Dogs can be trained to pee on command. A dog that knows how to pee on command can be of big help to his master. Just like in teaching your dog other commands and tricks, you have to be consistent and patient during the whole training process.
- Establish a peeing schedule for your dog. Dogs usually pee upon waking up in the morning, after meals, after naps and before sleeping at night. Stick to this pee schedule to train your dog’s bladder.
- Use a leash. Get your dog a good collar and a long leash. Even if your backyard has a fence, you will need the leash as a training tool.
- Choose a command word or phrase. You can use “go pee,” “get busy” or simply “pee” to tell the dog to urinate. The shorter the command is the better for your dog. Be consistent in using the command so as not to confuse your dog.
- Bring your dog out to his pee area. When your dog wakes up in the morning, put a leash on him and walk him outside to his pee place. It is important for him to wear the leash so that you are always close to him and you can lead him to the exact area where he should relieve himself.
- Watch your dog. While outside, look for signs that your dog is about to urinate. He will start sniffing the ground, bushes, tree trunks and other objects in the area. Sniffing and pacing back and forth is usually a more accurate sign that your dog is ready to go. When he begins showing signs that he is ready to pee, say the command. Then repeatedly say the command while your dog relieves himself.
- Don’t speak while he pees. As soon as your dog starts urinating, keep quiet. Do not disturb him by making sounds with your hands, feet, or vocal chords. If he is disturbed, your dog may stop peeing.
- Praise and reward your dog. Once your dog is done, lavish him with praises. Make sure to give him a reward for the good job. A pat on the head or body, a scratch behind the ear or a rub down should suffice. An edible treat is not necessary. After all, your dog will need to pee anyway. Physical affection and verbal praise should be enough reward. Never delay the praise and/or reward. Otherwise, your dog will not make the connection between peeing at the time and the right place with the reward.
- Repeat. Do the same steps over and over each time you bring your dog out to pee until your dog can pee on command.
- Lose the leash. When you think your dog is ready, bring him out to the pee area without a leash and command him to pee. If he does well, praise and reward him. Otherwise, leash him again the next time you need to bring him out to pee and repeat the training.
Teaching your dog to pee on command can come in handy especially when you need him to urinate according to your schedule. If it is freezing outside or the rain is pouring down on the two of you, having a dog that pees on command will be a big convenience for you and for your canine pal.