Puppy Potty Training

05/28/25 5:59pm

We adopted a 5 mos old terrier mix. Prior to us adopting him he was in a foster. The foster had a doggie door so he had access to the yard at all times. He does really well with letting us know when he has to go potty and we walk him often. He doesn’t really have accidents in the house.

I assume because he always had the doggie door that he likes going in the yard. He has picked a spot in my yard and goes even on leash but I don’t want him going in the yard where my kids play.

HOWEVER, when I walk him he will let me take him for long walks but will not go potty the entire time. He will hold it until we get back and pull me to the yard. If I don’t let him go in the yard he will hold it until we get in and go in one spot in my basement.

Any idea how I can break him of that so that he goes potty outside while we are walking rather than my yard. I have always leash trained my dogs and never had one that was yard trained first so I want to make sure I don't confuse him or reverse the training he has already had.

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wikiHow Editorial Team

05/28/25 6:00pm

It sounds like your puppy is on the right track by going outside most times, but there are definitely ways to potty-train him to go while you're on a walk. Any time you take your pup outside, tell him a command like "Go potty" right before he goes. When he finishes up, give him a ton of love and a treat so he knows it's a good behavior. When you take him on walks, try using the same command to encourage him to go potty away from his preferred spot.

Some dogs just outgrow the behavior as they get older, so stay consistent with your training and taking your pup to new places so he feels comfortable going potty anywhere. If he's still holding it until he's back in the yard, you can always chat with your vet or a behaviorist to see if there's something else causing the problem.

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Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT
Certified Dog & Cat Trainer

05/28/25 6:13pm

If you want to help train your puppy to go potty on walks, take him outside then set him down on the surface where you want him to pee or poo. Say the command you want associated with the behavior when he goes in your yard. Keep a treat in your pocket that you can give him when he actually goes potty.

When you take him on walks, try using the cue that you've trained your dog with to encourage him to go potty while he has his leash and harness on. Immediately reward the behavior with a treat to encourage your dog even more.

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