Housebreaking an Older Dog

Sometimes you aquire a dog that whatever reason (perhaps spent too much time in a shelter) is not housebroken. It is possible to housebreak these dogs with love and above all, patience. First thing to remember is that dogs are not people, and when you show disapproval often you get the opposite outcome of whatintended.Your dog has done something natural for her by relieving herself when the need occured. I personally have experience with this very situation, but what makes mine espcially challnging is that I have a 15 year old dog with a weak bladder.Anyway, the following housebreaking principles can be applied to any dog. First off, is consistency and keep watch over the unhousebroken dog constantly, even if it means confining them to a certain section of the house. Being consistent in doing this is key. Often crate-training helps bcause a dog will never rlieve itself where he sleeps. Keeping him crated then letting him out (supervised) at scheduled times can help tremendously. Secondly, don't ever yell or scold the dog for relieving himself in the house. This will only lead to more mistakes. Instead use positive reinforcment. Giving a treat evry time he goes outside is one way of helping to build positive association with going outside. Verbal praise in a pleasing tone is also a way of using positive reinforcement. Make what you say short, but complimentary because a dog hears more of your tone than your words. In other words, don't say "you were such a good boy you went potty outsside instead of inside, now isn't thaat better?" No....too many words -- simply say "good girl," or "that's a good boy." Abd remember the tone. Lastly, as was mentioned before, do not punish -- and especially don't rub the dog's nose in it (literally). Remember that dogs want to please humans and getting angry and giving punishiment is a sure fire way to confuse the poor creature, make him unhappy, and will ultimately result in more of the undesired behaviors. .