Dogs naturally don't want to clean up dirt in their own home. However, dogs that have never been trained or have not been fully trained at least know what bad habits to get rid of. Fortunately, home training an adult dog can be done fairly quickly if you are patient and persistent with the approach you use. Try to identify the causes of the problem before you start training it. Then create a daily habit so that the training can be successful.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Assessing the Situation
Step 1. Learn as much of the dog's background as possible
If you recently bought or adopted a dog, find out about previous habits and parenting practices. It's important to know if the dog was previously trained, or if it was previously confined to a certain environment (especially outdoors, dog shelters, kennels, etc.). This information can be an initial preference for you in the future.
Step 2. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian
If your dog is littering or exhibiting other bad habits, consult a veterinarian. The vet can identify if your dog has any health problems. This needs to be known before you finally decide to change his behavior. Your dog may have kidney, gastrointestinal, urinary incontinence (due to age), or other treatable health conditions.
- Make sure your vet is aware of the ration and environmental changes your dog has recently experienced. For example, changes to food, activity schedules, and adding or reducing the number of people (and animals) in your home.
- Your veterinarian can also help you isolate and treat specific behavioral problems that are putting your dog at risk. For example such as fear of open spaces and anxiety about separation, etc.
Step 3. Consider where and when your dog usually goes to the bathroom
By knowing these two things, it will be easier for you to identify bowel problems in the future. For example, if your dog likes to pee on the linoleum floor, then block access to the linoleum floor. You can also cover the floor with a rug to prevent the dog from peeing on the floor. At the same time, train your dog in new habits.
Step 4. Clean all the areas in your house that have been soiled
It's important to get rid of the smell of feces so your dog can learn that he shouldn't go to the bathroom in the house. Use an enzyme-based cleaner (available at pet supply stores) that's been formulated to remove animal waste odors. You may also need a flashlight to find debris hidden in the closet, behind the door, etc.
Part 2 of 3: Back to the Basics
Step 1. Take time to train your dog
Many experts recommend taking a full 7 days to create a consistent habit. Most adult dogs are able to learn faster than young dogs and can be successfully trained in less than 7 days.
Step 2. Create an area for defecation
It is important to teach your dog to use a certain place to defecate. The location should be in an open space, not too far from your house, and if possible, protect the place from wind or rain (eg under certain trees).
If you live in a high-rise apartment or have mobility issues that don't allow you to walk your dog outside, you can train your dog to use paper or a litter box
Step 3. When it's time for your dog to go to the bathroom, take him to his designated location
Even if you're semi-trained, and you're used to letting your dog go alone, it's important that you walk him along and make sure your dog uses the space.
Step 4. Create a habit
Take your dog outside often. For example, when he first wakes up in his new place, take him out for a walk for about 2 hours. When you get to the toilet, give special orders such as Come on Potty and so on. When finished, give food as a reward and give praise such as smart dogs.
- Don't wait until you get home to give him a treat, because your dog will fail to understand the relationship between the desired behavior and the reward.
- Most healthy adult dogs only need a few hours to walk outside. However, because you want to invite him more often, find the right times for him to avoid unwanted events.
- Once you understand his habits, you can schedule time to go out, especially when he usually wants to go out.
Step 5. Make your dog consistent with his feeding schedule
The more often your dog is fed food the more often he will defecate. Give your dog an amount and type of food that is appropriate for his age and weight. Give regularly every day. Many experts recommend 2 times a day to feed an adult dog. Consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
Step 6. Consider removing your dog's trough before bedtime
If your dog pees in the house at night, it could be because he drank too much before bed. Consult with your veterinarian whether keeping the water bottle away can prevent this. For dogs with subclinical kidney disease (early stage) the situation will get worse if you withhold drinking water. Your vet may request a sample of your dog's urine to determine if your dog falls into this risk category.
Do not limit his water intake if he is hot or has been doing a lot of physical activity
Step 7. Watch carefully for signs that indicate he wants to go to the bathroom
Not all signs are obvious. Watch for behaviors such as whining, walking back and forth, smelling, circling, or leaving the room to hide. If you see any of these signs, take your dog to the toilet immediately.
Step 8. Stay positive, don't punish him if you catch him pooping at home
If you see your dog doing it, clap your hands loudly to startle him. Then immediately take him out to the toilet you mean, instruct him to finish his business. Reward him if he succeeds in doing it.
Punishing a dog for an accident is not an effective approach to training it. Punishment can make dogs feel anxious and make things worse
Step 9. Consider training him to get used to being locked up if you can't keep an eye on him
If your dog tends to litter when unsupervised, the best approach is to keep him in a small room while you're away. Dogs don't like to litter their homes, and are less likely to make a mess when they can't get to a certain place.
Step 10. Maintain a formal habit of at least 2 weeks
You can reduce the frequency of asking him out, but taking him to the bathroom, ordering him to leave, and giving him awards should still be done for at least 2 weeks to get used to it. Eventually your dog will learn to use its natural intended litter box. The longer you practice it, the more attached the behavior will be.
Keep a regular eating and exercise schedule
Part 3 of 3: Acting is More Than Just a Basic Practice
Step 1. Identify situations when more intervention in behavior is needed
Sometimes dogs have behavioral problems on the side due to lack of exercise. If a week of consistent training has failed, it's time to consider other solutions.
Step 2. Understand that adult dogs urinate more often
Adult dogs cannot hold their bowels for too long even if they are properly trained. Therefore you need to give him help to avoid accidents. Let your dog out more often when you are at home. Watch for signs that indicate he wants to get out. Also consider the following options:
- If you have a secure yard, consider building a dog door so your dog can get out on his own.
- Hire a dog walker, or make an appointment with a trusted neighbor to take your dog for a leisurely walk during the day.
- Use dog diapers or similar products when you are not with your dog. Be sure to change diapers regularly and remove any residual urine.
- Provide a piddle pad in a designated area so your dog can use it if he can't wait until you get home.
Step 3. Consult an animal behavior specialist
If you're still having trouble identifying why your dog keeps urinating in the house, then consult a veterinarian. Veterinarians can help you diagnose and treat problems that occur. Ask your local vet or dog owner for their advice.
Step 4. Ask your veterinarian about anxiety treatments
If you suspect anxiety and stress are causing your dog to urinate indoors, ask your veterinarian about the appropriate treatment for your dog. Handling or healing related to behavior therapy and modification of the dog's environment will be very helpful.
