If you adopt an adult dog that has not been trained, the first thing you need to teach him is some canine toilet etiquette. Housebreaking an older dog is just the same as housebreaking a puppy. Dogs are smart animals and want to learn to please you, no matter how young or old they are. Here are some tips to facilitate housetraining your older dog.
* As soon as you bring him home, take your dog (with a leash on) to the area you want him to use. Stay there with him until he eliminates before you bring him inside the house. Praise him enthusiastically when he does his business.
* Don’t let your dog have access to every part of the house. Limit the amount of space you give him until you are confident that he is potty trained. Close the doors to some rooms so he can’t go into them.
* Have your dog go in and out of the same door at all times, even if you have two doors that lead to the same place. Using just one door teaches him where he should go whenever he needs you to let him out.
* Dogs like to den, so consider using a crate. Your dog will treat it as his den, and canines instinctively do not eliminate in their den. Put your pet in the crate at night and for a few hours during the day when you can’t watch him.
* Praise your dog profusely whenever he does his business outdoors. You can even give him a treat to reinforce the behavior faster.
* Prevent the accident from happening. Most dogs start sniffing around the floor, trying to find the right spot, when they have to go. If you see your dog doing this or staring at the door or approaching you like he wants something, take him outside.
* Do not punish your dog if he has an accident in the house. Keep in mind that moving and adjusting to a new home is stressful for him and that he is doing his best to learn. Be patient and your hard work will pay off.
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