How To Discipline A Dog That Poops In The House: Guide

What is the best way to discipline a dog that poops in the house? The most effective approach involves identifying the root cause of the accidents and employing consistent, positive training methods. Harsh punishment is rarely effective and can create fear and anxiety, leading to more behavioral issues. This guide will walk you through how to address house soiling solutions.

Establishing a Solid Foundation for House Training

House training, also known as potty training, is a crucial part of responsible dog ownership. It’s the process of teaching your dog where to eliminate appropriately. This requires patience, consistency, and a good understanding of canine behavior. For puppies, this is a fundamental skill they need to learn from the start. For adult dogs, it might involve retraining due to past experiences or new circumstances.

Deciphering the Reasons for Inappropriate Elimination

Before you can effectively discipline your dog, you need to figure out why they are having accidents. Several factors can contribute to a dog pooping in the house.

Common Causes of House Soiling

Incomplete House Training: Your dog may not fully grasp the concept of where to go. This is especially true for young puppies or dogs recently adopted from shelters.
Medical Issues: Sudden changes in elimination habits can signal underlying health problems. This is a primary concern and should always be ruled out first.
Anxiety and Fear: Stress, changes in routine, separation anxiety, or fear of certain stimuli (like thunderstorms or loud noises) can lead to accidents.
Submissive Urination: Some dogs urinate when they are excited, fearful, or greeting people. This is an involuntary response.
Excitement Urination: Similar to submissive urination, this happens when a dog is overly excited.
Territorial Marking: Unneutered male dogs are more prone to this, but it can occur in spayed females and neutered males too. They may lift their leg or squat to leave their scent.
Lack of Potty Breaks: Dogs, especially puppies and seniors, need frequent opportunities to go outside. If they aren’t taken out often enough, they will have accidents.
Inadequate Accident Cleanup: If an area isn’t cleaned thoroughly, the lingering scent can encourage the dog to eliminate there again.
Changes in Environment or Routine: Moving to a new home, a new pet, a new baby, or a change in your work schedule can all disrupt a dog’s training.

The Importance of Ruling Out Medical Problems

It is paramount to consult your veterinarian if your dog suddenly starts having accidents or if their house training regresses. Medical conditions can mimic behavioral problems.

Potential Medical Contributors to House Soiling

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These can cause frequent urges and discomfort, leading to accidents.
Bladder or Kidney Infections: Similar to UTIs, these can cause incontinence.
Diabetes: Increased thirst and urination are common symptoms.
Cushing’s Disease: This hormonal disorder can lead to increased thirst, urination, and accidents.
Gastrointestinal Upset: Diarrhea or constipation can make it difficult for a dog to hold it.
Arthritis or Mobility Issues: Older dogs with joint pain might struggle to get outside in time.
Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia in Dogs): Older dogs can become confused and lose their house training.

Your vet can perform diagnostic tests to identify or rule out any health concerns. If a medical issue is found, treatment will be the first step in resolving the house soiling problem.

Implementing Effective House-Soiling Solutions

Once medical issues are ruled out, you can focus on behavioral training. This involves consistent routines, positive reinforcement, and proper accident cleanup.

Harnessing the Power of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a training method that rewards desired behaviors. For house training, this means rewarding your dog every time they eliminate in the designated spot.

Key Elements of Positive Reinforcement for Potty Training

High-Value Treats: Use small, tasty treats that your dog absolutely loves. These should be reserved for potty breaks.
Verbal Praise: Offer enthusiastic praise like “Good dog!” or “Yes!” immediately after they finish eliminating outside.
Affection: A gentle pat or ear scratch can also be a great reward.
Timing is Crucial: The reward must be delivered within seconds of the desired behavior. This helps your dog connect the action with the reward.

Never punish your dog for accidents. If you catch your dog in the act of eliminating inside, calmly interrupt them with a sharp noise (like a clap), and immediately take them outside to their potty spot. Praise and reward them if they finish outside.

The Role of Crate Training in Housebreaking

Crate training can be an invaluable tool for housebreaking. Dogs are naturally den animals and are reluctant to soil their sleeping area. A crate provides a safe, confined space for your dog.

How Crate Training Aids Potty Training

Prevents Accidents: When you cannot supervise your dog, crating them can prevent them from having accidents in the house.
Encourages Potty Breaks: Dogs will usually hold their bladder and bowels when in their crate, meaning they’ll likely need to go out as soon as they are released.
Provides a Safe Space: A properly introduced crate becomes a den for your dog, a place where they feel secure.

Crate training tips:

Make it Appealing: Put comfortable bedding, safe chew toys, and a familiar scent (like an old t-shirt of yours) in the crate.
Gradual Introduction: Start by feeding meals in the crate. Leave the door open. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate with the door closed.
Never Use as Punishment: The crate should be a positive place, not a place of punishment.
Appropriate Size: The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one end as a bathroom.

Establishing a Consistent Potty Schedule

Consistency is the bedrock of successful house training. A predictable schedule helps your dog learn when to expect to go outside.

Recommended Potty Break Schedule

First Thing in the Morning: Take your dog out immediately upon waking.
After Waking from Naps: Every time your dog wakes up from a nap, take them out.
After Meals and Drinks: Dogs typically need to eliminate 15-30 minutes after eating or drinking.
After Playtime: Physical activity stimulates the bowels.
Before Bedtime: A final potty break before settling down for the night.
During the Night (Especially for Puppies): Puppies, especially under 6 months, may need a middle-of-the-night potty break.

Frequency of Potty Breaks:

Puppies (8-12 weeks): Every 1-2 hours.
Puppies (3-6 months): Every 2-4 hours.
Adult Dogs: Every 4-6 hours, but can often hold it longer.

Always take your dog to the same designated potty spot outside. This helps them associate that location with elimination. Use a consistent cue word, like “Go potty” or “Do your business,” as they are eliminating.

Mastering Accident Cleanup

Proper accident cleanup is critical for preventing repeat offenses. If you don’t thoroughly remove the scent, your dog may be drawn back to that spot to go again.

Effective Accident Cleanup Steps

Immediate Action: Clean up the accident as soon as possible.
Blot, Don’t Rub: For urine, blot up as much as possible with paper towels. For feces, pick it up.
Use an Enzymatic Cleaner: Regular household cleaners are not sufficient. You need an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for pet stains. These cleaners break down the organic matter that causes odors.
Apply Generously: Follow the product instructions, usually involving saturating the area with the cleaner.
Allow to Air Dry: Let the area air dry completely. Avoid using heat, as it can set the stain and odor.
Repeat if Necessary: For stubborn odors, you might need to repeat the cleaning process.

What to Avoid During Accident Cleanup:

Ammonia-Based Cleaners: Ammonia smells similar to urine and can actually encourage your dog to mark the spot again.
Scrubbing Vigorously: This can spread the stain and push it deeper into carpets or upholstery.

Puppy Pad Training as a Stepping Stone

For some owners, puppy pad training can be a useful intermediate step, especially in urban environments or for very young puppies. However, it’s important to transition away from pads to outdoor elimination eventually.

Puppy Pad Training Considerations

Placement: Place pads in an easily accessible area, away from your dog’s food and water bowls and sleeping area.
Positive Association: Reward your puppy when they use the pad.
Gradual Transition: Once your puppy reliably uses the pads, start moving the pads closer to the exit door, and then place them outside the door, eventually eliminating the pads altogether.
Potential for Confusion: Some dogs can become confused and continue to want to eliminate on soft surfaces indoors, so a smooth transition is key.

Addressing Behavioral Issues and Advanced Training

Sometimes, house soiling is linked to deeper behavioral issues. Identifying and addressing these can be key to resolving the problem.

Dealing with Submissive and Excitement Urination

This type of urination is involuntary and stems from a dog’s emotional state. Punishment will only worsen the problem.

Strategies for Submissive/Excitement Urination

Avoid Direct Eye Contact: When greeting your dog or having people over, avoid intense eye contact, which can be intimidating.
Calm Greetings: Keep greetings low-key. Let your dog approach you, rather than crowding them.
Ignore Initial Excitement: When someone arrives, have them ignore the dog for the first few minutes until the dog calms down.
Teach a “Sit” or “Stay”: Having your dog perform a known command can redirect their energy and help them feel more in control.
Build Confidence: Engage in positive training and activities that boost your dog’s confidence.

Managing Territorial Marking

If territorial marking is the issue, neutering or spaying can significantly reduce the behavior, especially in males.

Tips for Managing Marking Behavior

Neutering/Spaying: This is often the most effective solution for territorial marking.
Clean Markings Thoroughly: Use enzymatic cleaners to remove all traces of scent.
Restrict Access: Prevent your dog from accessing areas where they tend to mark.
Supervise and Redirect: Watch your dog closely and redirect them to an appropriate activity if you see them about to mark.
Address Other Anxiety: Sometimes marking can be a symptom of anxiety or insecurity.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried various housebreaking tips and are still struggling, it might be time to consult a professional.

Professional Support Options

Veterinary Behaviorist: A veterinarian with specialized training in animal behavior.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA/KSA): A trainer who uses humane and evidence-based training methods.
Canine Behavior Consultant: Similar to a trainer, often with a focus on more complex behavioral issues.

These professionals can help diagnose complex behavioral issues and develop a tailored training plan for your dog.

Table: Common House Soiling Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario	Possible Causes	Recommended Solutions
Puppy poops in the house after waking up.	Incomplete house training, bladder control not fully developed.	Frequent potty breaks immediately upon waking. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise for eliminating outside. Supervise closely and take outside after naps.
Adult dog suddenly starts having accidents.	Medical issue (UTI, kidney problems, etc.), anxiety, change in routine.	Rule out medical issues with a vet visit. Assess for changes in environment or routine. Provide reassurance and a consistent schedule.
Dog marks furniture indoors.	Territorial marking, anxiety, seeking attention.	Thorough accident cleanup with enzymatic cleaners. Consider neutering/spaying if not already done. Restrict access to marked areas. Positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior. Address underlying anxiety.
Dog eliminates when greeted enthusiastically.	Submissive urination or excitement urination.	Keep greetings calm and low-key. Avoid direct eye contact initially. Have visitors ignore the dog for the first few minutes. Teach a “sit” command. Build the dog’s confidence.
Dog poops in crate while you’re at work.	Crate is too large, dog has medical issues preventing them from holding it, separation anxiety.	Ensure crate is appropriately sized. Rule out medical problems. If separation anxiety is suspected, consult a professional. Gradually increase time spent in crate.
Dog consistently poops in the same spot indoors.	Lingering odor from inadequate accident cleanup, preference for a particular surface, or a comfort spot.	Thoroughly clean the spot with an enzymatic cleaner. Block access to the spot or place a toy there temporarily. Ensure the dog has ample opportunities to go outside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does house training a dog typically take?
A1: House training can vary greatly depending on the dog’s age, breed, personality, and consistency of training. Puppies can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Adult dogs may pick it up faster, but if there are underlying behavioral issues, it can take longer.

Q2: Should I rub my dog’s nose in their accident?
A2: Absolutely not. This is an outdated and ineffective method that can cause fear, anxiety, and distrust, potentially leading to more secretive accidents. It does not teach the dog where they should go.

Q3: My dog is fully house-trained, but they are now pooping in the house. What’s going on?
A3: This often indicates a change in their life. It could be a medical issue, anxiety due to a new environment, a change in routine, or even boredom. A vet visit is recommended, followed by an assessment of your dog’s daily life and environment.

Q4: How can I prevent my dog from pooping on the carpet?
A4: Consistent house training, a regular potty schedule, frequent opportunities to go outside, and immediate, thorough accident cleanup with enzymatic cleaners are key. Positive reinforcement for eliminating outside reinforces the desired behavior.

Q5: Is puppy pad training bad for house training?
A5: Puppy pad training itself isn’t inherently bad, but it requires a careful transition to outdoor pottying. If not managed correctly, it can lead to confusion. Some trainers prefer to skip pads altogether and go straight to outdoor training.

Q6: My dog has diarrhea and is having accidents. What should I do?
A6: This is almost certainly a medical issue. Consult your veterinarian immediately. They can diagnose the cause of the diarrhea and provide appropriate treatment.

Q7: How do I clean up dog urine odor removal from hardwood floors?
A7: For hardwood floors, blot up as much urine as possible immediately. Use an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for hard surfaces. Avoid excess moisture, as it can damage the wood. Ensure the area is properly ventilated to dry.

By applying these principles of consistent training, positive reinforcement, and thorough cleanup, you can successfully address house soiling issues and help your dog become a well-mannered companion.