Housetraining an Adult Dog

In working with rescued dogs, we come across many who have not been properly housetrained.  It might not be something you think about until you’re in the situation, but it’s certainly not limited to puppies. So whether you’re taking care of a stray, fostering or if you adopt an older dog, you just might need to teach an old dog some new tricks.

First, let’s premise this by saying if you have an older dog, inappropriate soiling may be a medical problem and not lack of proper manners, so a vet visit might be in order.

Otherwise, teaching an adult dog to become housetrained is no different than teaching a puppy.

• Establish a regular schedule for feeding, play and potty times and stick to it. What goes into your Doggie on a schedule will also come out on a schedule. 
• Take Doggie outside frequently. Puppies need to go every two hours, but a healthy adult dog should be able to hold his bladder for up to eight hours (after he learns he’s supposed to).
• Pick a potty spot outside and always take Doggie to the same location for bathroom breaks.
• Pick a phrase like “go potty” to use while Doggie is going so that he will learn what the term means.
• Reward Doggie with praise or a treat immediately after he’s done going, not after he’s back in the house.
• Follow this with a long walk or some play time.
• Be diligent and supervise Doggie when he’s in the house and don’t give him an opportunity to have an accident. You may consider tethering him to a nearby piece of furniture with a six-foot leash so the moment he shows signs of restlessness you can quickly and easily take him outside. 
• Signs of having to go include barking or scratching at the door, squatting, sniffing or circling.

 Accidents will happen! When they do:

• Interrupt Doggie when you catch him in the act by making a noise that will startle—but not scare—him.
• Say “OUTSIDE” and immediately take him to his potty spot.
• Don’t punish Doggie for having an accident. Rubbing his nose in it, scolding him or any other punishment will make him afraid of you or afraid to go potty in your presence.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  Please visit the following Humane Society of the United States web pages for more information http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/housetraining_puppies.html or http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/housetraining_adult_dogs.html