Learn The Correct Technique To House Train An Older Dog!

Use our house training tips as a refresher course to re-train your old pup. If you've recently adopted a senior dog from a shelter, it's best to assume that your new friend needs this refresher course. It will also take time for both of you to understand one anothers gestures.

If the dog was once house trained, then he will probably catch on quickly. These tips to house train an older dog should also work if you've owned your older dog his entire life and he just needs a little reminder.

Dog House Breaking Requires A Daily Routine

Dogs also learn best with a regular routine. The best approach to house train an older dog or a dog of any age for that matter, is to let him outside the same time every day. When he awakes in the morning, when you get in from work and before bed are the three principle times. This doesn't mean that he won't need out more than this, but these are the critical times for most dogs.

If you happen to actually see your dog relieving himself in the house, it's important that you don't scream or frighten him at that time. Clap your hands and say "no", but don't scream at him. Reason being, if your dog becomes afraid of you, he will not relieve himself in front of you again and it's necessary to see him doing his business outside during the house training period.

Use Praise And Reward To Train Older Dog

During house training, it's important to go outside with a treat in your pocket ready to reward your dog. Many people make the mistake of rewarding the dog once he returns back indoors, don't do this. Once you see him do his business outside, praise him immediately. Develop a simple phrase such as "good go potty" and use this each time you see him doing his business. Then give him a treat and let him back in the house.

Observe And Learn

Dogs that are properly house trained and given the opportunity to relieve themselves regularly, will very rarely eliminate indoors. However, there are times that your dog may not be feeling well and have an accident. Don't scold or frighten him, he can't help it.

Good dog owners know when their dog isn't well by understanding their dog's behavior and habits. Circling, sniffing or a raised tail are typical signs that a dog is ready to relieve himself, so get him outside and praise him when he finishes. How to effectively remove dog urine.

House Soiling May Be Due To Other Issues

•  A medical condition such as kidney/urinary tract infection, parasite infection or diabetes. Cognitive Dysfunction is another medical condition that inhibits the dog's normal behavior.

•  Although it happens more with puppies or younger dogs, older dogs may also tinkle a little when excited or threatened. Examples include playing, punishment or when you arrive home.

•  Marking of territory is something that happens when dogs feel their territory is being threatened.

•  Surface choice is another reason some dogs continue house soiling. If a dog was paper trained with no further house training, some dogs will become partial to this type of surface. To effectively house train an older dog, it's important to offer him several different surface options so that he understands that outside is good no matter if it's concrete or grass, etc.

•  Separation Anxiety is the result of a dog becoming anxious because he's left alone. Most owners will see other signals such as barking and destruction.

•  Fears and/or Phobias are also common reasons for a dog soiling indoors. Fireworks, thunderstorms and loud noises are typical phobias. Fighting and family disfunction can also cause nervousness and fear in a dog leading to soiling indoors.

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