Effective Tips for House Training an Older Dog

House training an older dog requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. This comprehensive guide will help you establish a routine, supervise closely, and use rewards to ensure your mature canine companion has a clean and stress-free living environment.

Understanding the Situation

When house training an older dog, it is important to understand the dog's previous habits and upbringing. If you adopted the dog, call the previous source for information about past house training and living conditions. This knowledge can help you identify any specific issues, such as surface preferences or behavioral problems. Additionally, if symptoms of accidents arise, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues such as kidney problems, gastrointestinal distress, or age-related incontinence.

Getting Back to Basics

Many experts recommend several days off work to establish a consistent routine and house train your dog. This approach can be more effective than continuing with a busy schedule. Here are some key steps to follow:

Establish an Elimination Area

Teach your dog to use a specific location for eliminating waste. This location should be outdoors, not too distant from your home, and sheltered from the elements. If you cannot provide an outdoor area due to living in a high-rise or having mobility issues, you may need to train your dog to use papers or a litter box.

Escort the Dog to the Desired Location

Always escort the dog to the desired elimination area when it is time to go. Even if the dog was previously house-trained, retraining is necessary. Use a preferred command to indicate that you want the dog to eliminate, such as 'go potty'. Consistently follow through with rewarding the dog after successful elimination.

Establish a Routine and Feeding Schedule

Start by taking your dog outside frequently, such as when it first wakes up and every two hours initially. Pay attention to signs that the dog needs to eliminate, like whining or sniffing, and take it outside immediately. Gradually reduce the frequency of trips as you determine the dog's schedule. Feed your dog according to a regular schedule to help regulate its digestive system.

Handle Accidents Graciously

If you catch your dog mid-potty accident, startle it gently and promptly take it to the correct location. Offer praise and a treat when it successfully eliminates there. Avoid punishments, as negative reinforcement can cause anxiety and worsen the situation.

Confine the Dog When Supervision is Impossible

If accidents occur when you cannot supervise, consider crate training or confining your dog to a small room. This ensures the dog cannot access preferred spots to eliminate in the house when unsupervised.

Advanced Strategies

For dogs that continue to have accidents, it might be necessary to consider additional strategies:

Senior Dogs' Unique Needs

Recognize that older dogs often need to eliminate more frequently. Make adjustments to their daily routine accordingly. If you have a secure yard, consider installing a doggie door for self-service. Alternatively, hire a dog walker or find a trusted neighbor to help with mid-day breaks. In a pinch, provide piddle pads for your dog to use indoors.

Professional Help

If house training issues persist, seek advice from a pet behavior specialist. Your veterinarian can provide a referral or additional guidance. In some cases, anxiety medication prescribed by a vet, used in conjunction with behavioral therapy and environmental modifications, can help your dog feel more comfortable and reduce accidents.

Staying Consistent and Patient

Commit to a two-week formal training routine. Continue escorting the dog to the elimination area, instructing, and rewarding for at least two weeks to ensure the behavior is solidified. Maintain regular feeding and exercise schedules. Consistency and patience are key to successfully house training an older dog.