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Tips on Potty Training an Older Dog

28 13:44:36

Tips on Potty Training an Older Dog

Tips on Potty Training an Older Dog. The methods used to potty train puppies are used to train older dogs as well. With an older dog, however, potty training may actually be simpler. Older dogs can hold their bladder longer, and some may have a natural instinct to avoid eliminating inside. On the other hand, an older dog may have been taught bad habits by a previous owner and may soil areas of your home.

Crate training

Some people do not like to put their dog in a crate, while other people will not have a dog without one. Crate training an older dog can be more difficult than crate training a puppy, and it takes more time. Buy a crate that is big enough for the dog to stand upright, lie down and turn around, but don't buy a crate that is too big. If your dog has space to urinate or defecate in the crate, using a crate for potty training purposes will be largely ineffective. To acclimate your dog to the crate, start by feeding him near it, then moving the bowl inside the crate when he seems comfortable. Toss his favorite toys inside to get him going in on his own. When he begins to go in and out of the crate willingly, close the door behind him for a few minutes, and then gradually lengthen the time he spends in the crate. Stay nearby the first few times he's in the crate so he won't panic at being left alone.

Walk often

Walk your older dog often, perhaps every two hours, so that he is more likely to go outside than inside. Stay outside until your dog has urinated or defecated, and then praise him. He isn't likely to eliminate if he is excited about being outside, so stay out long enough for him to calm down. You can teach him to eliminate on cue by saying a word or phrase associated with outdoor elimination, such as "Go potty," when he goes in the appropriate area.

Inside the house

Until your dog is completely potty trained, have him wear a leash at all times while inside. Keeping the leash on him will allow you to immediately take him outside if he starts sniffing the ground, circling or showing any other signs of needing to eliminate. Remove his leash and collar, however, if he is inside his crate, as the leash and collar could catch on the crate and present a safety issue. If you don't want to crate your dog, but you also don't want him to soil your carpeting, use a baby gate or pet fencing to enclose him in rooms with hard floors, such as the kitchen, until he is potty trained.

References

  • Dog Bible; Kristin Mehus-Roe; 2005.