How To Train Your Dog To Go To The Bathroom More Effectively?

An approach to the training of an adult dog

The arrival of an adult dog in your home requires as much effort on your part and that of your family as that of a puppy. It is a mistake to think that just because the dog has grown up and been potty trained in a house, it will immediately adapt to your house elimination schedule as well. That is not realistic. The dog has many adaptations to his new environment and does not instinctively know that urinating on the floor is not allowed, especially since his previous owner did not care or did not seem to care.

Don't make the mistake of assuming that, because he is an adult dog, he will simply "know" what to do. Start with him as if he were a puppy and gradually teach him the routine of your pet's potty schedule at home. You will probably have to start with crate training or restriction to one potty. Next, establish a schedule for potty breaks. Adult dogs are very picky about finding a place to relieve themselves outside that is away from where they play, just as they don't like to relieve themselves near where they sleep or eat.

Help him find that spot in the yard or outdoors when you walk and return him there for subsequent potty breaks. You need to monitor potty breaks for several weeks to learn your dog's elimination patterns.

You also need to establish morning and evening feeding times. He may not have had such an organized life schedule, so this could take time to adjust. Don't believe the old saying that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks". What is important is not the age of the dog, but the consistency of the owner. If your dog comes from a home where he was mistreated, even if it was only by yelling and paper banging for any accident, your training efforts may take longer. You must first gain the dog's trust and understand that he needs time to feel comfortable in his new home.