I have a 5 month old gator Pit Bull mix. When I got him I was told he was house broken. However, ever since I have had him, he is persistent in pooping and peeing in both his crate and the rest of the house. How do I break his habits?
By j.w.roberts from San Antonio, TX
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Observe how much fluid intake the dog is getting and going by that, determines when to take the dog outdoors and walk it around a little in one area until the dog goes. A lot of times they want to mark their territory. Use that same area for bathroom duties. Use the same word "out" or "potty" and the dog will eventually understand what you are wanting it to do. Some dogs are more stubborn than others and it requires more time and patience, but don't give up. Reward the dog with a treat when it goes outdoors and tell him "good boy" each time.
If you catch the dog going in the house, say AHHH- AHHH and lead the dog away from the location and take it outdoors right away even if it's done it's business in the house.
Hello, how long is he in his crate? All day? He will need to go potty about 20 minutes after he eats or drinks.
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I have a 7 month old Pit Bull and I need help. I'm trying to potty train him, but he doesn't sit by the door or come tell me when he has to go. What can I do about that?
He does not poo in the house at all, but he still pees. He doesn't just stop and pee, he runs and pees. Then he goes into the kennel and goes there like it is the right thing to do. What can I do to stop this? Did I do something wrong? Help please.
By iyceon from Raleigh, NC
You shouldn't need to use commands to get your dog to "go".
Crate training, consistency and proper exercise should do it. People often forget about the long and brisk walks dogs need for proper exercise. They do help "move things along" like clockwork. If your walks are too short, you'll find your dog pooping in the house sometime after your walk. Brisk is also a key word there. Your heart rate should go up a little from the exertion if you're doing it right.
You also should be consistent about the feedings and snacks. Your dog should get regular snacks because a once a day food really isn't good for their metabolism (or yours). Keep them regular and allow adequate time for digestion before you expect the dog to be "going".
It might be convenient for you to get up at 7am and spend a minute or two out with the dog for them to pee; then feed them while you shower. If you take a 10 minute shower; you can't expect your dog to be able to poop while you run him out before you rush off to work. Something like that is setting you and the dog up for failure because you aren't being realistic.
Even with a morning snack, you want to allow at least 30-45 mins of relaxation after feeding and before a good 15 min minimum brisk walk to allow them time to "go" as you'd like.
Likewise, you want to give all the water the dog wants, but if your dog falls just short of being able to wait till morning to pee; you have to see about getting up a little earlier or slightly decreasing the water before bedtime.
It's consistancy, a little planning, and some observation on your particular dog and you'll both be trained in no time. (01/28/2008)
By D
Be very consistent. I am having a housebreaking issue with my two new Pit Bull puppies. Don't scold the dog for going in the house. That only makes them scared and want to hide and go to the bathroom. I am learning that it takes a lot of time and patience. I use a product called Simple Solution to remove the odor from my carpets and that seems to work pretty well. Hang in there! (02/10/2008)
By Pit Bull Lover
One of the best pieces of information about training I ever received when I rescued a pup was this: "If you think she has to go out, she has to go out." No playing outside, just the reason you're there. And, most importantly, be patient. (07/02/2010)
By Debbie
How do you house train a Pit Bull puppy?
h.viveros1 from Monroe, NC
The same way you train every other puppy? Take the pup out regularly and give it the command to potty. I use the word Piddle since not much else sounds like it. Say something like "Rover, piddle." Don't yell it, but don't ask either. Keep saying it until he goes. When the puppy does go, praise him a lot, make over him and say something like "Good piddle, Rover!" When he comes back inside give him a dog biscuit or a good rub at least. Eventually the dog will learn that when you say piddle he'd better do his business.
If there is an accident inside the house, don't rub his nose in it, that's just an old wives tale. Don't hit him with a rolled up paper either. Unless you actually catch him midstream, keep quiet about it.
Most of all, be patient. Just because a dog looks full grown doesn't mean it's not a puppy. Some dogs can't hold it very long and if they get excited can't hold it at all. Also, if the dog was from a kennel he may take longer to learn because he went in his cage and he thinks that is normal. If it's a male, make sure to get him neutered. It's hard to fight the natural urge to mark territory! (10/17/2007)
By Amy
Train your pit bull pup the same way you crate train every dog - with some patience and discipline on your part, and with the use of a few items if you can get them - ideally a crate, and perhaps puppy pads if you find them useful.
The first thing to remember is that you pup doesn't know what it's doing yet, so make sure to stay patient! Don't get upset when you pup invariably makes mistakes.
Get your pup on a regular schedule by taking it outside several times a day, and praising it when you see it go outside. Give it a treat the first few times to reward it further.
When inside, keep your pup within a fairly restricted area in your house to keep an eye on it. As you get to know your dog, you'll identify certain behaviors that indicate you dog is getting ready to go - like sniffing a certain way, or walking around in circles for a few moments (my dog did that as a pup.)
If you see your pup go in the house, don't rub it's nose in it - the puppy will not understand why you are doing it. Say, "No!" in a firm voice, and take the pup outside.
When you are not able to keep an eye on your pup, I recommend crating him - dogs naturally den in small spaces and will feel more comfortable in your absence.
Dogs will not go in the same place they den so they will usually not go in the crate. Be sure to take it outside immediately after letting it out of it's crate and praise heavily when the pup does go outside.
If you want more tips on raising a pup and training your dog, check out the website I run at http://www.dogexpert.info
(10/17/2007)
By Sebastian
