Adult dog potty training takes a little more time than potty training a puppy but is definitely possible if one knows how to approach it. One of the most important things to know is the fact that older dogs can resist elimination for up to a few hours. This alone gives us an advantage as we can schedule a regular set of meals and thus determine when our pet will need to eliminate.

However, because adult dogs have a lot of bad habits already rooted deeply in their brains it will take a bit more patience and consistency to retrain them.

Adult Dog Potty Training Part 1 — The Role Of A Crate

While getting involved in adult dog potty training it is best to purchase a crate that will serve as a new home for your dog. Because dogs are naturally clean animals they will avoid soiling their new home and will have to eliminate outside.

Make sure to purchase a wire crate with a smooth floor so that it’s not only immune to chewing or biting but also comfortable. It has to be big enough for your dog to sit and turn around while being inside but not bigger as your dog might use one of its corners to eliminate if forced to. Next, put something that reminds the dog of you inside, an old t-shirt serving as a sleeping pad would be perfect.

Adult Dog Potty Training Part 2 — Where Is The Toilet, Boss?

Adult dog potty training will also require you to specify a toilet area somewhere outside. Use a leash attached to a tree to define its size so that the dog is forced to eliminate within this spot and will stay focused on the task.

As soon as he eliminates praise him for doing this and clean the stools. Dogs will not want to relieve themselves in a messy and stinky place so be sure to keep it clean or your pet will eliminate indoors.

Adult Dog Potty Training Part 3 — Use Specific Commands Consistently

Train your dog to react to specific commands. If you see him circling and sniffing around (signs of coming poop) say firmly ‘outside’ and take your pet to the garden when he can finish the job. While his there repeat ‘go poop’ or ‘go potty’. These commands will allow you to trigger certain reactions in the future and are an extremely important part of adult dog potty training.

Adult Dog Potty Training Part 4 — Why Punishment Leads Nowhere

Don’t scream or hit your dog for eliminating indoors. In fact, don’t punish your dog when you find one of his stools either. Dogs cannot connect the fact that they have been eliminated in the past with your present anger. They will get stressed and more confused and think that you don’t want them to eliminate at all.

A misunderstanding of this kind may result in your dog eating poop in the future (in order to avoid punishment), a problem that many dog owners have to deal with.

Instead, clean the mess quietly and praise your dog when he’s eliminating outside. Remember positive reinforcement training is much more effective and makes adult dog potty training work faster.