Manchester City Council

One of the most important lessons you can train your dog concerns fouling.  Responsible Dog Owners should not allow their pets to foul arbitrarily in public areas.  Please see our Guidance to Dog Control Orders section for further information about Dog Fouling Laws.  Training your dog requires patience, and commitment, and we advise the following steps.

1. A young puppy will go to to toilet very frequently, approximately every 30-45 mins.  You will need to regularly place him outside at a suitable spot.  Keep repeating this and praise him when he finishes his business in the right place
2. It is important to take your dog out at regular times.  As the puppy develops, you can build up times such as; in the morning; after meals; and in the evening before you go to bed.
3. Training your dog to "go on command" may seem extraordinary, but can make it easy for you to control where your dog does his business.
   • Using a command word such as clean or busy, just as he is about to go to the toilet.  Always use the same tone of voice, and make sure you praise him when he finishes.
   • Whilst training your dog at home is preferable, it is not always practical, particularly if you live in apartments or have no gardens.
   • When taking your dog out, remember to take a poop scoop and clean up after your dog.  In parks and many public open spaces, you will find faeces disposal bins, and some designated dog walking areas.