How to teach your dog to pee on command

Although it sounds strange at first, dogs can learn to pee on command. This can be a very useful skill in many situations.

It may not be necessary for everyone to teach their dog to pee or defecate on command (or cue), and some may even find the idea absurd. It’s not a basic skill that every dog needs to know, which is why we wouldn’t want to force this on anyone who is opposed to it. However, there are situations where it can be helpful to have this trick up our sleeve. For example, during longer trips or indoor activities. Some people feel the need to teach their pet to urinate or defecate on command because they participate in dog shows or dog sports where the dog cannot relieve itself during work.

Patience is the key for a dog to learn to pee on command

This “trick” isn’t exactly one that you can showcase to your pet. Especially at the beginning, it requires patience, attention, and consistency. Teaching a dog to pee (or do its business) on command isn’t that difficult a task if you give it enough time, as they usually do it naturally. The key is to reward the behavior and associate it with a command word. This word doesn’t have to be very revealing; there are some creative options like “showtime” or “biznisz,” but really, you can say anything. “Pee” or “poop” is also perfect if you prefer not to think of creative solutions.

The time invested pays off when teaching your dog

One of the simplest methods, requiring only patience and treats, is capturing. Its essence lies precisely in this: capturing the moment when your pet does its business and adding a command word. Some use a clicker, while others rely on their voice alone. What’s certain is the reward at the end. This technique isn’t just useful for teaching pee on command; in fact, most people have encountered it at some level when teaching their pets basics. They just might not have considered its broader applications yet.

The following six steps are part of a process where, afterward, it’s relatively certain that your pet understands what is expected. You’ll know this when, upon saying the magic word, the dog is likely to mimic the motions of relieving itself, even if there’s nothing to release. Therefore, avoid repeating this excessively and refrain from entertaining yourself with your pet’s eagerness to comply. It’s sufficient to reinforce when it does its business, during a health walk, or as part of the evening routine in the garden to prevent holding anything overnight.

Teach your dog to pee on command, step by step:

1. Plan ahead. When does your dog usually do its business? Have treats handy and prepare a word you’d like your pet to associate with their health activities later on.
2. Be patient. Don’t interfere with finding the right spot, and initially, don’t say anything when you see your pet preparing.
3. Wait until your pet finishes.
4. Approaching the end of the act, praise your dog and introduce the chosen command. In theory, it’s best to praise (or click) and give the command during the action, but this may confuse some dogs. Alternatively, praise immediately after and say the command, then reward your dog. Another approach is to say the command during the action, immediately praise at the end (possibly repeat the command), and reward. Repeat this step many times to connect the new command with the expected behavior.
5. As you progress and your pet starts associating, you can introduce the command earlier. When your dog begins, say the chosen word (e.g., “showtime”), then praise when they finish. Optionally, click if used, and repeat the command. Finally, reward your dog.
6. Practice. Time your attempts according to your pet’s habits. If you see your dog understanding what the new command means, try it in real situations in a calm, familiar place. Say the command and wait. Hopefully, your dog will perform shortly after. Don’t forget to praise and reward. If they haven’t mastered it yet, continue practicing following the previous steps. Don’t get upset.

It doesn’t take 5 minutes for your pet to understand what you expect, but be patient. They might grasp it within days or it might take weeks for the process.

Avoid making this mistake

While the training process is simple, there are ways to mess it up, resulting in undesired outcomes. When teaching your pet, don’t immediately end the walk or bonding time right after they’ve done their business or shortly thereafter. This reinforces the idea that fun ends when they relieve themselves, potentially causing them to hold back to prolong the activity. After praising them, continue the walk as if nothing happened. Play with them, let them sniff around, and continue bonding together.