How to Housebreak an Adult Italian Greyhound

Italian greyhounds are graceful, sleek and sophisticated dogs, until they pee on your carpet. Notoriously difficult to house train, Italian greyhounds need special treatment when you are trying to get them to go outside. Housebreaking an adult dog will be even more difficult and will take perseverance, patience and time. There are several techniques you can employ to help with your training.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Litter box or newspapers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Instill good habits in your dog. Purchase a dog crate of the appropriate size from a pet store. Keep your dog confined in the crate until your house training is complete. Do not leave your dog to roam freely in the house. Give the dog freedom only when you are interacting with it.

    • 2

      Take your dog outside regularly or, if that is not possible, give it space to use inside as a bathroom. Wherever the dog goes to the bathroom first is where it will habitually go. Take the dog out for walks often and at regular intervals throughout the day. Lay out newspaper or a litter box for the dog to use indoors.

    • 3

      Decrease the size of the newspaper gradually. Pay attention to your dog so you can begin to learn its behavior to help you to know when the dog needs to go out. As you gradually reduce the size of the paper, continue to provide walks at regular intervals.

    • 4

      Ensure that everyone in the house uses the same commands to the dog for using the bathroom. If your dog has an accident indoors, put the dog on a leash, take it to its mess and say, "No! Potty outside!" or a phrase with similar meaning. Take the dog outside so it gets the idea. Always use the same techniques and phrases.