The key to house training your puppy to make the transition from going to the bathroom on paper indoors to holding it and waiting until it can go outside is a bit of common sense and outdoor manners. Transfering from paper to going outside requires you to carry the puppy to the proper place. Small puppies are easy to carry outside, but you may need a carrier of sorts for bigger dogs if you are not strong enough. Once you have finally carried your puppy outside without any incident and all you see before you are blocks and blocks of concrete, where should you go?

It should go without saying, that all areas frequented by people, including flower beds, children’s play area, city trees and other landscaping are all off limits. Permitting your male dog to lift up his leg and relieve himself on something someone may touch, like a garbage can, is not very friendly. Just be prepared to spend some time outdoors with your puppy potty training. A puppy who is scared will be unable to relax enough to go potty and also a distracted puppy may find too much stimuli prevents it from wanting to go outside too.

Can your pup focus enough amidst all the noise of traffic and people to ever learn to use the concrete? Yes, with training. One method for outdoor potty training sessions is called ‘curbing’ which is where your dog eliminates over the curb into the gutter. Position your puppy’s rear end over the curb and let it eliminate. Give gentle and somewhat quiet praise to your puppy while he is going then praise with exuberance afterwards. Just be aware that if you praise too much during the act, your puppy will get distracted and wriggly – not a good combination in mid-elimination.

If your dog makes an error, just pick up the mess and don’t be perturbed about it, just smile and nod. You cannot drag the puppy away and reprimand him while he is still in the middle of going, rather just make certain he is in the correct location the next time. Make it become a habit and always praise your pup and eventually you will have success with your dog potty training. Life will be easier if you teach your pup to potty on cue. Once it’s about to start urinating or defecating, calmly say the cue words and praise your pup and after it’s done, praise it once again.

Other City Potty Training Options

Those who live in cities and other restricted spaces may have other potty areas they hadn’t even considered, such as a walled or fenced rooftop area might actually be quicker to access than the street. Be sure the area is secured with a strong fence that pups can’t wriggle through. If there is a wall, you may want to keep the dog leashed to prevent the puppy from exploring the other side. A terrace is another good alternative, especially for bigger dogs. Additionally, some buildings have a basement area or storage room that can double as a potty area, just choose a concrete or tiled area that’s easy to clean and hose off.

There are folks who have thought to put in gravel pits or fake and real grass strips on the patio for the puppy to use, but these certainly get soiled fast. You must be extra vigilant about cleaning up and replacing the grass when needed to keep those pristine enough for your dog to want to use them. The last point is to remember your neighbors as the smell can become pretty intolerant especially through the hot summer, so cleanliness is key. Dog house training, inside or out needs a little bit of time and patience, but it is well worth the effort.