If you want a dog to not be disliked by the owner, the dog must be able to urinate and defecate at a fixed spot. Otherwise, it is very likely to be abandoned by its owners. So how to train a Labrador to use a designated toilet spot?

　　An 8-month-old dog definitely does not want to relieve itself at the place where it sleeps, nor will it randomly urinate or defecate during long sleep. It can at least hold it for 4-6 hours unless it is sick or has diarrhea. However, after waking up in the morning, it will definitely defecate within an hour. Within one hour after eating, sometimes less than 10 minutes, the stomach is stimulated by food, and the pressure receptors trigger defecation.

　　Crate potty training Before purchasing a dog, prepare an uncovered cardboard or wooden box lined with a plastic sheet, then place some newspapers or straw on top. Place the box in a corner indoors.

　　For the first 10-14 days after bringing the dog home, it must be supervised frequently. If you have free time, take the dog to the box every hour and let it stay for a few minutes until it relieves itself. Or when you notice signs of needing to go (such as restlessness, circling, sniffing, tail raising, squatting), promptly lead or carry it to the box to relieve itself. Over time, the dog will get used to defecating in the box. Each time it relieves itself inside the box, you must praise it by saying “good,” “well behaved,” or “very obedient.” It's best to gently pat it or stroke its head, neck, back, or its favorite spots, or give it a few pieces of food as encouragement. Its intelligence is quite high and it will understand your encouragement as the correct behavior and thereafter be willing to relieve itself in the box. If the puppy forgets and does not relieve itself inside the box, you should immediately catch it, press its nose to its waste, and scold it sharply so it understands this is a punishment. Then carry it to the box to sniff around. After 2-3 sessions, it will remember to use the box.

　　If your dog still disobeys training, you can purchase a special deodorant spray and apply it where you do not want the dog to urinate or defecate, preventing the dog from using that area. You can also clean the spots with bleach water or vinegar to eliminate odors so the dog won't smell it and will avoid the place next time.

　　Indoor toilet training You can also successfully train a dog to use the toilet indoors. When you see the dog wants to go, immediately give the "go to toilet" command while gesturing towards the toilet, then lead the dog to the toilet gently without forcing, using food to lure it if needed. Once inside, place the dog’s hind legs on both sides of the toilet bowl, **aiming into the bowl, give the "go" command, and reward it with food after it finishes.

　　If you find the dog defecating indoors, sternly say “No” while pointing to the toilet and giving the “go to toilet” command. Even if the dog only defecated halfway, bring it to the toilet. Repeat this daily and the dog will understand where to relieve itself and develop the reflex.

　　Outdoor potty training Dogs need training to relieve themselves outdoors as well. Dogs usually have regular times to defecate, mostly in the mornings, after meals, and before sleep. Puppies urinate and defecate more frequently, about once every 3-4 hours. Generally, take the dog outside 6 times a day to a designated spot and give the "go" command to encourage defecation. After forming a conditioned reflex, the dog will go automatically to the designated spot at regular times.

　　Sometimes even trained dogs defecate everywhere. Possible reasons include changes in physical condition, aging or illness, drinking a lot of water, or stress responses caused by strangers or other dogs. If the dog continues to defecate randomly for several days, it might have gastrointestinal or bladder problems and should be taken to the vet.

　　Potty training is a nightmare for many pet dog owners, because some breeds have the nature to eliminate anywhere, and owners usually fail to supervise properly, causing "lax enforcement." Labrador Retrievers are very intelligent animals; tolerating accidents once often gives them the impression they can get away with it. Therefore, the key to managing toilet habits is "persistence." (Source: PetsZone)