How to housetrain adult dogs?!

bugs350z · 04-19-2007, 07:03 PM

I have 2 dogs, one is 6yrs and one is 1.5yrs. The older one is neutered but the younger one is not. They are not housetrained. I got them when I was fairly young and I live with my brother. Is there an effective way to housetrain them? Should I follow the "how to housetrain a puppy" thread? Any advice would help, thank you!

Misskiwi67 · 04-19-2007, 07:43 PM

Do it just like you would a puppy. Be fair, be consistent, be positive.

My adult dog wasn't potty trained when I got her, and she was completely trained within 2 weeks. Treat them like a puppy, take them out every 2 hours, PRAISE like crazy for going potty, and never leave them unsupervised in the house. I caught her having one accident, (missed 2 prior to that) and that was all it took.

It can be harder for some dogs to UN-learn bad habits, but you can do it!!

bugs350z · 04-20-2007, 03:50 PM

Thank you for your reply~ I will follow the thread on housetraining...wish me luck

Renoman · 04-22-2007, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misskiwi67

Do it just like you would a puppy. Be fair, be consistent, be positive.

My adult dog wasn't potty trained when I got her, and she was completely trained within 2 weeks. Treat them like a puppy, take them out every 2 hours, PRAISE like crazy for going potty, and never leave them unsupervised in the house. I caught her having one accident, (missed 2 prior to that) and that was all it took.

It can be harder for some dogs to UN-learn bad habits, but you can do it!!

If I could add just one comment to the above please. If you take the dog out the same door, to the same spot every time it really helps the dog 'get the idea'. Being consistent and diligent are the most important. If you develop a routine and stick to it you will be surprised at how quickly your dogs will be asking to go out.

Ginny01OT · 04-22-2007, 05:45 PM

I agree, just like a puppy: on a schedule and possibly crated until they get the idea. Good luck.

lovemachichis · 04-22-2007, 11:30 PM

yes, i would agree as well with training them like you would a pup, and keep in mind that positive reinforcement is KEY. and if they have accidents, dont discipline them as it will just embarass them and they will do their buisiness where they think you wont find it. if theyve already done it, even a minute later, discipline will just confuse them. and if you catch them in the act, dont make a big deal out of it, move them to where they should do it.