How to train an adult dog to urinate and defecate outside?

Whether it is a newly adopted adult dog that has not yet adapted to the family rules, or a well-behaved dog that suddenly has a problem with defecation indoors, it concerns the owner. Training adult dogs to defecate outdoors is not just a simple hygiene requirement. It carries the owner's concern for the dog's health and is an important cornerstone for building a harmonious life between people and pets. The persistence and guidance in each training are the silent expression of the owner's deep love for the dog. ​

The digestive system and excretion rules of adult dogs have unique biological characteristics. Under normal circumstances, adult dogs defecate 1-2 times a day and urinate 3-5 times. The body will have a strong need to excrete 20-30 minutes after eating, when waking up, and after strenuous exercise. This is because the gastrointestinal motility speeds up after eating, pushing food residues downward; the body's metabolism becomes active again when waking up; exercise promotes blood circulation and metabolism throughout the body, accelerating the excretion of waste. At the same time, dogs have an innate sense of territory. They are accustomed to defecate in places marked with the same scent, and "communicate" with other dogs through pheromones in urine and feces to mark their own sphere of influence. Understanding these rules is like mastering the "key" to training, which allows us to accurately grasp the golden opportunity for training. ​

Establishing a regular routine is the first task of training. Fixing the daily feeding, walking and resting time is like setting a precise "biological clock" for the dog's life. For example, feed on time at 7 o'clock in the morning every day, and take it out half an hour after feeding when the dog's stomach begins to become active; repeat this process again at 12 noon and 6 o'clock in the evening. At the beginning, the dog may resist because of discomfort, but the owner needs to remain firm and patient, repeating day after day, so that the dog gradually forms a conditioned reflex. Over time, the dog will have a need to defecate at a fixed time, and establish a natural connection between the outdoors and defecation.

It is also crucial to select a suitable defecation site. The ideal defecation site should be away from noisy streets and crowded areas, and choose a quiet, clean and well-ventilated place, such as a grassy corner of a community, a secluded trail in a park. These places can not only relax the dog, but also meet their preference for scent marking. After determining the location, take the dog there every time you go out so that it can get familiar with the smell and environment here. When the dog shows signs of defecation, such as lowering its head to sniff the ground, turning in circles, pacing back and forth, etc., keep quiet and avoid making loud noises or frequently walking around to disturb it. Once the dog successfully completes the defecation, immediately give it warm praise, praise it in an excited tone "well done", and hand it delicious snacks as a reward, such as frozen chicken, beef cubes, etc. This immediate positive feedback allows the dog to closely connect outdoor defecation with a pleasant experience and strengthen correct behavior. ​

It is inevitable to encounter setbacks during training. The dog may be reluctant to defecate outdoors, or have an accident when returning home. If the dog does not defecate outdoors, don't rush to take it home. You can continue to walk around for 10-15 minutes to give it enough time and opportunities. If it still doesn't work, don't show disappointment or anger. Take it home calmly and temporarily confine it to a smaller activity area, such as a fence or a separate room, to prevent it from defecating at will at home. Wait for the next expected defecation time and take it out again. When a dog defecates at home, be sure not to beat or scold it, because punishment will only make the dog fearful, and may even cause it to choose a more secluded place to defecate, increasing the difficulty of training. At this time, use a gentle tone to stop it, and then use a professional pet deodorant to thoroughly clean the excrement, eliminate the smell, and avoid the residual smell attracting the dog to defecate here again. If the dog defecates frequently at home, the owner needs to reflect on whether the training method is appropriate, whether the daily routine is reasonable, and adjust the strategy in time. ​

Each dog is a unique individual, and the differences in personality and past experiences determine that the training method cannot be generalized. For adult dogs with sensitive and timid personalities, new environments can easily make them feel uneasy and resist defecating outdoors. The owner can carry a familiar toy or blanket for the dog, so that the familiar smell can give it a sense of security; when going out, interact with it more gently, call its name softly, and stroke its back. For dogs who have had unpleasant experiences when defecating outdoors, such as being frightened by sudden noises, training should be more gradual. Start with a familiar environment close to home, and gradually expand the range of activities to help it rebuild confidence in outdoor defecation. ​

The road to training adult dogs to defecate outdoors may be long and difficult, and there will be confusion, fatigue and frustration during the process, but when you see the dog go from the initial ignorant resistance to actively running to the door to indicate that it wants to go out to defecate, and looking at the owner with expectant eyes, all the efforts will instantly turn into sweet fruits. This process not only makes the home environment clean again, but also deepens the trust and tacit understanding between the owner and the dog through repeated interactions and companionship.