Dogs often have free reign over the backyard when doing their business. Unchecked freedom can make things a bit messy. Their urine can discolor grass, and there’s a fair chance you’ll misstep one day and find your foot planted in a doggie landmine. Although unpleasant, there’s a solution.
Pick Your Target
When you’re dog has to ‘go,’ try to guide them to the area you want them and away from the most traversed areas. You’re going to want to tailor the chosen field to their size (a smaller domain for a little dog, a larger space for a bigger dog).
If you notice your dog has a routine area it gravitates to try to keep them doing so as long as it adheres to whatever conditions you have for yard usage.
Maintain Clean
No one likes a clogged toilet. Does your dog heavily bomb certain areas of the yard? If so, they might choose another spot to ‘go.’ As much as you’re able, keep the space that they usually go to clean by keeping the number of landmines minimal.
Basic Training
Put your dog’s leash on and take them out to do their business. Prompt your dog with whatever you usually say. Lead the dog to the spot you want them. Give the command and then reward them if they’ve followed instructions!
Zeroing In
Well-trained dogs know it’s a ‘no-no’ to potty in the house. The point is when you’re training your dog, keep them on a leash. Guide them to the spot you’ve chosen and wait for your doggie to go. As an alternative, enclose the area where you want them to relieve themselves. You can let them out afterward.
Positive Reinforcement
Have they followed your instructions? Did they potty on command and the right location? Great! Gift them by unleashing them and letting them play. Not ready to go yet? No problem. Follow the same procedure when you re-attempt later. However, remember not to reward your dog unless they’ve gone and in the place that you’ve designated.
Body Language
While outside, pay attention to dog behaviors like sniffing, pacing, or spinning. These are indicators that they’re ready to pee or poop. You’ll want to be near so you can guide them to the spot you want them. Should they do either in the wrong place, try to steer them in the right direction. If they’ve ignored instruction altogether, don’t reinforce the behavior with playtime. Only reward them when they’ve gone in the right spot.
Reinforcements
When your dog ignores the spot or spots you designate, clean up after them. There’s no need to punish them. You aim to teach and reinforce the behavior.
So if they do their business somewhere you don’t like, take them back inside. Your dog will associate playtime and rewards with going in the right spot. Not going in the right place means they’ll have to come inside.
Train the dog to respond to commands in this way. Then you can train them to ‘go’ on command in environments outside your home as well!
Source: thesprucepets.com