Housebreaking Older DogsTips For Making The Job EasierAdopting an adult canine may mean learning tips for housebreaking older dogs. Normally, one thinks of the housebreaking process as something that is accomplished during puppyhood, however, canines who have not been cared for properly may arrive in your home needing to be taught the basics of acceptable potty habits.
Remember that when housebreaking older dogs, it is important to praise or reward him or her when they go to the restroom in the proper place. When you catch your pet going to the restroom indoors, speak to the animal in a strong tone of voice, saying “NO” firmly. Do not yell, scream, threaten, or strike him. Such discipline will only serve to cause the pet to distrust you. Housebreaking older dogs requires that you establish a consistent schedule so that the dog will know when to expect the opportunity to relieve itself in the proper place. Companion canines who are older, just like pups, do not want to eliminate where they live, sleep, or eat. They find it distasteful to go in their living quarters but may not have been given any other option in their former homes. The process of training the adult pet is easy enough if you provide plenty of opportunities on a very consistent schedule. During the housebreaking process, it is important to provide opportunities to urinate and defecate at the times when the dog most likely needs to potty. Immediately upon waking and about 10 minutes after eating are times you can count on your furry friend needing to go to his potty location. In between, every few hours the opportunity should be provided for elimination. During the initial training process, crate training may speed the process greatly. Crate training means confining the pet to a suitably-sized transportation crate while you are home so that the canine will be in an area it will find unacceptable to soil until you remove it from the crate and go to the proper potty location. This process simply prevents accidents and ensure that when you take the pet out to potty, it will feel the urge to urinate or defecate. This way, your friend quickly gets the idea of when and where to take care of relieving itself. When the older dog is taken out to potty and performs well, praise, treats, petting and lots of love are in order to show your pet that its behavior is exactly what you desire. Because most pets live in homes where the owners are away most of the day during their work week, arrangements must be made to allow the older dog to potty without soiling the house. One solution to this problem is to confine the pet to one area of the home, perhaps a bathroom, family room, or other area without carpeting, and provide doggie potty pads as the temporary bathroom for your pooch until you return home. During the initial time of housebreaking older dogs, it is helpful to offer the opportunity to visit the restroom every hour, stretching the time between visits as the pet becomes more comfortable with the concept and gains better control of bladder and bowels. Once taken outside, provide five to ten minutes for your pet to let loose. Do not allow the dog to turn potty breaks into long walks or play time. Offer exercise and play at other times; otherwise your pet may train you instead of you training your canine buddy. When housebreaking older dogs, you can expect some accidents, especially at first. Remember, do not severely scold the pet and never rub its nose in the mess. This is not effective training and rubbing the nose in urine or fecal matter is considered abusive! Simply clean up the mess, give a firm “NO” and continue the training process.
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