🔍 Why Adult Dogs Sometimes Need Re‑Training

Even well-loved older dogs can struggle with house training due to:

• 💭 Previous living situations like kennels or gravel yards
• 🧠 Cognitive decline, arthritis, or sensory loss in senior dogs
• 🏠 New home environments or disrupted routines
• ⚠️ Undiagnosed medical issues (UTIs, incontinence, kidney disease)

But yes—you *can* potty train an older dog. They learn best with patience, structure, and respect.

📅 Step 1: Build a Reliable Routine

Create a daily plan for meals, walks, potty breaks, and crate time. Consistency is key—seven days a week.

1. Morning: Leash walk, breakfast, then another walk within 10–15 min.
2. Afternoon: Frequent leash outings (every 2–4 hrs), especially after drinking or activity.
3. Evening: Dinner, walk, light play, limiting water intake 1 hr before bed.
4. Overnight: Crate time unless the dog needs a night break—older dogs may need one.

🔒 Step 2: Crate and Confinement Strategy

Crating helps prevent accidents and encourages bladder control:

• Use a properly sized crate—just enough to stand, lie, and turn.
• Leash indoors when unsupervised to monitor behavior.
• Gradually extend crate duration—reward calm with treats and time outside.
• Never punish—interrupt accidents gently and move the dog to potty spot.

🚶 Step 3: Leash‑Assisted Potty Breaks

Take your dog to a consistent toilet area on leash:

• Stay until they eliminate—don’t rush off.
• Use a cue phrase like “go potty” as they start.
• Praise and offer high-value treats immediately after—they learn fast.

🎉 Step 4: Reward to Reinforce Success

Adults learn best through positive reinforcement:

• Give a **special treat or toy** right outside after potty.
• Verbal praise and gentle pets reinforce behavior.
• Repeat the routine—consistency is more effective than punishment.

🏥 Step 5: Watch for Medical or Age-Related Issues

Some accidents aren’t behavioral—they’re medical:

• UTIs, incontinence, or kidney issues—especially in seniors.
• Arthritis or mobility issues—hard time getting outside quickly.
• Cognitive decline—forgetting where to go or responding late.

Consult your vet if accidents persist—medical treatment can resolve many issues.

🧸 Ask A Vet,

• 🩺 **Ask A Vet:** Rule out medical causes, create a personalized potty schedule, and support joint/cognitive care

📋 Sample Potty Training Plan

🎯 Final Thoughts

Potty training older dogs is a journey—not a limitation. With patience, clear routines, supportive reinforcement, and medical awareness, your companion can learn (or re-learn) healthy habits. And you’re never alone: professional guidance from Ask A Vet is here to help! 🐾💙

— Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Need personalized potty training support? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for expert help anytime.