

• Circling or pacing,

• Standing near the door or appearing restless.

These are not steadfast rules but general guidelines. Every dog typically develops their own unique routine, and their signs of needing to go out may look different. Some dogs may show subtle cues, while others are more obvious. Observing your dog and learning their specific patterns is key to successfully anticipating their needs.

When you notice these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately, even if it’s not part of their scheduled potty break.

Step 5: Use Verbal Cues and Praise

Verbal cues and positive reinforcement help solidify your potty training routine.

• Use Consistent Commands: Use phrases like “Do you need to go outside?” before taking your dog out.

• Celebrate Success with Verbal and Physical Praise: When your dog goes potty outside, praise them enthusiastically with your voice and physical affection, such as petting.

It’s important to note that positive reinforcement never involves treats. I have specific reasons for avoiding treats during training that I won’t go into right now, but know that verbal and physical praise are more than enough to encourage your dog to repeat the desired behavior.

Step 6: Consider Medical Issues

In my experience, behaviors like excited piddling or nervous piddling are often signs of a medical condition. These issues are frequently linked to bladder infections or weak bladder control muscles. If you’ve worked to establish a strong routine and your dog generally respects your authority but still struggles with accidents, consult your veterinarian. A medical evaluation can rule out underlying issues and help you take the next steps.

Step 7: Adjust the Routine for Persistent Issues

If you’re having significant trouble with potty training, a more controlled routine may be necessary. Here’s an example that works well for busy professionals:

1. One Meal Per Day: Feed your dog once a day, right after you get home from work or whatever best gives you the most time for your dog to have an easier time holding their pee/poop while you’re away for extended periods of time.

2. Controlled Water Access: Provide water alongside the meal but limit access afterward.

3. Frequent Potty Breaks: After feeding, take your dog outside every hour until bedtime.

4. Bedtime Prep: This ensures your dog has little to no waste in their system by bedtime, making it easier for them to sleep through the night without accidents.

5. Morning Potty Break: Take your dog out one final time before you leave for work, giving them a chance to relieve themselves before holding it during the day.

This Routine Is Not Permanent

This extreme routine is not meant to be permanent. As your dog begins to have zero accidents using this method, slowly extend the amount of time between potty breaks. Once your dog is consistently successful, return to feeding them twice a day. However, make sure they still have plenty of opportunities to relieve themselves before being left alone for 8 hours.

Even with this structured routine, stubborn dogs may still struggle. That’s why working with me is essential. My techniques will help you build the respect necessary to make routines like this successful. By the end of my Perfect Dog Boot Camp Program, you’ll have a clear and firm understanding of everything needed to maintain a happy, potty-trained dog.

Final Thoughts

While a strong routine is critical to potty training, respect is often the missing piece. Without it, even the best-laid plans can fail. My Perfect Dog Boot Camp Program is specifically designed to address this issue, teaching you how to establish leadership and gain your dog’s respect.

If you’re in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and struggling with potty training, I can help. Contact me today to learn how my proven techniques can create lasting change and make potty training a success for you and your dog. Together, we’ll build the foundation for a clean, stress-free home!