Back to School, Back to Training: Orlando’s Guide to House Training

Posted by Sit Happens Dog Training on Jul 30 2025

Alright Orlando—school is back in session. Kids are sharpening pencils, parents are celebrating with bottomless mimosas, and dogs? Dogs are just confused.

“Wait. Where’d everybody go? Why is it quiet? Why do I suddenly feel the urge to poop on this rug?”

Yep. It’s that time of year.
Back-to-school season doesn’t just mess with your morning routine—it messes with your dog’s entire universe.

And if you’ve got a new pup, or a dog who just decided “bathroom rules are a social construct,” this blog is for you. We’re diving headfirst into house training—Sit Happens style. Buckle up. It’s about to get real (and mildly gross).

Why House Training Is Suddenly a Mess in August

Look, your dog had a rhythm. People were home all summer. They were chill. They peed outside. They got treats. They had structure, attention, love.

Then BAM—Labor Day hits, backpacks come out, and suddenly the house is empty from 8 to 3 like it’s a ghost town.

Your dog’s like:
“Did they abandon me?”
“Should I protest?”
“Time to poop in the hallway.”

Dogs don’t write letters. They express feelings… through urine.

Orlando’s Top House Training Mistakes (Let’s Roast ‘Em)

We’ve seen the inside of a LOT of Orlando homes. And trust us, these mistakes are common. You might not even know you’re doing them. So let’s break down the greatest hits:

❌ Mistake #1: Free-roaming like they own the place

Would you hand the keys to your car to a 13-year-old who just watched Fast & Furious? No? Then why are you giving an untrained puppy full access to your entire house?!

Until they’re trained, your dog needs boundaries. Gates. Crates. Playpens. Deny them access like you’re a snooty bouncer outside a club.

❌ Mistake #2: Punishing them AFTER the crime

You come home. You find the puddle. You lose your mind.
Your dog? They’re just like, “Wow. You really hate the rug.”

Here’s the deal: If you didn’t catch them mid-act, you missed the teaching moment. Dogs don’t connect that “pee from three hours ago” = “you yelling now.” They just think you’re emotionally unstable.

❌ Mistake #3: Inconsistent schedules

You feed your dog at random times. You walk them sometimes. You’re surprised when they treat your living room like an open bar.

Predictability = potty success.
Feed on a schedule. Walk on a schedule. Celebrate potty victories like you’re giving out Oscars.

House Training 101: The Sit Happens Orlando Method

Alright. Let’s fix this. Here's our Orlando-approved, back-to-school-ready game plan for house training your dog like a boss.

✅ Step 1: Crate = Not a Jail Cell

Let’s clear this up. A crate is not punishment. It’s not “time-out.” It’s not doggy prison. It’s their safe zone. Their apartment. Their studio loft.

Crates work because dogs won’t pee where they sleep. So while you’re running carpool or binge-watching reality TV, your dog’s chilling in their crate—not destroying the guest room carpet.

Pro Tip: Size matters. The crate should be just big enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down. Not throw a house party.

✅ Step 2: The “Every Time They Pee Outside, It’s Mardi Gras” Strategy

Listen… you can’t just be like “Good boy” and move on. This isn’t LinkedIn praise.

When your dog does their business in the RIGHT place, you need to act like they just solved world hunger.
🎉 HIGH-PITCHED PRAISE
🎉 TREAT
🎉 MAYBE A DANCE (WE WON’T JUDGE)

Reinforcement works. Make outside peeing feel like they just unlocked a new level in a video game.

✅ Step 3: Track That Potty Schedule Like You’re the CIA

Here’s the golden rule: What goes in, must come out.

You feed at 7 AM?
They’re probably peeing at 7:30.
You gave a treat at noon?
They’re plotting a poop by 12:20.

Track meals, water, playtime, and potty times.
Set alarms if you have to.
Yes, it sounds like parenting. BECAUSE IT IS.

✅ Step 4: Interrupt, Don’t Scold

Catch your dog mid-squat? Cool. Say “Outside!” and gently guide them out.

Do NOT go full drill sergeant. That doesn’t teach them where to go. It just teaches them to pee in secret… like behind your couch.

✅ Step 5: Clean Like a Crime Scene Investigator

If your dog pees in the house and you clean it with regular cleaner, they’ll just go back to that spot like, “Ah yes, my favorite toilet.”

Use an enzymatic cleaner. Not vinegar. Not Febreze. You need science. If your dog can smell it, they’ll return like it’s their favorite Starbucks.

Back to School = Prime Time to Train

You’ve got a schedule now. Use it to your advantage.

Drop the kids off?
Boom. Potty break.
Lunch break?
Boom. Mini training session.
Pick-up line at school?
Bring your dog along for socialization. (Yes, just don’t leave them in the car, please.)

Training thrives on routine, and back-to-school gives you one. Your dog’s brain is ready. They want to learn. They just need you to actually show up.

Why Sit Happens Orlando Is the MVP of House Training

We know Orlando. We know the weather. The distractions. The chaos. And we know your house is not a zoo.

That’s why we offer:
🐾 One-on-one in-home house training
🐾 Puppy training that includes potty fundamentals
🐾 Behavioral training to fix accidents before they become habits
🐾 Flexible scheduling to fit your real life

We’ve helped hundreds of Orlando dogs learn where to poop. We can help yours too. It’s our weird, specific passion.

Call-to-Action Time (You Knew It Was Coming)

Tired of stepping in puddles at 2 AM?
Sick of your dog treating your rug like an emotional journal?
Want to start the school year with a fresh-smelling home?

Schedule your first in-home session with Sit Happens Orlando today.
We’ll bring the treats, the skills, and the energy. You just bring your dog and a sense of humor.

Final Thought: Every Dog Has a Learning Curve (Even Yours)

Hey, accidents happen. Dogs aren’t out here scheming to ruin your hardwood floors. They’re just trying to figure it out—with your help.

Be patient. Be consistent. And if you need backup?
Sit Happens Orlando’s got your back, one pee pad at a time.