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Do you have an older dog that is still not toilet trained, i.e. he can’t go 8 hours without having an accident? The good news is, you can teach an old dog new tricks. Here are five of the most common questions dog owners have about potty training an older dog – and the answers to them. Q: How long will it take before my older dog becomes housebroken? A: Some people claim that this can be done in a week. But if your dog was not toilet trained at an early age, it will most likely be longer and can take up to several weeks. According to the Sacramento SPCA, it will take a few weeks to re-housetrain an adult dog. For the first few weeks after your new pet is brought home, you should assume that he isn’t potty trained and start from scratch. If he was housebroken in his previous home, then the retraining process will be quicker and easier. Q: What should I do to housetrain my older dog? A: Here are some key things to remember: • Establish a bathroom break routine and follow it religiously. This begins when you get up in the morning and ends with the last trip outside for the day during the night. This may not correspond with your personal schedule especially at first, but you should do your best to stick to it. • Watch your dog constantly for signs when he has to go outside. Succeeding at housetraining means that everything that looks like a signal should be taken seriously, especially at the beginning – even if that means taking your pet outside 20 times a day! • Place your dog in a confined area, e.g. crate or bathroom, when you cannot supervise him. Canines are less likely to eliminate where they sleep. • Clean any dirtied areas inside the house thoroughly to remove the smell completely. This will keep your dog from going back to those places and eliminating there again. Q: What if I have a busy schedule? Can I still potty train my older dog? A: If you have a really busy schedule, one so busy that you are unable to housebreak a dog, then you probably shouldn’t have one in the first place. Everyone goes through busy periods in their lives, e.g. overtime or travel. That’s normal and understandable. However, if you have a schedule that’s always too hectic, then you will have a difficult time toilet training your dog. I suggest enlisting the help of a family member, friend, or dog walker. Q: How do I teach my older dog to eliminate quickly and in the same spot every time? A: You can teach your pet to go to the bathroom on cue. Taking him to the same spot without fail will make it easier. Be sure to use the same word or phrase, e.g. “potty” or “go outside” every single time to make it sink in faster. You can also use this word or phrase on-the-spot to encourage your dog and let him know that you mean business. Q: Is there anything I can do to prevent a housebreaking relapse from happening? A: One thing’s for certain – if you’re not consistent with your dog, he will go back to his old ways faster than you can say “potty”. Consistency is the key to successful housebreaking. And remember, just because your dog is toilet trained, it doesn’t mean that he can hold it for an unreasonable amount of time. Bonus tip: Aside from regular bathroom breaks throughout the day, dogs need long, daily walks as well to help burn off extra energy, since built-up energy can cause a dog to eliminate indoors out of boredom and anxiety. About the Author Porch Potty was invented by Brandon Kennington, a dog owner living in a condo in the big city. After a few months of waking up multiple times a night to take his new puppy out of the building and down 3 flights of stairs, he asked: "Why can't I put a patch of grass on my balcony"? Fifty three prototypes later, and a patient puppy, he designed the first automated grass litter box for dogs. His design made it easy for anyone with a dog to have a close and convenient place for their dog to potty. Dog owners all over the world began ordering the unique invention to use for their fluffy friend. It turns out Brandon was not alone in the quest to find a convenient way to relieve their dog without leaving the comfort of home.
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