Potty training tips for older dogs

These days, it seems like everyone is adopting a dog from a shelter, rather than buying a puppy. This is a wonderful thing, however, many times dogs that are up for adoption, for one reason or another, are not potty trained. This can present many challenges for the new dog owner, but there is a house training method that is proven and is valid for both puppies and older dogs; potty training bells. Dog training bells are simply a strip of tape or cloth that has bells attached to it. This strip of bells is then hung on the exit door knob or knobs.

The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is totally false. In fact, older dogs have longer attention spans than puppies, so they tend to be better students. If you are consistent and patient with your potty bell program, you will find that your older dog is a willing and happy participant. This training method is similar to what you would do with a puppy; however, you can simplify it a bit for an older dog.

Once you’ve hung up the potty training bells, put your dog on the leash and lead him to the door where he would go out to do some exercise. Show him the dog bells on the door and ring them yourself for a moment. Then announce a toilet training command such as, “Ring the bells, let’s go to the bathroom!” If he’s a big dog, bring his nose to the bells and have him ring them. If it’s a small dog, guide one of its front legs up and tap it gently against the bells.

While listening to the jingle he caused, congratulate him generously: “Good boy, good bells, let’s go to the bathroom!” After introducing him to the bell, take him right outside to make. Once he starts to make, verbally praise him and then immediately give him a dog treat that he finds irresistible. Don’t give him a treat until he does, even if he rings the bell by himself. You don’t want to accidentally train him to ring the bell for a gift! You need to make the connection between the act of going to the bathroom and the treat.

This is where the most patience is required; Older dogs may take a while to sniff before doing. However, if you’ve had your dog outside for more than ten minutes, chances are you don’t have to at this point. In that case, take it inside and try again in 45 minutes to an hour. Express your learning order to go to the bathroom, help him ring the bells, and then take him outside quickly, on his leash. It is vital that you always leash your dog, as you want to be able to control it.

After repeating this training program several times a day, your dog will begin to understand what you want from him and then he will begin to ring the bells himself. Although it may take your older dog several weeks to learn to go to the bathroom, using the bells to break the house really works! It is a housebreaking technique recommended by both professional trainers and veterinarians. The reason this method works so well when it comes to housetraining older dogs is because it bridges the communication gap between dog and human.

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