Is your older dog peeing or pooping in the house? They may be showing the first signs of incontinence. So what to to do? Re-potty train.
Potty training an older dog may seem like a challenging task. No worries! With a dash of patience and a sprinkle of consistency, you’ll have your older dog mastering bathroom etiquette like a pro. If your older dog has developed some undesirable bathroom habits, the following six steps will guide you through the process of potty training effectively. Consult your veterinarian to rule out medical issues that might contribute to your dog’s inability to control their bladder. Here are the
Five Steps to Potty Train your Older Dog
- Understand Your Dog’s Routine, Decode the Canine Clock:
- Dogs, like humans, thrive on routines and consistency.
- Notice your dog’s natural potty rhythm: dogs usually eliminate after waking up, after eating, and before bedtime.
- Establish potty routine around their biological clock for a smoother training experience. Older dogs may not have the same bladder control as their younger counterparts. Aim for more frequent bathroom breaks, such as every 2 hours, align with mealtimes and sleep times. Gradually extend the time between outings as your dog becomes more adept.
Anticipate their bathroom needs and take them outside at the appropriate times.
- Reinforce Positive Behavior:
- Positive reinforcement is the golden ticket. It is the key element in potty training any dog, regardless of age.
- Shower your older dog with praise and treats when they eliminate in the desired location.
- Use treats, verbal praise, and affection to reinforce their good behavior, linking rewards to good behavior forms a connection – they’ll want to repeat the star performance.
- Create a Designated Bathroom Area or a Potty Hotspot:
- Designate a specific area outside where you want your older dog to go potty.
- Consistency is the magic word – always lead them to this spot, using a leash if necessary.
- The scent of their previous eliminations in that spot will also encourage them to go there again. Over time, your dog will associate this location with bathroom breaks.
- Monitor Indoor Behavior:
- Supervise your older dog indoors to catch any signs of impending accidents, to nip accidents in the bud especially during the initial stages of training.
- If you notice them sniffing, circling, or squatting, quickly take them outside to their designated bathroom area.
- Swiftly redirect them outdoors, reinforcing the “potty happens outside” memo.
Be vigilant, especially during the initial stages of training, to prevent setbacks.
- Use a Consistent Command:
- Introduce a command, a simple and snappy phrase such as “go potty” and use it consistently.
- Consistency is the glue – use the same command every time.
- Over time, your dog will associate this command with the act of eliminating, making it easier for you to communicate your expectations.
Use the command every time you take your dog to their designated bathroom area.
- Be Patient and Consistent:
- Expect a few bumps on the potty training highway.
- Accidents are part of the game – clean up, stay calm, and stay focused.
- The golden rule? Patience and consistency win the day.
There you have it – potty training your older dog is an adventure, not a hassle. Decipher their schedule, embrace positive vibes, claim an outdoor hotspot, be vigilant indoors and command with consistency. Sprinkle on heaps of patience. Remember, building a strong bond with your dog through positive reinforcement is the key to a successful potty training experience.