How to Train a Husky to Poop Outside

How to Train a Husky to Poop Outside
Medium difficulty iconMedium
Time icon3-6 Months
General training category iconGeneral

Introduction

While Husky pups can be stubborn and do not typically respond well to being yelled at, they are relatively easy to potty train using the same basic methods you would use to train most other breeds. Keep in mind that whether you are teaching your pup to poop outside or anything else, he will respond to positive reinforcement far better as long as you provide clear and concise training instructions for him to follow.

One of the most important things you can do when trying to train your Husky to poop outside is that once you choose a training method, you need to stick to it, no matter how long it takes. Trying to switch training methods will only confuse your fuzzball and make it even harder for him to figure out exactly what it is you want of him.

arrow-up-icon

Top

Defining Tasks

The task at hand it to teach your dog that it is in no way acceptable for him to poop in the house. At the same time, he must learn that it is okay for him to poop in a particular area of your yard. Keep in mind, going potty in the house would be something akin to doing the same thing in his den in the wild. This is something his mother would have taught him not to do because no dog likes a dirty den.

The training process is really not that difficult, it is mostly about spending the time working with your pooch until he finally understands what you want of him.

arrow-up-icon

Top

Getting Started

What many people do not realize is that you can start training your Husky to poop outside from the minute you pull up in the driveway with him for the first time. At this point, you should put him on a leash and take him over to the spot in the yard that will become his potty. Let him wander around and get used to the area. When he goes potty, be sure to make a fuss over him and give him a nice little soft puppy treat.

Your poop training supply list:

  • A puppy sized crate – For training and when you can't be watching your pup
  • A leash – To take him out in the yard on
  • Soft treats – Soft chewy puppy treats will come in handy as rewards, be sure to use them generously

The last two things on your supply list are time and patience--you will need plenty of both in order for your training to succeed. Also, you need some form of enzymatic cleaner to completely eliminate any odors from areas where your pup has accidents. 

arrow-up-icon

Top

The I'm Watching You Method

Most Recommended

3 Votes

Ribbon icon

Most Recommended

3 Votes

Ribbon icon
1

Stock up on treats

Keep a nice supply of your pup's favorite treats in your pocket or a bowl by the door where you can grab a few on the way out.

2

Never a second alone

With your pup in the same room with you at all times, keep a very close eye on him every minute. If he shows any signs that he is thinking about pooping or peeing (squatting, circling, sniffing, scratching, going to the door) say "NO!" in a firm voice. You need to be loud enough to startle your pup, but do not make your voice sound like you are angry, this will just make things harder.

3

We're off to see the…

Grab the leash, hook up your pooch, and take him outside using a verbal cue ("Let's go outside" or "Let's go potty"). When he goes, be sure to praise him and give him a tasty treat.

4

Give him a little extra time

Having startled your pooch, it might take him a few extra minutes to refocus on what he was doing. So, make sure you give him a little extra time before you take him back in the house.

5

The road goes ever on

From here there is nothing to do but keep practicing and working with your pup until he learns to hold himself and no longer leaves you surprises in the oddest places in your home.

The Using His Crate Method

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon
1

Create the perfect blend

Set your pup's crate up where you can keep an eye on it. Add a water bowl, a few toys, and a bed for him to lie down on. Then place your pup inside and close the door.

2

Out on cue

Set a timer for 30 minutes. When it goes off, open the door, put your pup on the leash, and say, "Let's go outside" or "let's go potty" and take him straight out to the area where he can go poop.

3

Will he, won't he?

You won't know until you give him some time. Give him a good 15 minutes to try, let him walk around. The more he walks around, the more likely he will poop. If he goes, give him lots of praise and a treat. If not that’s okay too, just take him back inside and put him back in his crate.

4

Reset

Reset the timer for another 30 minutes. Keep a close eye on your pup. If he starts to whine and fuss, take him straight out regardless of what the clock has to say. When he poops, be sure to make a fuss over him and give him a treat.

5

Build endurance

Slowly, in five or ten-minute increments, start increasing the time between poop breaks. This will help your pup develop his endurance. Remember to use your cue, "Let's go outside" or "Let's go potty". Choose one and stick to it so he doesn't get confused.

6

Free at last

By now you should be able to start leaving the crate door open and letting your pup wander around in the same room with you. Keep a close eye on him and at the first sign he might be thinking about going potty, use your cue and take him out. When he goes, be sure to praise him and give him a nice treat. Stick to your timer schedule and in time he will learn not to go in the house.

The Mark Your Territory Method

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon
1

Stop by your favorite pet supply store

Stop by your favorite pet supply store and pick up a bottle of puppy potty training spray. These sprays contain pheromones designed to mark your grass with a scent that your pup will see as another dog. They then encourage him to mark the area as his by peeing and pooping in it.

2

Every 30

Set a timer for 30 minutes and when it goes off, put your pup on his leash and take him out to the spot you marked previously.

3

Let him wander

Let your pup wander around the marked area and give him time to go potty. When he does, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.

4

I don't need to go right now

If after 15 minutes your pup has not found the need to go, that's okay, just take him back inside. Reset the timer and keep a close eye on him. While the timer is ticking away, if he shows any signs he need to go potty, take him straight out to the marked area. When he goes, be sure to praise him and give him treats.

5

Keep on keepin' on

The rest is all on you. You need to keep practicing with your pup slowly adding more time as you go until your pup starts letting you know when he needs to go. Mission accomplished!

Written by PB Getz

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 03/09/2018, edited: 01/08/2021

Training Questions

Have a question?

Training Questions and Answers

Dog nametag icon

Junior

Dog breed icon

Siberan husky

Dog age icon

4 Months

Question icon

Question

Thumbs up icon

0 found this helpful

Thumbs up icon

0 found this helpful

User generated photoUser generated photo

He does not want to poop or pee outside we have he hydrated and with food he has a little ranch to run around we got him 4 days ago.

March 4, 2020

Junior's Owner

Expert avatar

Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

Recommendation ribbon

1133 Dog owners recommended

Hello Mayela, Check out the Crate Training method from the article linked below and follow that method carefully. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside The Crate Training - to limit freedom inside to when their bladder is empty, teaching the Go Potty command, rewarding for pottying outside, and the instructions to walk pup around slowly on a leash can all help a puppy learn to go potty while outside. Many puppies get distracted outside so won't go. The above things from the article I have linked can help. If pup seems nervous while outside, I also suggest spending more time with pup outside on a long (non-retractable) training leash. Do fun and relaxing things with pup while out there to help them get over their fear - such as playing Tug of War, Fetch, hiding large treats in the grass, teaching commands or fun tricks using positive reinforcement and lure reward training, and simply hanging out outside for long periods of time by doing things like sitting in the grass and reading a book for an hour while pup chews on a dog food stuffed hollow chew toy -like a kong. Most dogs don't want to go potty if they feel unsafe, so if pup feels nervous, spending time outside to help desensitize him to it can help that aspect in combination with the article I have linked. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

March 4, 2020

Dog nametag icon

Lady

Dog breed icon

Siberian Husky

Dog age icon

4 Months

Question icon

Question

Thumbs up icon

0 found this helpful

Thumbs up icon

0 found this helpful

She will let me know when she has to go out to pee or just wants to go outside but will still poop in the house so what do I do?

May 31, 2019

Lady's Owner

Expert avatar

Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

Recommendation ribbon

1133 Dog owners recommended

Hello Joshua, It's great that she will let you know when she needs to pee but she essentially needs to be treated like she still isn't potty trained yet (because she isn't fully with poop). Follow the crate training method from the article linked below, or the Tethering method when you are home. When you have to leave the house, at her age she should be able to hold it 4-5 hours in the crate, but no longer during the day. Potty training: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside When you take her potty, take her on a leash still to keep her focused. Tell her to Go Potty and give one treat for peeing. After she pees always walk her around for several more minutes and tell her to "Go Potty" again. Give five treats, one at a time, if she poops. If she doesn't poop and hasn't gone yet during that part of the day, then put her back into the crate when you come inside or tether her to yourself with the leash - no freedom until she poops. Repeat this when it has been a few hours and she may need to poop again (most puppies poop 2-3 times a day). Most puppies also have to poop within 15-30 minutes of eating, so take her back outside after eating even if she just peed outside. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

May 31, 2019


Wag! Specialist
Need training help?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2024 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.