How to House Train an Older Puppy

You can teach an older puppy new tricks if you have a little patience.

House training an older puppy-one older than 6 months-is similar to house training a younger dog. As is the case with any type of dog training, it requires patience, consistency and persistence. Training an older puppy does take a little longer, because the dog probably developed some bad habits that need to be broken. There are many ways to house break a puppy, but in the case of an older one, the crate method will be the easiest.

Things You'll Need

• Metal or plastic crate
• Feeding bowls
• Dog treats
• Blanket or crate pad
• Leash

Instructions

1. 

   Dogs are den animals and like to have a safe place of their own.

   Prepare a place for your dog to be isolated from the rest of the house when it cannot be monitored. The key to house training an older puppy is to make sure it never goes to the bathroom indoors. This means you will have to crate the dog, or put it in a pen, when supervision is not available.

2. 

   Making the crate a pleasant place will reduce your dog's anxiety.

   Create a positive association with the crate by offering treats when the dog goes into it, or make meal time part of crate time. Place something soft and cozy inside for the dog to lay on. Ensure the crate is large enough for the dog to move around, but not too large that it may use a corner to relieve itself. Only put the dog in the crate when absolutely necessary, or it may become frustrated.

3. Place your dog on a leash when it is in the home with you, and keep it within sight. This will allow you to correct the dog if it shows signs of bathroom behavior. Take the dog out immediately, even if you are unsure that it needs to go.

4. Reward good bathroom behavior with verbal praise and petting. Always repeat the same phrase, such as "Good Potty!" This will create an association between the action and the words.

5. Exercise your dog each day, and walk it frequently. The more structured time you spend with your dog, the better it will respond to training in general. Furthermore, the more time and opportunity it has to eliminate outside, the sooner the dog will understand where it is allowed to relieve itself.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to stick to a schedule with your older puppy. For example, feed the dog at the same time each morning, then take it outside. Continue a routine like this throughout the day, each day. The more structure it has, the easier it will be for the dog to learn your rules.

• Make sure potty time is not play time. Try to avoid distractions such as other dogs or cars while your dog is on a potty break.

• Do not punish your dog for accidents in the house, as this can create behavior problems arising from anxiety. Instead, calmly clean the mess, then take your dog out. It may not go, but this helps reiterate the message that outside is the place to potty.

• Crate training can produce negative behaviors depending on your dog's temperament, or you may need some modifications in your training routine. Whining or separation anxiety are common negative behaviors when a dog is introduced to crate training. Consult your veterinarian, a local dog trainer if problems persist or worsen.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States: Crate Training
• Training Dogs: Potty Training

Resources

• Positive Dog Training Blog
• Family Education: Potty Training Your Puppy
• Doctors Foster and Smith: Pet Education