You come home from a long day, looking forward to unwinding, and instead you’re met with a not-so-pleasant surprise—a mess on your living room floor. If you’ve recently adopted an adult dog or have an older dog who’s struggling with house training, you’re not alone!

Many pet parents face the challenge of potty training adult dogs whether they’re dealing with rescue dogs adjusting to a new home or older dogs who never quite got the hang of house training. The good news - it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. The bad news? It just might take a little longer and patience. The great news? You've come to the right blog - we've got you covered with how to house train an older dog!

The Unique Challenge of Potty Training an Adult Dog

To potty train an older dog is a whole different ball game than training a puppy. Puppies are like a blank slate, eager to learn and adapt to their new room. Older dogs, a bit like humans, come with their own set of habits and experiences. Whether your older dog has lived indoors or spent most of their life outside, understanding the underlying reasons for house soiling is key.

You need to understand the underlying behaviours that drive their actions. Dogs, regardless of age, are creatures of habit. House soiling in older dogs isn’t just a random act, it’s a response to stress, confusion or deeply ingrained routines from their past. For more information on adopting an older dog, visit my other blog.

Why Adult Dogs Struggle with Potty Training

Adult dogs struggle with potty training for many reasons. Some may have lived in a previous home where house training wasn’t a priority, others may have health issues like a urinary tract infection or bladder problems. Some older dogs have smaller bladders or suffer from anxiety which can lead to toileting indoors. Knowing the reason behind your dog’s accidents is the first step to successful training.

The first few weeks after adopting Dizzy from the rescue shelter were definitely the toughest. We had to be extra resilient when it came to his schedule, and making sure we stuck to the same routine whilst he settled in. Most adult dogs like Dizzy thrive with a schedule and adult dogs especially might require extra patience.

The Importance of Patience

This leads me onto my next vital point: whilst potty training any new pet is difficult, older dogs have set habits that take longer to change. You need to approach training with realistic expectations, knowing progress will be slow but steady. Dogs thrive with positive reinforcement. Celebrate the small wins, like your dog going a whole day without an accident, these are big milestones on the way to successful house training.

Step-by-Step Guide to Potty Training an Adult Dog

Consult with a Vet

Before you start any training program you need to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing your dog to soil the house. A vet can check for issues like urinary tract infections, diabetes or bladder stones which can make potty training harder. Once health issues are ruled out or treated you can move forward with confidence.

Creating Your Dog's Schedule

Dogs love routine and adult dogs are no exception. A consistent potty schedule will help your dog learn when and where to go. Start by taking your dog outside for frequent potty breaks – every two hours, after meals, naps and playtime.

Dizzy adjusted to his new routine quickly once we established set times for potty breaks. The key was consistency; every morning, afternoon and evening we’d go to the same potty area in the backyard, we’d reinforce the habit.

Designate a Potty Area

Having a designated potty area in your garden or near your home is key to training an older dog. The scent in this area will help your dog associate it with the correct place to go. Dogs learn best when they get immediate feedback so praise and reward your dog with a treat every time they use the potty area. If you do not know your dog well enough yet, you will need to either directly supervise them or have a fenced yard when you take them out.

Use a Crate 

Using a crate is a great tool for house training as it utilizes a dog’s natural instinct to not soil their sleeping area. Choose a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably but not so big that they have space to potty in one corner and sleep in another. Start with short crate time and gradually increase as your dog gets more comfortable. PS: You can also use a crate when travelling in a car!

Increase Freedom Gradually

As your dog becomes more reliable with potty training you can gradually give them more freedom around the house. Start by giving them access to one room at a time and for short periods. If your dog has an accident go back to a more restricted area until they show better control.

Supervise Directly 

Until your dog is fully house-trained close supervision is key. Use baby gates or keep your dog on a leash when indoors to prevent unsupervised potty accidents. If an accident does happen clean up immediately with a warm solution of water and biological washing powder to remove the smell and prevent repeat offenses.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the best training methods for adult dogs. Whenever your dog goes potty outside reward them with treats, praise and playtime. This will associate going potty in the right place with good things.

We found founded responded best to high value treats like small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese (gotta pay the cheese tax!). The more enthusiastic I was with my praise the more he wanted to please. I write a lot about the benefits of positive reinforcement in this blog.

Get Professional Help

If you’re struggling to potty train an older dog don’t hesitate to get professional help. A trainer can give you personalized advice and techniques specific to your dog’s needs. They can also help with any behavioural issues that may be contributing to house soiling. 

Dealing with Accidents

Accidents will happen during the potty-training process especially with older dogs. When an accident happens stay calm and don’t scold your dog. Dogs don’t associate past accidents with current punishment so yelling or getting angry will only create anxiety and confusion.

Instead, prevent by supervising your dog closely and taking them outside often. If you catch your dog in the act calmly interrupt them and take them to their potty area. Praise them if they finish outside the door.

For cleaning up accidents, use an enzymatic cleaner like nature's miracle to remove all smell. This will prevent your dog from going back to the same spot. Remember consistency and patience is key to overcoming setbacks.

Common Challenges

Medical issues

If your dog is still having accidents despite consistent training, you may want to go back to your vet to rule out any underlying medical condition. Conditions like kidney disease, arthritis or cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs can affect their bladder control.

Rescue Dogs and New Environments

Rescue dogs may have extra challenges when adjusting to a new environment. The stress of a new home plus previous bad experiences can lead to toileting indoors. Be extra patient with rescue dogs as they may need more time to settle into their new home.

When we first got Dizzy home he was overwhelmed and had several accidents. It took time, consistency and a lot of positive reinforcement to help him feel secure enough to follow the house training routine. 

Stubborn or Older Dogs

Some older dogs may be stubborn or set in their ways making potty training a longer process. For these dogs it’s key to stick to a routine and use positive reinforcement consistently. You may also have to train in short periods so they don't loose focus or get bored. In some cases, getting a professional dog trainer who specialises in training older dogs may be helpful. 

Still Have Questions? The FAQ!

How do I stop my dog from peeing and pooping in the house?

By having a consistent routine, supervising your dog and using crate training to prevent accidents. Clean up any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove scent. By having a set schedule, taking your dog out often and rewarding them for going outside. Crate training can also help older dogs with house training.

How do I potty train a stubborn older dog?

By being consistent, using positive reinforcement and patient. You may also get a professional dog trainer if progress is slow.

At what age is it too late to potty train a dog?

It is never too late to potty train a dog, just may take more time and patience with older dogs.

Is it harder to house train an older dog?

Depends on the dog, it can be harder to house train an older dog, especially if they have bad habits or health issues. But can be done.

How do I house train a rescue dog UK?

By using the same principles as house training any adult dog: consistent routine, close supervision, crate training and positive reinforcement. Be aware of any trauma or anxiety the rescue dog may have had.

At what age should puppies house trained?

Typically by 4-6 months, but varies by breed and individual puppy.

Can a 12 week old puppy be house trained?

Yes, 12 week old puppies can start house training, but will still need to go out often as their bladders are still small.

Can I send my dog to be house trained?

Yes, many professional dog trainers offer house training services but make sure to choose a reputable trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods.

The End Part

House training an adult dog can be tough but it’s a rewarding one that strengthens the bond between you and your pet. By having a consistent routine, using crate training and positive reinforcement you can teach your older dog to go potty in the right place. 

It's never too late to train an old dog new tricks and with patience and dedication your adult dog can be fully house trained. Whether you have a stubborn senior dog or a nervous rescue the key is consistency, understanding and a bit of extra love.

Good luck!

Author: Eve Baxter

Josh and Eve at ThePet&Echo are the passionate duo behind this blog! Their mission is to be your ultimate hub for canine knowledge, offering insightful blog posts, personalised advice and product recommendations!

Bringing together Eves degree in Zoology and their passion for animals they are a very fast- growing blog.

Sound like your cup of tea? Visit their site: https://thepetandecho.com