Potty Training Your Older Dog: Tips and Tricks
You've finally decided to take the plunge and potty train your furry friend. But there's just one catch: your dog is no spring chicken. In fact, he's getting up there in years and has never had any formal training. Sound familiar? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many pet parents find themselves in this exact same situation. The good news is that it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks—you just need to know what to do (and what not to do).
Here are a few tips and tricks to help make potty training your older dog a success:
1. Start with crate training. If your dog isn't already crate trained, now is the time to start. Crate training will help your dog learn bladder control and will make accidents less likely when he is let out of his crate. It's important to choose the right size crate—one that is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably, but not so large that he can use one end as a bedroom and the other as a bathroom.
Use positive reinforcement. Just like with human children, praising your dog for doing something good is more effective than scolding him for doing something bad. When he goes potty in the correct spot, give him a treat, some verbal praise (e.g., "Good boy!"), or both. Likewise, avoid punishing him if he has an accident; this will only make him afraid of you and could cause him to hold it in next time, which isn't good for his health.
Be consistent. Dogs are creatures of habit, so the key to successful potty training is consistency. Make sure everyone in the household follows the same rules and uses the same commands when walking or feeding the dog. This will help him understand what you expect of him and make it more likely that he'll meet your expectations.
Be patient. Potty training an older dog takes time, patience, and lots of positive reinforcement (see tip #2). Don't get discouraged if there are accidents along the way; just clean them up without making a fuss and keep working at it until your furry friend finally gets it right!
Potty training an older dog may seem like a daunting task, but it's definitely doable with a little patience and perseverance (not to mention some tasty treats). By following these tips, you'll be on your way to success in no time!
