How to House Train an Adult Dog

In this article today, I will focus on

potty training your dog

As the title implies, try not to get “pissed off” when it comes to potty training your dog.

This is owing to the fact that bringing home a dog (any dog) will require much effort on your part – as much effort as a new puppy.  Now that we have that clear, we’re on the right track.   After all,
having a good attitude about it is MORE than half the battle.

There are experts who know about

adult dog crate training          Potty Training for Adult Dogs

- go HERE for information.

And go HERE for adult dog house training info.

Adult Dog House Training

When it comes adult dog house training (or potty training your dog), be prepared to proactively monitor your dog when outside for up to one month, or so.

It can be a grave error in judgment to assume that because the dog has been potty trained before, he will immediately adjust to your household & your schedule with NO problems.

I’ll explain why this is not realistic. Think of it from the dog’s viewpoint – he doesn’t know you, and here he is changing homes.  He might have been used to spending a lot of time in a crate (poor thing), or he may have been abused; or he may just be shy. You don’t yet know his personality, and you have to give both yourself and the dog ample time to adjust.  Do NOT rush it.  In the early going, you’ll be spending much time observing your dog.

Dog Communication: An Integral Part to Success


Author:nicolemama3

 

Observing is part of the communication process (dog communication). In the house, you need to follow Fido around so that you can “catch him in the act”. It is essential you catch him just as he is starting to go. Then, pick him up or escort him outside for elimination.

Tip: Don’t shout or hit the new dog with a paper (better to CLAP your hands loudly) as this will serve to frighten him & he’ll just “hold it”, thereby making “adult dog house training” more challenging.

Additionally, remember that your new dog is dealing with two (2) things:

  • He is getting to know his new humans
  • He’s becoming acclimated to new surroundings

Realize this – Your dog does not inherently know that you don’t allow peeing on the floor.  There are other things your new canine friend won’t instinctively know. This is why you must:

  1. Train him in as though he were a brand new puppy
  2. Never scold him or yell (this will just confuse him)
  3. Establish a routine – including meal time & eliminating
  4. Never mix play with potty training your dog
  5. Clean up any accidents in the home really well
  6. Be Consistent in Your Efforts

Adult Dog Crate Training

It is a whole new ballgame now, at your house.  He now must get to know a whole new set of rooms, their scents, and their nuances.  It would be wise to begin with the crate training regimen.  And determine whether or not you are going to restrict the dog to the bathroom, or some other room in the house, with newspapers in place.

Establish a set schedule for potty breaks (going outside). Give the dog ample time to sniff around in the beginning. This is how dogs operate, so be sure to give him time to get acclimated to his brand new environment.

Further, you must realize that adult dogs are quite particular when selecting a place to go potty (thus, do not become cross or impatient with your new dog). Simply realize this ahead of time.

Tip: in the future, you may be travelling with your dog.  It will be important for you to be more patient (when he is first establishing a place to go on the hotel grounds, or perhaps at a friend’s house). Let him do his thing – he has to remember this spot each subsequent time he goes, so it is imperative you give him EXTRA time his initial time out (even if you are putting your dog on a leash for this exercise).

Bear in mind that dogs do not like going potty in the same exact place they play or eat.  Understanding this will help you; you can use this to your advantage in your adult dog crate training exercise.  And once your pet has found his unique spot in your yard for his potty break, let him return to this same place in the future (very important). *NOTE: Recall you have to go outside with your dog for several weeks to establish the routine.

Final Thoughts: Dog Potty Training Problems

You or a member of your family simply must be vigilante in the first month, so that potty training your dog is a success. You’ll need to either use a baby gate, or keep him in the room with you (put dog on a 6 – 7 foot leash, etc.). Watch for signs, like circling or sniffing about. Praise him upon elimination.

Resourceful Websites:

1. Mr P’s Website:  Adult Dog House Training and  Adult Dog Crate Training

(*Note that you can search by keyword at this authority website on dogs & puppies)

2. Tips on adult dog house training (incl. adult dog crate training)

3. List: Difficult Dogs to housebreak – website

4. Ehow.com LIST -  Potty Training a Dog (Includes potty training a dog in winter, how to housetrain your rescue dog, housetraining a stubborn bichon or a great dane, the quickest way to potty train a dog, house train a difficult dog -  and info on training smaller dogs, specifically)

5. How to Housetrain an Older Dog  – Story

(#5 expounds on a sheltie who had been caged the 1st 2 years of her life – goes into holistic housetraining, as well as the story of her new family. She had been considered “perfect” in every way)

6. Removing Dog Urine Stains – A Must Do                                    

Amazon Books:   How to Housebreak a Dog

Special Note:  For adopting a puppy info, visit this page

Visit our site on Puppy Potty Training

Keep in mind the owner of this website can earn a commission if you select something to purchase.

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Filed under: Feature Stories • Parenting Strategies • Potty Training Your Dog

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