How to Potty Train an Older Dog

Reasons Why an Older Dog Might Not Be House Trained

• Here are some potential reasons why an older dog may not be house trained:
  • They were never potty trained in their previous home.
  • They unfortunately may not have lived primarily indoors in their previous house.
  • Eliminating outdoors and on the grass may be a new concept for them. The previous environment they lived in may not have allowed them much exposure to grass or pee pads.
  • Some dogs may prefer an indoor bathroom option due to age, mobility, or their level of comfortability.
  • Certain health conditions may cause a dog to lose control of their bladder or bowels. It is important to make note of any concerning symptoms, and see a veterinarian regularly in order to discuss any concerns you may have so you can keep your pup healthy.
  • Some dogs may react and be fearful of loud noises, causing them to feel threatened. As a result, they may have an accident in the house.

Adult Dog Potty-Training Routine

Establish a routine

• In order to create a strong foundation and help set your canine companion up for success, it is important to establish a routine, especially when it comes to the task of potty training. Potty training goes hand in hand with routine, so you should bring your dog outside on a leash first thing in the morning, after meals, after intense play, when you arrive home and before bedtime.
• Bring your dog to the same bathroom spot each time you go outside for a potty break. This will aid in establishing a scent mark in the yard that they can smell. A dog’s nose is highly sensitive, and they can smell areas where they or other pets have made an initial urine marking.

Reward with treats and praise

• Use positive reinforcement when they go potty outside, make it a big deal! Remember to offer tons of encouragement and reward them with praise and their favorite treat. This will help to keep your dog highly motivated and will help them progress quickly with their training.
• Remember, accidents happen!

Take frequent bathroom breaks

• Give your dog many opportunities to relieve themselves outside. While a set schedule will certainly help them learn a routine, they may need to go outdoors more often than you think, so be prepared to adjust that schedule accordingly. In their first few weeks home, it may take you a little time to learn your new dog’s schedule.
• Along with frequent bathroom breaks, make sure you allow your dog enough time outdoors, don’t rush them, and make sure your pup finishes eliminating before you go back inside.

Keep your dog leashed by your side, or in sight

• In the first few weeks, while inside, make sure your dog can’t wander off in the home to an area you or a family member cannot see. This will help to reduce the likelihood that they will wander off to another room and eliminate indoors. In addition, keeping them with you will help to ensure they don’t deposit urine in the house in a place you may not see, as they will be able to smell that initial scent mark.

Set up a restricted area for your dog when they’re unsupervised

• In their first few days to weeks in their new home, consider setting up a baby gate or pet gate in an area that allows your dog ample space but limits their access to the rest of your home when you are unable to supervise them. If your dog is crate trained, be sure to put their crate in this area so they can enter and exit as they please. Dogs are less likely to soil this designated area as they like a clean house too! If you have a pet camera, this is a great place to focus it so you can keep a watchful eye on your new friend and be sure they are safe and content.

Gradually expand the restricted area

• Once your dog is able to go several days without an accident in the house, give them more space. If they regress, decrease the area again, and work towards gradually expanding the area once again. Remember that this process will take time, all dogs can learn new tricks!

Watch for warning signs

• Pacing, whining, waiting by the door or barking may be signs that they need to be let out to go potty.
• Some pet parents elect to train their dog with a bell that is attached to the door so that their furry family member can ring the bell in order to indicate they need to go outside. There are many tricks similar to this one that you can try with your dog to see what works best for them.

Don’t punish them over mistakes

• It’s not unusual for adult dogs who aren’t potty trained to have an accident at some point. Do not punish them for it. Potty training takes time, and you are both still learning about each other.
• If your dog does have an accident in the home, be sure to use a pet-friendly enzymatic cleaner to clean the soiled area. If the spot is not properly cleaned, your dog may continue soiling the same spot due to the residual scent mark.
• If you are struggling with housetraining procedures, you might consider working with a trainer who can assist you and your adult dog in the training or re-training process. These individuals can help you to work with your pup on house soiling problems and ensure potty training is successful.

How to Know When Your Dog Has to Go

• Over time, you will learn their signals that indicate they need to go potty. You might see pacing, whining, circling, sniffing purposefully, barking, or waiting by the door. This is their way of telling you they need a bathroom break. Not every dog will give you the same signals. Dogs have their own unique personalities and tendencies, just like us humans do. If you learn to recognize the signs your dog gives you, and you respond quickly by taking them out for a bathroom break, this will help to ensure your dog continues to give you these same cues.
• Your dog may have a hard time adjusting to eliminating on grass or dirt because he or she may not have gone potty on that type of surface before. Your dog can model behavior displayed by other pets. Consider meeting up with a friend or family member and their dog so you can take your pooches for a walk together. Most dogs will usually go in a spot where other dogs have already gone.

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Dog?

• Most adult dogs can be potty trained within a few weeks. If you have a small or senior dog, the timeline may be a little longer. If you ever have concerns regarding potential medical problems that may be causing them to eliminate inside, it is important to schedule your dog to see their veterinarian as soon as possible. Be sure to make note of any other symptoms you observe, and bring that list with you to your appointment.

Can You Train an Older Dog to Use Pee Pads?

• Yes, you can train an older dog to use pee pads. These may be a good option if you have a small dog and live in a building without easy outdoor access, or have a dog with mobility issues. Training your canine companion to use pads is a similar process to taking them outside when they need to go. Positive reinforcement, routine, and repetition are key.

How Often Should I Take My Dog Out?

• Part of teaching a dog to eliminate outside is understanding how often dogs need potty breaks. This frequency can be influenced by their physical size (thus influencing the size of their bladder) as well as by their age. Take them out approximately once an hour at first. This should be in addition to letting them out after meals, first thing in the morning, before bedtime and after intense play sessions. After some time, once you think they’re ready, gradually extend the time between potty breaks (e.g., 90 minutes to 2 hours). If you find your dog is still having accidents with this new schedule, dial these times back to shorter durations. Eventually, the goal is for them to follow a daily routine, but even with a routine, there will be times they will ask to go out more often. Dogs need to be let out routinely regardless of their age. Consider hiring a dog walker or trusted friend to bring your dog outside for potty breaks if you need the help.