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7 Secrets to Quickly Potty Training a Bull Terrier

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on April 26, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may include affiliate links where we are paid a commission at no additional cost to you. 

Potty training is an essential aspect of raising a Bull Terrier, and it can be a challenging task for many dog owners. The process requires patience, consistency, and a good understanding of the dog’s behavior. However, with the right techniques and approach, potty training a Bull Terrier can be a quick and easy process. In this article, we will discuss seven secrets to quickly potty training your Bull Terrier, including tips on when to start training, how to recognize signs that your dog needs to go potty, how to train an adult dog, and how to train your dog in an apartment without a yard. By following these secrets, you can have a fully house-trained Bull Terrier in no time.

Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Bull Terrier, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog or K9 Training Institute, two of our favorite training resources for potty training.

1. Start Potty Training Your Bull Terrier Early and Be Consistent

The sooner you begin potty training your Bull Terrier, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Bull Terrier to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.

2. Give Your Bull Terrier Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Bull Terrier successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.

3. Monitor Your Bull Terrier’s Behavior

Pay attention to your Bull Terrier’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.

RELATED: Need to potty train your Bull Terrier quickly? Try this affordable online course

4. Confine Your Bull Terrier to a Small Area

When you’re not able to supervise your Bull Terrier, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.

5. Gradually Increase Your Bull Terrier’s Freedom

As your Bull Terrier becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.

6. Try Using Potty Bells

Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Bull Terrier know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Bull Terrier to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this: 

7. Be Patient with Your Bull Terrier and Stay Positive

Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Bull Terrier for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.

8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course

If you’ve tried everything and your Bull Terrier is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.

Our 2 favorite online courses are:

1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course

This affordable course uses science based and “fear free” tactics to potty train your Bull Terrier quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.

2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”

More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Bull Terrier

How do I know when my Bull Terrier needs to go potty?

Bull Terriers usually give signals when they need to go potty, such as sniffing around, circling, or whining. It’s important to watch for these signals and take your Bull Terrier outside immediately to their designated potty area.

At what age should I begin potty training a Bull Terrier puppy?

It’s recommended to start potty training your Bull Terrier puppy as early as 8-12 weeks of age. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to establish a routine and teach your puppy where it’s appropriate to go potty.

How can I potty train an adult Bull Terrier?

Potty training an adult Bull Terrier requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It’s important to establish a routine and take your dog outside regularly to their designated potty area. Consistently rewarding good behavior with treats or praise can also be effective.

How long does it take to potty train a Bull Terrier puppy?

The time it takes to potty train a Bull Terrier puppy varies based on the individual puppy and their willingness to learn. However, with consistent training and positive reinforcement, it’s possible to see progress within a few weeks to a few months.

 How often should I take my Bull Terrier outside for potty breaks?

It’s recommended to take your Bull Terrier outside for potty breaks every 2-4 hours during the day, as well as after meals and playtime. As your Bull Terrier becomes more accustomed to the routine, they may need to go out less frequently.

 How should I potty train my Bull Terrier in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?

Potty training a Bull Terrier in an apartment without a yard requires consistency and patience. You can use puppy pads or designate a specific area of your apartment as your Bull Terrier’s potty area. It’s important to take your Bull Terrier to this area regularly and reward them when they use it appropriately. Consistency is key to establishing good habits and helping your Bull Terrier learn where it’s appropriate to go potty.

What’s the best online training course to potty train a Bull Terrier?

Our 2 favorite online courses are:

1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course

This affordable course uses science based and “fear free” tactics to potty train your Bull Terrier quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60 day money back guarantee.

2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”

More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.

In conclusion, potty training your Bull Terrier doesn’t have to be a long and frustrating process. By following these seven secrets, you can quickly and efficiently train your Bull Terrier to go potty outside. Remember to be patient and consistent with your training, as well as using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. By creating a routine and providing plenty of opportunities for your Bull Terrier to go outside, you can establish good habits and prevent accidents from happening in your home. With these secrets in mind, you can enjoy a happy, healthy, and clean home with your Bull Terrier.

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