How to House Train a Full Grown Dog

By Christine Cameron

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Dog Collar
Leash
Dog crate
Timer (if necessary)
Patience
Persistence

Steps For Training A Full Grown Dog

Step 1:
Take the dog out immediately after arriving home and having a quick sniff around the house. Calmly leash the dog and take it to the area of the yard to be used for 'potty'.
Step 2:
Give the command, "Go potty", or whatever you use. Even if the dog is paying no attention to you, already sniffing around, give the command.Hopefully the dog will start to sniff around the area and will mark the area with urine.
Step 3:
Praise the dog if successful, really let the dog know that you are happy while it is doing its 'business' and immediately after. Do not reward a full grown dog with treats for this training, they may have to go more or may become overweight.
Step 4:
Go back inside after a very short period, about 5 minutes, whether successful or not. Be prepared to go out much more often at first, depending on the age and health of the dog. Set a timer during the beginning training period to help get the dog on your schedule faster. Outside should only be for house training at this stage, not play time. Don't put the dog outside by itself for any length of time until house training is done.
Step 5:
Crate train a full grown dog for night time and away time, at least until house training is done. Most full grown dogs will not relieve themselves in the same area they sleep in. You may have an angry mess or two, but these tantrums are usually short lived if you are consistent with the house training.

Tips & Warnings

Take 2 days off work to devote to house training your full grown dog. The time will be well spent, and there should be little backsliding once the dog is completely house trained.
If an older dog suffers from leakage or has to go out often, you may choose to use puppy pads for accidents.
If an older dog soils in a kennel and lays in it, something may be wrong medically. Have the dog checked by a licensed veterinarian as soon as possible, it's probably not an emergency so make a regular appointment and ask for advice.
If you have been consistent in your house training and taking the dog out in short intervals around the clock if needed, and the dog will not house train go to a veterinarian. There could be any number of health reasons for a full grown dog not being in control of its elimination habits.

Photo/Video Credit

Christine Cameron

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