If you are planning on adopting an older dog instead of a puppy, you need to learn the rules of housebreaking an older dog to be able to integrate it into your home environment. Keep in mind that it is best to assume that this older dog hasn’t been properly house-trained so you should start at the very beginning.
Getting Started – Housebreaking an Older Dog
When the dog finally arrives in your home, let him explore his surroundings first until he has already moved his bowels. This may take time since he will most likely be taking his time in exploring your place. Once he has relieved himself, praise him for his behavior to show that his action was right.
One thing that you should remember when it comes to housebreaking an older dog is that he already has the ability to control his bowels so you should set a fixed schedule where he can go out to relieve himself. You should do this after he eats, plays, and before you go to sleep at night. Since dogs tend to fall into habit, you should train them when to relieve himself.
Crate Training – Housebreaking an Older Dog
Once your dog understands when it is his time to relieve himself, training will be faster than ever. Aside from teaching him this step, you should also think about where your pet will live whether he will have his own crate to use as his den or live with you indoors.
When it comes to housebreaking an older dog, it is best that you choose to give your pet his own crate that he can sleep in. Using crates to train him is also helpful since dogs don’t want to soil their own sleeping area. This is the best way for you teach him when to go out when he needs to relieve himself as well.
Things to Remember – Housebreaking an Older Dog
In order for you to teach your pet where he will sleep, confine him to his crate for at least four hours if you have to leave him unsupervised. If your pet gets into an accident, make sure that you treat it immediately.
These are but a few methods that you need to keep in mind when it comes to housebreaking an older dog. Always remember that patience, love and sense of humor are key elements in making your pet feel right at home especially when he is an older dog. For sure, if you have all these attributes in you, housebreaking an older dog will be quite a breeze for you.