House training an adult dog can be challenging — especially if you’re used to the convenience of only having to let a puppy out “on command, dog training House training an adult dog can be challenging — especially if you’re used to the convenience of only having to let a puppy out “on command. The fact is, dogs are much faster to train when they are not as easily side tracked (like puppies) They have longer attention spans, stronger bladders and a thirst to please you—-their human-on-top-dog! Whether you’ve taken on a rescue, are retraining after a move or are helping a dog who never learned the basics, your patience and consistency will be rewarded.
Why House Training is Necessary for Adult Dogs
So why isn’t my adult dog house trained? Possibly, no one ever taught them: They may have been raised in the outdoors, in shelters, or in situations where going indoors was not presented as an option. Many dogs have only been inside on concrete, paper, or bedding and don’t understand what to do on grass or dirt5. Others could be acclimating to a new home and schedule.
And it’s important to remember that accidents aren’t done with the intention to defy someone. Dogs do not “know better” unless someone has shown them what better is. It’s your responsibility to lead them — with kindness and with clarity.
Step 1: Get on a Schedule
Dogs thrive on routine. Feed your dog at the same times every day and take them outside at the same times each day: first thing in the morning, after eating, nap or play, and right before bed. Do not free-feed (leave food out all day); scheduled feedings keep bathroom schedules regular.
When you do take your dog out, go with them, and, me, I would use a leash-don’t just let them out in the yard by themselves. This way, you can give them instant reward for good behavior and you can also track their progress.
Step 2: Monitor and Restrict Access
You must watch your dog until it’s gotten the hang of house training. Keep them in view or, if that is not possible, use a crate, exercise pen, or baby gates to confine them to a part of the house.
Another reason why your dog will want to be potty trained, is because dogs are generally clean and they don’t like soiling in their sleeping area, so if your dog’s kennel is a tight squeeze, the dog will also be motivated not to void there.
If you can’t be watching your dog, it needs to be in its crate or penned-off area. This is not a punishment-it is a way to prevent spills and reinforce good habits5. As your dog starts to prove them self, you can slowly increase their freedom at home.
Step 3: Make Bathroom Breaks a Ritual Nothing will make your bath interrupters more skittish than turning bathroom breaks into a regular occurrence that you do every night.
At the beginning of training, go outside with your dog more frequently than you would expect you’d need to. The more trips you take, the fewer accidents happen in the house, and the more opportunities your dog has to succeed.
You can also use a well-behaved dog, these dogs will learn from other dogs and take that to heart.
If he does not go then, bring him back inside for exactly 10 minutes and try again. If they haven’t gone outside, don’t allow them to roam the house without supervision.
Step 4: Shower Success With It’s Rewards
The best way to train your dog what you want is with positive reinforcement. When your dog finally pees in the right place, praise it lavishly and give it a delicious treat. Even if your dog prefers play or affection to treats, use whatever your dog loves the most!
I rushed my dog back inside only two, three, four times after going potty. And if they’re fans of the outdoors, allow five minutes for sniffs and investigation. Otherwise, they learn that holding it helps them stay outside longer and have an accident once they’re back inside1.
Step 5: Look for Warnings
Read your dog’s cues that they need to go: pacing, whining, sniffing, circling or moving toward the door25. Not all dogs will bark or scratch for a little fresh air, so be sure to keep your eyes on their body language. When you witness those signs, take babies outside immediately.
Step 6: React to accidents neutrally.
FLOATING ACCIDENTS (Lack of muscle control)This happens mostly while the dog is sleeping or relaxed and balanced in a positon that follows the dynamics of space.
There will inevitably be accidents, particularly in the early days. If you see your dog eliminate, interrupt gently-clap your hands, or say “uh-oh”-and then take her outside, pronto. Never punish or scream at your dog in case of accidents. This can make them fear it and hide when they need to go.
Use an enzyme cleaner to completely clean soiled areas and eliminate the smell. This is because returned to the same spot if left to his or her own devices.
Step 7: Release the Reins, Little by Little
After your dog goes a few days without an accident, you can start to gradually increase their access to the house2. If they begin to regress, confine them once again until they get back on track. Housebreaking is a progression, and hiccups will happen.
Applying Crate Training To House Training And more…
Crate training is a great way to house train adult dogs. Dogs are naturally removing phobic rather than soiling phobic, and a large enough crate encourages your dog, who does not want to soil his bed, to hold it until you let him outdoors345. Begin by making the crate a positive place with treats and praise. Over time, build on the minutes it can comfortably stay inside with the door closed, rewarding for quiet behaviour at all times.
“Don’t make a big deal over it if your dog whines or barks when in his crate; it’ll only make a difficult situation worse,” Hennessy says, but also, “do provide a treat or toy for play to help distract your dog from the upset.”
(Just be sure to remove when your pooch is crated anytime you offer a toy or treat.) If your dog whines, barks, or scratches at the door to be let out, ignore it. “Only release your puppy from the crate when you hear silence; this is the right way to teach your dog that you make the decisions, not him.” If your puppy starts whining in the crate, you may be letting them out too frequently.
Solving Common Problems
Accidents even after they go outside. In some cases, your dog might need more time to sniff and unwind before he or she is prepared to potty. Spend more time outside, or change to a new surface if your dog appears reluctant5.
Marking or chronic accidents: You can use a belly band for male dogs while you’re working on training, but not as a replacement for teaching the proper behavior.
Refusal to venture out: If your dog is apprehensive or is only accustomed to going on specific surfaces, then go to a quiet park, or bring a friend’s well-trained dog along for morale.
Tips for Success of house train an adult dog
Be patient—a grown dog might need a couple weeks to settle in, especially if it has bad habits that need to be unlearned.
Stay positive–reward the behavior you want and avoid punishment.
Keep It to a Schedule – The more predictable you can be, the faster your dog will learn.
Supervision is the key to success-the more you watch, the fewer mistakes you will have to clean up!
Reinforce with a Jackpot- get out the great stuff make it worth your dog’s while to do the right thing.
When to Seek Help
If your dog continues to regularly lose control of its bladder even with consistent training, check with your veterinarian to make sure there isn’t a medical issue going on. If the behavior does persists, consult with a professional dog trainer.
House training an adult dog is a process that requires cooperation and trust. Using patience, structure and plenty of encouragement, your dog soon will know the house rules and be a confident, trustworthy companion. Every single step, no matter how small, that closer to a happy, accident-free home 👍
