My puppy won't potty outside. How do I get him to go outdoors?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 5 days old | 10 lbs
My puppy Jesse is struggling to learn that going potty inside the house is bad. I’ve tried taking him out every time he tries to go, but once he is out there he won’t go. He was getting the hang of it for a short time but all of a sudden he was back to square one. How can I train him to want to go outside to go potty?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 5th, 2018
Put him on a leash and take him outside to his designated spot. Do not walk around. Just stand there and repeat "go outside" or a similar phrase. As soon as he starts to go, repeat "go outside" and praise "good dog!" as he goes. When he is finished, or if it appears that he is not going to go, bring him inside but do not remove the leash, e3ven if he has done his business. Attach it to your belt loop and keep him with you. Don’t let him out of your sight! When you see him start to circle or sniff, take him right outdoors again and repeat the process. If he does mess in the house, do not scold him unless you actually catch him in the act. In that case, say "NO!" and take him right outside. Tell him to "go outside" and praise as he finishes. Keep him in a crate at night, or for short periods when you are not at home. For further assistance, click on the prompt to start a consult, where we can discuss this at length.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 7th, 2019
I recommend crate training and neutering him. Intact males can be more difficult to housebreak than neutered males. https://www.petcoach.co/article/how-to-crate-train-your-dog/ Now, once your pup is adjusted to the crate and assuming he will not potty in the crate, you will do this: Use a leash or carry him directly from the crate to the yard. You need to avoid the opportunity for him to potty in the house. Give him 15 minutes outside. If nothing happens, use the leash or carry him from the yard and directly into the crate. Keep him in the crate for 30-45 minutes. Then use a leash or carry him directly outside. Repeat this until he eventually potties outside. As soon as he potties, praise and give treats. He needs to be rewarded so that he starts to understand. He can then have freedom in the house until you know he should need to potty again. Also, keep him on a leash in the house as this will prevent him from sneaking away. If he seems to be urinating frequently, have him checked by the veterinarian for something like a bladder infection. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 17th, 2016
Many puppies are a bit reluctant to potty outside when it's wet or snowy - understandably so! First, I would make sure that you are rewarding Miller with a treat immediately when he does use the bathroom outside - this will help to motivate him to potty quickly every time you take him out, rather than becoming distracted by other things. If you take him out for a potty break and he doesn't go, put him in his crate for the next 15-20 minutes (or tether him to you with a leash, if you aren't crate training him) to prevent any accidents, then take him out again. Repeat until he goes to the bathroom. Once he has pottied outside, he can have some freedom in the house again. If you are consistent about this, he will learn to potty as soon as you take him out regardless of what the weather is like :)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 5th, 2019
It's probably fine. If he starts having potty accidents in the house, then you may have to see if the helper can take him on walks while you are away. Also make sure there is plenty of shade and water for Adi.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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