How to Train a Pit Bull Puppy to Not Poop in the House
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Introduction
Bringing home your first Pit Bull will prove to be an amazing experience as these guys are highly intelligent and make great family dogs. In fact, the origin of the breed was as a family dog, not as a fighting dog (these dogs are often trained to fight using very cruel methods). Keep in mind, you need to fully socialize your pup if you want them to be calm and friendly. This, along with the correct training methods will go a long way towards turning your new pup into a faithful family friend.
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Defining Tasks
The task at hand is to teach your Pit Bull puppy that it is not okay for him to use your home as his personal bathroom and that in fact, he must go potty outside. Since Bullies are highly intelligent, the process often goes faster than with many other breeds. Keep in mind that during the training process your pup is going to have a few accidents, be sure to clean them up thoroughly using an enzymatic cleaner.
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Getting Started
Before you start the training process, be sure you have plenty of time to work with your pup. During the early stages of the training process, you will be taking your pup outside as often as every 30 minutes. For those times when you can't be available to take him out on schedule, you should consider using a crate to keep him in a safe spot. The good news is that most pups won't go potty in their crate. You will only need a few other supplies to help you along the way, including treats and a leash.
Beyond this, you need to have plenty of patience as your pup learns what is expected of him. Be sure you work with your pup and, to a certain extent, let him set the pace. It might take a little longer this way, but the results will be well worth it.
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The Using a Crate Method
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Set up the crate
Start by setting up the crate with a bowl of water, a few toys, and a bed for your puppy. Then place him inside and set a timer for 30 minutes. Each time you take them outside to go potty, use your cue "Ready to go outside?" This will help them associate the cue with the action.
On the fives
Once you take your pup outside to go potty, keep him outside for five minutes. If the he goes, be sure to praise him and give him a treat. If he doesn't go, take him back inside and put him in his crate. Reset the timer.
When your pup goes
Whether your pup goes potty the first time you take him out or you have to make several trips, be sure to give him a treat and praise him. He needs to know in no uncertain way that he only gets a reward when he "goes" outside.
Add more time
Start extending the time he spends in the crate between being taken out.
Open door policy
Now you can start leaving the door to the crate open. However, you must keep a close eye on your pup for signs that he needs to go potty. If you see him behaving like he needs to go, take him outside immediately and praise him. At this point, he should be letting you know when he needs to go out and he is potty trained.
The Got My Eye on You Method
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You have to have treats
Fill your pocket with a nice supply of your pup's favorite treats.
The eyes of an eagle
This is the point at which you must keep a very close eye on your pup whenever he is not in his crate. If you see any signs that he might need to go potty such as circling, whimpering, scratching at the door, or anything that could be described as an unusual behavior, tell him "NO!" in a no-nonsense voice.
Outside now
Immediately after this, be sure you take your dog outside immediately.
Be patient
Be sure to give your pup plenty of time to "go" and when they do, be sure to give them lots of praise and a tasty treat.
Finishing up
The rest of the training involves extending the time between trips outside until you reach the point at which your pup comes to you to let you know they need to go potty. In time the pup will learn what is expected and no longer leave you surprises in the middle of the floor.
The Potty Zone Method
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Hit the pet store
Take a trip out to your local pet store and pick up a bottle of potty training spray.
Create the zone
Take the spray and use it to mark an area of your yard where you pup is supposed to go potty.
On the leash again
Put your pup on a leash and head out to the spot you marked on the lawn. Give them 15 minutes to take care of business. If the pooch doesn't poo, that's okay, just take them back inside and wait for another 15 minutes and then try again.
When he finally goes
Whether he goes the first time you take him out or the umpteenth time, when he does, be sure to praise him and give him a treat.
It goes on and on
The rest is all about working with him on holding himself longer and longer until he is able to hold himself until you are able to take him out.
Written by PB Getz
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 03/22/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
Training Questions and Answers
Milo
pitbull
15 Weeks
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
Milo goes potty outside, and recently I've noticed he won't poop in his kennel anymore. although he does still pee all over the house, even if its just tiny tiny puddles. what do I do.
March 23, 2022
Milo's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1133 Dog owners recommended
Hello Lina, Check out the Tethering method and the Crate Training method from the article I have linked below. If pup will hold it in their kennel for at least an hour, I recommend a combination of those methods. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
March 23, 2022
Lightning
Pit bull
10 Weeks
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
How to train her to be loyal and not bite people as myself. But also to make her know to not user the restroom on the wrong place its a blue nosed pitbull btw
Oct. 21, 2021
Lightning's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1133 Dog owners recommended
Hello Deez, To help pup become loyal and not aggressive, I recommend setting aside 10-40 minutes every day that you can to practice training with pup during the first 1-2 years of her life. During these sessions you can practice commands from basic, working up to intermediate, then eventually advanced if you wish. You can also spend this time socializing pup, practicing getting her used to handling, introducing a leash, and doing all the things that contribute to a dog who can go with you places and be well behaved and responsive to you. Check out the free PDF e-book After You Get Your Puppy, which can be downloaded at the link below. Socialization is one of the most important things you can prioritize with a puppy during the first year to prevent temperament issues later in life. www.lifedogtraining.com/freedownloads Check out the Crate Training method from the article I have linked below. I recommend crate training generally for the quickest, most effective way to potty train with as few accidents as possible during the process. There are several other benefits to crate training too, like teaching pup to handle alone time - which can prevent separation anxiety, preventing long-term destructive chewing habits - when you give pup a dog food stuffed chew toy in the crate for entertainment, and making future travel and vet stays easier. Crate Training method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Oct. 22, 2021