If you’ve rescued or adopted a senior dog, you’re truly a generous individual who deserves to be applauded. It is indeed a rewarding experience to provide a home to an old and helpless dog. However, senior canines come with their own set of unexpected challenges that can be difficult to deal with. If the dog that you’ve rescued belonged to a shelter, there are chances that it has not been potty trained. It can also happen that your senior dog was previously potty trained but is now struggling to pee or poop due to old age. In any which way, you’d need help to overcome the challenge. In this article, we’ve compiled a few tips and tricks for you to successfully potty train your senior dog.

Is it difficult to potty-train your senior dog?

According to experts, it is possible to potty-train an older dog. Though it will take more patience and time than training a little pup, senior dogs can be effectively potty trained with consistency and the right approach.

The following approaches work magically while potty training older dogs:

• Making use of signals that your dog can understand
• Establishing an efficient routine
• Implementing positive reinforcement
• Being patient and consistent

Techniques to potty train a senior dog

From implementing positive reinforcement to establishing an efficient routine, we will cover some of the most effective strategies to teach your older dog to pee and poop in an appropriate place.

• Establish an efficient routine

It is essential that you set an efficient schedule for feeding your dog and taking it outdoors for it to relieve itself. Ideally, you should take your dog outside the first thing in the morning, after each meal, before bedtime and after exercise or playtime.

• Track your dog’s potty patterns

You may make use of a chart to note down when and where your dog relieves itself. It will help you understand its patterns and learn when it needs to go for breaks.

• Set up a confined space

When your senior dog is undergoing potty training, you can set up a space to confine it between its doo-doo breaks. This will help prevent accidents inside your home. Once your doggo has learned to not relieve itself indoors, you can eliminate this practice.

• Implement positive reinforcement

Rewarding your dog with treats, praises or playtime works well while potty training them. This helps reinforce good behaviour and helps your dog associate potty breaks with rewards and positive experiences.

• Watch out for signs and signals

As a dog parent, it is important for you to watch out for signs such as whining, sniffing, or pacing that often mean that your dog needs a potty break. If you happen to notice these signs, immediately take out your dog outdoors to prevent accidents inside your home.

• Supervise your dog

You should positively keep an eye on your dog at all times, especially during the potty training period. This will not only avoid accidents but also reinforce effective potty training habits.

• Make use of verbal cues

Using verbal cues like “Go Potty” every time you take our dog outdoors for doo-doo breaks helps them associate the cue with relieving themselves.

How long does it take to potty train a senior dog?

Potty training an aged canine can take a few weeks and can also extend to several months. The duration depends on the dog’s age, temperament and previous training. As a dog parent, you will have to be patient and consistent even when your dog has a setback. During accidents, you must remain calm and take them outdoors affectionately. Refrain from yelling or scolding as it encourages them to pee and poop at a discreet location inside your home. For any queries, Consult our Vet!

Concluding Note

While you’re subjecting your older dog to potty training, remember that every dog is different and you may need to go through some trial and error to determine the most suitable potty training method that suits your dog. Stay positive and patient as it is just a matter of time before your dog learns to relieve themselves outdoors like a pro!