Potty Spots: A Stain in Your Couch or a Place in Your Yard?
All Over in Your Home:
We love our pets—wet noses, wagging tails, and all. But let’s be honest, accidents happen. Whether it’s a new puppy learning the ropes or an older dog with occasional slips, pet stains and odors can quickly take over your home. To a professional carpet cleaner, a potty spot is a stain waiting to be removed; A place in your home is an area your dog has chosen—whether once or repeatedly—to mark or relieve themselves.
The good news? You don’t have to live with lingering smells or unsightly spots. With professional pet stain and odor removal, you can enjoy fresh, clean carpets again—and keep your home smelling like home, not a kennel.
John Spears runs the carpet care company we trust most—and we confidently send all our clients his way. Once John removes the odors from their home, Your home is fresh again—what a relief! But now the battle has moved outside, and you’re still discovering unwanted ‘surprises’ scattered across the yard. And let’s be honest, nothing ruins a day faster than stepping in one. The good news? There’s an easier solution! We to teach the dogs how to use a designated potty spot outside. Read to the end, and we’ll show you how to do the same!
Here’s John’s advice for Pet Odor and Potty Spots in the home:
Why Store-Bought Cleaners Aren’t Enough
Spraying and scrubbing might help on the surface, but pet accidents seep deep into carpet fibers and padding. If not treated properly, odors can stick around for months, and pets often return to the same potty spot again and again. Over time, that “one little accident” turns into a bigger problem. And trust us, we have seen an accident turn into a habit when it comes to a potty spot.
Professional carpet cleaning gets to the root of the issue. Instead of masking odors, it neutralizes them at the source—leaving your home fresh, sanitary, and comfortable for both you and your pets.
The Professional Difference
Here’s what sets professional pet stain and odor removal apart:
- Deep cleaning technology that penetrates below the carpet surface.
- Odor neutralizers that don’t just cover up smells but eliminate them.
- Pet-safe products that are tough on stains but gentle for your furry family members.
- Restored freshness, so your home feels inviting again.
Preventing Future Accidents
Once your carpets are cleaned, it’s also important to address the root cause—your pet’s habits. Consistent potty training, kennel training, and having a designated potty spot in the yard, help keep your carpets cleaner longer. A fresh start for your home can be the perfect time for a fresh start in training, too.
A dog that uses a potty spot in your home is a big stress. We offer a 14-Day Crate and Potty Training Challenge dedicated to teaching your dog(or puppy) to not go in the house. Try these tips below first, then if you need more help, get the course for additional help!
Enjoy a Cleaner, Fresher Home. Start off right:
Your pets deserve a safe and happy space—and so do you. Professional pet stain and odor removal brings your carpets back to life, eliminates those stubborn smells, and gives your home the clean slate it needs. A potty spot will be easier to teach with their odor eliminated from your home.
Add a Potty Spot to Your Yard:
Great, now you have a clean home, but now you tired of finding little “surprises” all over your yard. Or worse—stepping in them? You’re not alone. But here’s the good news: there’s a simpler way!
You can train your dog to use a potty spot—a designated area where they do their business every time. Imagine no more random landmines in the middle of your lawn, and a much easier cleanup routine. Sounds pretty great, right?
If you’re curious about how to set up a potty spot or you’re ready for a new project, let’s dive into the dos and don’ts of making this work.
Dos and Don’ts of Teaching a Dog to Go in a Potty Spot in the Yard
✅ Do choose a convenient location. Pick a spot that’s easy to access, especially in rain or snow. Trust us—you’ll thank yourself later.
✅ Do make it a well-defined area. Gravel, bark, or other textures different from grass help your dog know exactly where the potty spot is. Adding curbing, bricks, or a small fence creates clear boundaries.
❌ Don’t overcomplicate it. Simple is best. Even a bare flower bed can work perfectly.
✅ Do teach your dog where it is. This takes consistency. At first, they may resist or get confused, but with time, they’ll catch on.
❌ Don’t assume your dog just “gets it.” Dogs aren’t mind readers! You’ll need to guide them.
✅ Do teach a potty command. Words like “go potty” or “do your business” make life easier—not just at home but also on road trips or pit stops.
✅ Do make sure the spot drains. Avoid cement or other solid surfaces that hold liquid. Dirt or landscape fabric underneath works best.
✅ Do keep it clean. Regularly rinse and disinfect with pet-safe cleaners to keep smells and bacteria away. John with Signature Carpet Care is a good one to ask if you are in the Utah area!
✅ Do stay consistent. Like all training, success comes with repetition and clear communication.
Teaching Your Dog to Use the Potty Spot
Here’s the hard part—and where many people give up. For the first few weeks, you’ll need to:
- Use a leash. Take your dog to the spot every time.
- Set a timer. Give them 2–3 minutes to go. If nothing happens, bring them inside and put them in the crate for 10 minutes. Then try again.
- Stay patient. Some dogs learn quickly; others take more time. Stick with it.
- Celebrate success. Praise them when they go in the right spot!
The Crate is key here—it prevents accidents inside and helps your dog understand the expectation.
Why We Love Potty Spots
While not an absolute must, potty spots can make your life so much easier. Here at Cornerstone Dog Training, we use them with all of our dogs, and most of our trainers have them for their own pups at home. The payoff? A cleaner yard and house, less stress, and a dog that knows exactly where to go.
If you’re ready to give it a try, remember—patience and consistency are your best tools. And if you’d like help with this or any other part of training, we’d love to guide you. Reach out to learn more about our programs—we’re here to make life with your dog calm, connected, and a whole lot easier.
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