My dog never goes outside, what can I do?

T
Tadd Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’ve seen a few threads about this same issue but none of them have really given me a solution.

I have a 3-and-a-half-month-old puppy who absolutely never does his business outside and I’m starting to get worried. I think it’s only happened once or twice since I got him. I understand the basics of puppy training—essentially letting him know what’s good and what isn’t—but in these circumstances, it’s going to be hard for him to understand that he needs to go outside.

I’ve tried everything to catch him out:

- Taking him out, letting him drink when we get back in, then taking him straight back out again (which is when he usually goes).

Result: Either he manages to go in a flash before I can get him back out, or he holds it in once we're outside and waits until we're back home to go.

- Very long walks in the park or around the estate where I live with plenty of water and play.

Result: He holds it the whole time and then goes in his usual spot as soon as we get back inside.

- Pouring a bit of bleach at the foot of a tree he knows well.

Result: He sniffs the spot enthusiastically but doesn't do anything.

- Cleaning his "wee spot" with vinegar. Result: no difference.

- I’ve tried saying "go potty" every time I see him going, hoping he'll associate the command with doing his business. Result: No matter how much I repeat it once we're outside, he couldn't care less.

It’s worth noting that he manages to hold it when I leave him alone for several hours during the day in his room, only to go in his usual spot as soon as I get back. He seems to have understood the concept of house-training, just in the wrong place!

Do you have any other methods that might make a difference?

Should I scold him when I catch him going indoors?

Or do I just have to wait until he finally decides to get the hang of it?

I’m a bit at my wits' end :/

Thanks in advance for your help.

Translated from French
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17 answers
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    • Bobkat
    Bobkat Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there! What I’d do is keep a close eye on him if he won’t go in front of you lol – yeah, sounds a bit psycho put like that! But basically, as soon as he starts to pee, I'd scoop him up straight away. That usually stops the flow, then I'd pop him outside to show him that’s where he should be doing it!! If he does finish off outside, make sure you give him loads of praise. He’s still young but he’ll get there, there's no reason why he won't. And definitely no puppy pads – it’s the best way to make sure he never understands that he's meant to go outside!!
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Puppy pads are almost always a bad idea because dogs that are trained on them often never become fully house-trained. Unless you consider a two-year-old dog that still pees indoors when left alone for just two hours to be "trained". It’s much better to spend six months cleaning up accidents and then never have to do it again, rather than doing it for the rest of its life.

    Everyone has their own definition of house-training, but for me, if a dog goes indoors, it isn't trained. As for your puppy, he’s only three and a half months old, so you need to be patient. If it’s a young male, hormones usually help them want to go outside once they hit puberty. Besides, dogs often aren't fully house-trained until they’re 4 or 5 months old, and for some, it can take up to 9 months. If you have a garden, get them playing for a good long while, with a ball or something similar, or just spend plenty of time outdoors.

    Moving around generally gets things moving, if you know what I mean. If the puppy is being stubborn, take a day off and don't give up, even if it means spending six hours or more outside—just make sure to bring some water with you. In these cases, patience is the name of the game, and it can take a really long time. Most importantly, give them heaps of praise for the slightest success outside. Since he's struggling, don't just use a bit of kibble; use something high-value and really tasty, like two or three cocktail sausages (it’s not the healthiest treat, but it’s only temporary).

    There’s also no point in punishing a dog for having an accident indoors. However, if they start playing with the mop or anything like that, it's important to put them outside or in another room.

    Best of luck!!!!

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    Miss Sunshine
    Miss sunshine Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there. My sister recently had the same issue with her dog. You just need to train him to use a puppy pad, which is specially designed for them to do their business on. It’s perfectly normal if he’s a bit reluctant at first. You can try putting a little bit of his urine on it to encourage him. I hope this helps!
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    Docline
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    Don’t react to any accidents in the house; it will only cause unnecessary stress and make the problem worse. Spend more time near trees or other spots where you see other dogs cocking their legs. Give the other dog some praise and let your puppy have a good sniff (just the pee, mind you!). And just be patient...
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    As AMD said, your pup probably doesn't feel very confident outdoors. Perhaps you're even subconsciously putting a bit of pressure on yourself and your dog is picking up on it and freezing? Try to stay relaxed when you're out. If he has an accident in the house, a firm “no” and then straight outside (I’m sure you know that already, just a reminder!), but don't put too much pressure on yourself – some dogs are just a bit slower off the mark than others. I'm no Husky expert, so there's that, but I assume they're much like any other breed in that regard? As for the outings, keep going every two hours, or even more frequently depending on his rhythm, then gradually increase the gaps. But like AMD said, it might be worth letting him stay in a quiet spot where he can sniff around at his own pace; lead training and toilet training at the same time isn't always easy for them.
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    Gigi397
    Gigi397 Icon representing the flag French
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    🤷 Hi Tadd, have you tried using a little treat?

    Put one in your pocket and take your little rebel outside, then tell him 'go wee' again while pretending to reach into your pocket. He’ll be eager for his treat then, so say 'wee' and tap your pocket. If he’s being really stubborn, you can try gently pressing his lower tummy—he won't be able to hold it in then. If he manages it, give him a stroke, say 'well done!' and then give him the treat.

    Good luck Tadd! 😁 gigi397

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    He probably feels more secure indoors... for some pups, it just takes a bit of time before they’re comfortable going outside. Try finding a quiet spot outdoors before you start your walk or any games. Also, is he on a lead? That can make it harder for some of them to relax enough to go. Don't stare at him either – we sometimes do it without even realising, and it can unsettle the puppy as they pick up on the tension... And definitely don't scold him; it's completely pointless.
    Translated from French

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