Housetraining Dogs: Brandon McMillan’s Housetraining Triangle

Brandon McMillan’s housetraining triangle is a multi-step process that involves using crate training and positive reinforcement to housebreak your dog. The housebreaking triangle consists of taking pups from their crate to go outside to handle their business and then bringing them back inside for supervised playtime before returning them to their crate again. Brandon’s training process enables you to establish a consistent schedule for your dog, decreasing the risk of accidents while allowing you to bond with your pet.

Crate training is a significant part of the housetraining triangle. Crating helps with potty training new puppies by encouraging the development of total bladder and bowel control, and preventing dogs from chewing up household possessions when you aren’t home.

Getting puppies to do their business outside can be a challenge, but Brandon McMillan’s housetraining triangle can help make this process more manageable. Check out the following step-by-step guide to learn how to get your puppy on a regular potty schedule:

1. 1. Pick the right crate. Size is key when it comes to picking the right crate for your pup. If you choose a crate that’s too big, they’ll have the ability to do their business on one side of it and still sleep at the other (clean) end. Choose one that’s too small, and it will be uncomfortable. Choose a crate that allows your puppy to stand up, circle around, and lie down comfortably—and make sure you prepare the crate properly. Make the crate inviting and cozy with some blankets and soft, cuddly items. Place the crate by the door so that it’s easy for your dog to get outside and do their business before they have an accident.
2. 2. Take your puppy outside. When it’s time for your dog to take a bathroom break, put them on a leash and take them outside to their potty area. Say a command, such as “do your business” or “go potty,” and wait for them to go. If they do, treat them heavily. Remember to use your command whenever they do their business and reward them with a treat or praise to reinforce their training.
3. 3. Reward them with playtime. After your pup successfully handles their business, bring them back inside for an hour of supervised free time. You’ll want to limit your puppy to one room at the start of the training process, so use baby gates and closed doors to keep them from roaming. Keeping your puppy in one room while they play allows you to supervise their playtime, and bond with your pet as they play with their favorite toys.
4. 4. Bring them back to the crate. After an hour of free time, return your dog to the crate for about three hours. This extended crate time will help your puppies develop stronger bladder control, training their muscles for adulthood. After about three hours in the crate, it’s time to head back outside and repeat the process.
5. 5. Add more free time as they progress. As your dog progresses through the training, add on to their free time and subtract from time in the crate (about 15 to 20 minutes every day). Eventually, you can discontinue crating them because you have successfully housetrained your dog.

Here are some training tips from Brandon McMillian that you should take into consideration when you begin to housetrain your new pet:

1. 1. Avoid water too close to bedtime. Stop giving your puppy water at least two hours before bedtime. Curbing their water intake before bedtime will spare you from taking them on frequent trips to the potty spot throughout the night and decreases the chance of indoor accidents.
2. 2. Feed your puppy in the crate. At mealtime, you’ll want to feed your puppy in the crate, then when they’re ready to do their business, immediately take them outside to prevent them from soiling themselves inside their crate. Additionally, keeping your dog on a regular feeding schedule can result in a more consistent bathroom schedule.
3. 3. Use the right discipline for accidents. When your puppy has an indoor accident, there’s a simple and effective way to discourage them from future accidents: Leash them to some kind of anchor—a chair, a table, a cinder block—beside the site of the soiled area and leave them there for about 20 minutes. Dogs don’t want to hang around their own excrement. You can use a similar approach for adult dogs who mark their territories indoors.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially—”no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.