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My dog goes inside. How do I teach her to signal for potty breaks?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 4 months old

Dog won't let us know when she needs to go outside. She just goes in the house but she will go outside if we take her. She just doesn't tell us. 1 year old doxie.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Bette Isacoff

Dog Trainer

Published on January 20th, 2017

It sounds as if Lily needs a refresher course in housebreaking! Put her on a leash and take her outside to her designated spot. Do not walk around. Just stand there and repeat "go outside" or a similar phrase. As soon as she starts to go, repeat "go outside" and praise "good dog!" as she goes. When she is finished, bring her directly back inside. If she does not go after a reasonable amount of time, bring her in but do not remove the leash. Attach it to your belt loop and keep her with you. When you see her start to circle or sniff, take her right outdoors again and repeat the process. If she does mess in the house, do not scold her unless you actually catch her in the act. In that case, say "NO!" and take her right outside so she can finish her business there. Tell her to "go outside" and praise as she finishes. Keep her on the leash, or in her crate, at all times until she starts to let you know she has to go. For further assistance with this, click on the prompt to initiate a consult.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I recommend crate training Lily. It allows you to keep an eye on her for signs that she has to go potty, and will teach her to hold it until you put her outdoors. The crate needs to be big enough for her to stand up, turn around, and lie down, but it should not be big enough for her to go potty in. Signs that she needs to potty include sniffing at the ground, circling, and whining. When you see those signs, take her outside to potty immediately. Also make sure to take her outside 15-20 minutes after meals, first thing when Lily wakes up in the morning, after each time she wakes up from a nap, and right before bed.

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