The Secrets of Potty Training an Older Dog

If you've just adopted an older dog and he's been having accidents in your home, then you should definitely take a minute to read this article.

In the next few paragraphs, I'm going to discuss some important information about potty training an older dog. First, we're going to talk a little bit about why older dogs may need to be retrained. Then, we'll talk about the training process for potty training an older dog. Last, I'll give you some great tips that are going to help you get your dog back into the swing of doing his business outside.

First, let's talk a little bit about bringing an older dog into your home, and why he may not seem to be potty trained. Just because a dog was potty trained as a puppy doesn't mean that he will be potty trained when he is brought into the home of a new owner. Dogs need time to adjust to a new environment. The dog also doesn't know what to expect from you. What will you allow? What won't you allow? He's going to feel you out at the beginning, so you'll need to let him know what you will and won't stand for.

Next, let's discuss the training process. You'll need to start training your dog as if he were a puppy. Crate training is the best option to start. However, some older dogs are very set in their ways, and can become very aggressive when faced with confinement. If this is the case with your dog, don't push the matter. Use a bathroom or other small room as your 'crate'.

A schedule should be set for potty breaks right off the bat. Older dogs are very picky about where they eliminate outside. He won't want to go where he plays, eats, or sleeps. You need to monitor your dog for a week or two until you get a handle on where he likes to go to the bathroom. Always head right to these spots as soon as you get outside with your dog. This will condition your dog to understand that when you bring him to that particular spot, you want him to eliminate.

Lastly, let's talk about some things you can do to help your dog become potty trained again. It's best to set regular feeding times. Feed your dog once in the morning, and once in the evening, and always at the same times. This way you can be sure of when your dog will need to go. Again, it's all about routine and consistency.

If your dog came from an abusive home where there was hitting or paper swatting, it may take him much longer to become acclimated to his new environment. In turn, it's going to take you longer to get him trained. If this is the case, be patient with your dog and approach the matter with love and affection. Remember, he was abused. The best thing for him is to know that he doesn't have to be threatened by you and that you aren't going to hit him when he makes a mistake.

If your dog does have an accident, it's best just to clean it up and move on. Yelling at your pooch will only make him nervous and worsen the matter. Older dogs are prone to more accidents than puppies, and this could be for any number of reasons. Mostly, it's because older dogs suffer from anxiety when they are getting acclimated to a new home. Your older dog may also 'mark' his territory by urinating in numerous places. The only effective solution for this in older dogs is neutering.

Understand why your dog needs to be retrained, learn the training process, and follow the tips I discussed and you'll have Fido potty trained in no time!