Dog Training Long Island, Tips for Potty Training an Older Canine

There’s an old adage that says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks; however, that’s not necessarily the case. If you have an older dog, you can still successfully perform potty training if you change up your strategy a bit. Here are some tips for dog training Long Island you can use to be more successful in your endeavors.

The first step to take involves ensuring your canine does not have an underlying medical condition that causes him to urinate or defecate uncontrollably. This step is especially important if your canine has been adopted recently since you can’t be sure of his medical history. If there is a medical problem, you’ll need to get it under control first before you proceed with training.

If your canine is already house trained, but has suddenly started soiling inside, it could be due to a recent change in diet or medication. Think about whether or not there have been significant changes in the type of food or medicines he takes, and then ask your veterinarian to determine if they could be responsible for the sudden lapse in behavior.

Once you have ruled out any problems, begin by establishing a “den” for your dog to live in the majority of the time. This area should be a small confined space where he can still interact with you, yet prevent accidents from occurring in random areas of the house. Try to dedicate as much time as possible with your dog inside this area so he feels comfortable in it.

Take your dog for regular walks in order to encourage outdoor elimination. During this training time, give him food and water at regular intervals so you can more easily predict when he needs to go. Do not punish your dog for accidents by rubbing his nose in it or scolding, as this will only confuse him. Instead, give him treats and praise whenever he does go outside as expected.

Eliminate as much stress on your canine as possible during the training process. Older dogs have a tendency to urinate inside due to separation anxiety, especially if they have previously been abandoned. Others will mark their territory in response to stressful situations such as conflicts with other animals or people.

Consider neutering your dog, regardless of his age. Sexually altered canines are less likely to mark their territory by urinating indoors, and are less likely to wander as well. After undergoing surgery, you’re likely to find your potty training process goes much smoother.

Time and patience are a virtue when trying to potty train an older dog, but it’s entirely possible, regardless of your dog’s age. Want to know more about dog training on Long Island? If so, contact Canine Commander dog training Long Island.