Training a dog to eliminate inside the house

Alternatives to the Great Outdoors

Not every dog is trained to do its business outside.  Owners of tiny dogs, dwellers of city apartments, and people with limited mobility sometimes train the dog to go potty in a spot indoors.  Just remember, it is best if this arrangement is considered long-term or permanent.  Once the dog gets used to regularly relieving himself indoors, it is much harder for him to learn to go outside to do so!  There are puppy-pads sold commercially for this purpose.  Dogs can even be trained to use a litter-box, and there are some commercial litters beginning to be sold specifically for dogs.  A litter-box is best used by small dogs, unless you are comfortable having a box up to the size of a child’s wading-pool in your house for the large ones.  Training is similar to training the dog to go outside, except that you bring the dog to its indoor potty-spot to do its business.  Putting some of the dog’s urine or feces in the spot can help give him an idea of where you expect him to go.  Remember to praise and reward him for doing the right thing!