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There are many different methods of toilet training a dog, and which is best depends on the owner’s situation.

An owner who is home all day has the advantage of being able to devote a lot of time initially to the task, with probably quicker results. However for working owners, who may find it necessary to leave their pet confined and unattended for 3 or 4 hours at a time, it will take a little longer.

The type of food and frequency of feeding influences the timing of when a dog needs to eliminate. Premium dog foods are highly digestible and can make toilet training much easier. Because they contain high quality ingredients, the dog requires less, meaning less frequent bowel movements and less stool volume.

A gastro-colic reflex takes place when a dog eats, i.e. when the stomach receives more food it sends a message to the bowel that it is time to eliminate as there is more on the way. This results in a dog usually having a bowel movement from 30 to 60 minutes after eating.

Puppies are best fed three times a day. The first feeding should be just after the puppy has been taken outside to urinate in the morning. The second should be mid-afternoon and the third at around 8 pm. Keeping a record of feeding times and noting when he eliminates will help you predict when to take him out for a bowel movement.

The most important aspect of toilet training a dog is to teach it to relieve itself in a specific area.

If the dog does not eliminate when you take him outside, confine him (either in a cage, or a flight kennel, or a small room) for around 30 minutes, and take him outside again.

Dogs usually urinate first and follow a short time later with a stool. When this is produced, don’t hold back on the praise! Tell him what a good dog he is, and reward him with a walk or outside play time. It is no reward to bring him back inside.

It will only be a matter of weeks before the puppy understands the reason for this praise, and a routine will be established. Only when this has occurred should you introduce food treats, which should be given immediately it has eliminated, on the spot. Don’t call the dog to you for the treat or it will think it is being rewarded for coming when called.

As mentioned earlier, the last feed should be at around 8 pm, which will make the morning elimination at a reasonable hour. Feeding a puppy at 5 pm will usually require a bowel movement at the unsociable hour of 4 am.

One technique that is growing in popularity is hanging a bell from the door handle of the door to outside. Give the bell a tinkle every time you open the door to go out. Clever puppies will watch and learn to ring the bell when they need to relieve themselves.

Lastly, and most importantly, owners should understand that when toilet training a dog, delayed punishment does not work. If you discover that your dog has had an accident, taking delayed action is counter-productive. Praise and reward desired behavior, ignore the accidents.

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