House training your older dog can be challenging, but luckily, you can teach an old dog new tricks, and we have a few tips to make this process a little easier for you.
House training your adult dog is much the same as training a new puppy. Consistency and positive reinforcement is the key. It is difficult for an older dog to move into a new environment, especially if there are new rules to learn. Here are a few tips to make this process easier for you and your dog.
- Your dog will want to explore his surroundings, but until he is housetrained, you will want to keep him confined when you cannot watch him closely. Think about purchasing a crate for him to sleep in and to use while you are out of the house. Dogs will learn to think of their crate as their "den" and will be less likely to soil it.
- Implement a schedule for your pooch. Take him outside to piddle at regular intervals. When you catch him doing something right, smother him with praise, and give him a treat. Dogs are creatures of habit and find it much easier to control themselves when they know what to expect.
- There are certain aspects of house training that are unique to an older dog. Male and Female dogs will attempt to mark their territory. If you see that your dog is piddling in the same spot repeatedly, use an odor neutralizer to remove the odor permanently. Changes in a normally perfectly housetrained pet may be a signal of a larger problem. If you find that your dog is no longer making it outside on time or is suddenly waking you up in the middle of the night to piddle, have him checked by a veterinarian. Certain medical conditions such as a bladder infection or intestinal parasites can cause frequent accidents.
With consistency, following the above tips will help you and your pooch get through this process. You, your dog, and your carpet will be better off for all your hard work.
Have a plan and all the supplies you need on hand before bringing the new pooch home. Prepare yourself for this process and it will go much more smoothly.
