Tips for Successfully Housetraining an Older Dog — From One Dog Owner to Another
Friends of the Dog
Friends of the Dog
Bringing home an older dog is such a rewarding experience — but let’s be honest, the housetraining part can take a little patience. The good news? Older dogs can learn new tricks (and habits)! Here’s how to make the process smoother for both of you.
Stick to a Routine
Dogs love predictability. Set up a simple routine for meals and potty breaks.
Supervision Is Key
Keep an eye on your dog, especially while they’re still learning the ropes.
Reward the Wins (and Handle Accidents Calmly)
When they get it right, make a big deal out of it — lots of praise, a cheerful “Good job!” and maybe a tasty treat. They’ll start to connect the dots quickly.
If there’s an accident (and there probably will be), don’t scold or punish. It just confuses or scares them. Instead, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner, or even a bit of vinegar in a spray bottle to remove the smell so they’re not tempted to go there again - this prevents the area smelling like their bathroom. At the same time, figure out why this accident´ may have happened - did you slip up???
Watch for the Signs
Most dogs give little hints when they need to go — sniffing, circling, pacing, or whining. When you see those, grab the leash and head outside right away.
And remember, older dogs might have health or mobility issues, so they might need a little extra time and understanding.
Paw Note
Above All, Be Patient. Every dog learns at their own pace. Stay positive, keep things consistent, and celebrate small successes. Before long, your new best friend will get the hang of it — and you’ll both be more relaxed and in sync.
Stick to a Routine
Dogs love predictability. Set up a simple routine for meals and potty breaks.
- Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after they eat, after naps, and right before bedtime.
- In the beginning, it’s better to go out too often — even every hour if you can. Every successful trip outside helps them understand what you want, and helps you to work out what the dogs natural routine is.
- Feeding them around the same time each day helps regulate when they’ll need to go, plus dogs thrive on routine
Supervision Is Key
Keep an eye on your dog, especially while they’re still learning the ropes.
- Use a leash to guide them to their bathroom spot and wait with them until they finish. By taking your dog to the area you want them to eliminate, increases the chance that the dog will view this area as their ´toilet´.
- Praise lavishly, even offering a treat, and consider a cue you can use which is paired with the elimination, such as Good Hurry Ups, or similar. You can then use this cue in a happy and excited voice as you go to take your dog out for elimination - helps to build the association and makes it fun.
If you can’t watch them closely, set them up in a smaller area — like a playpen or more confined area — where they’ll feel safe and be less likely to have an accident. Dogs naturally try not to mess where they sleep. - Once they’re doing well, you can slowly give them more space in the house.
Reward the Wins (and Handle Accidents Calmly)
When they get it right, make a big deal out of it — lots of praise, a cheerful “Good job!” and maybe a tasty treat. They’ll start to connect the dots quickly.
If there’s an accident (and there probably will be), don’t scold or punish. It just confuses or scares them. Instead, clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner, or even a bit of vinegar in a spray bottle to remove the smell so they’re not tempted to go there again - this prevents the area smelling like their bathroom. At the same time, figure out why this accident´ may have happened - did you slip up???
Watch for the Signs
Most dogs give little hints when they need to go — sniffing, circling, pacing, or whining. When you see those, grab the leash and head outside right away.
And remember, older dogs might have health or mobility issues, so they might need a little extra time and understanding.
Paw Note
Above All, Be Patient. Every dog learns at their own pace. Stay positive, keep things consistent, and celebrate small successes. Before long, your new best friend will get the hang of it — and you’ll both be more relaxed and in sync.
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