GLOSSARY
Words for the
small moments.
Housetraining
Teaching an intended place for elimination. It is not a test of how long a puppy can wait.
Elimination
Passing urine or feces. Seeing a trip outdoors is not the same as seeing this event.
Opportunity
Access to an appropriate toilet spot, with a person ready to observe and respond.
Reinforcement
A consequence that increases a behavior over time. A reward offered once is not proof that learning occurred.
Reward timing
When the reward follows the intended behavior. Here the guidance is after completion, at or near the toilet spot.
Supervision
An attentive person can see the puppy and respond, rather than merely being in the same building.
Cue
A word or other signal associated with a behavior. It is not a demand that a puppy eliminate on command.
Substrate
The surface used for toileting, such as grass or a designated indoor material.
Observed
Something a person actually saw. An unobserved event should stay unconfirmed.
Enzymatic cleaner
A cleaning product formulated with enzymes. Choose a suitable product and follow its label; this site gives no chemical mixing recipe.
House-soiling lapse
A change after a reliable period. It does not identify the cause and can need a veterinary assessment.
Fictional scene
An invented illustration. It is not a patient case, evidence of success or a record of your puppy.
VCA: Housetraining for Puppies and Dogs ↗Guidance for this explanation, not an endorsement or review of this website.
VIN Veterinary Partner: Five Steps to Housetraining ↗Guidance for this explanation, not an endorsement or review of this website.