How to Housebreak an Adult Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers are medium-sized, high-energy dogs. They make excellent pets for families or for individuals with moderate to high activity levels. The properly trained and socialized Labrador puppy learns rules about living indoors, including where it is supposed to eliminate. However, some rescued Labradors need housebreaking (see References 1), while others have lost bladder and bowel control after an accident or illness and need to be retrained. These dogs benefit from being treated as if they have never learned the basic rules of house training. You can house train your adult dog from square one.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Collar
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a crate for your Labrador. Your dog should be able to stand comfortably inside its crate and easily turn around (see References 1). An extra-large dog crate that measures 42 in. long by 28 in. wide by 28 or 29 in. high is suitable for your adult Labrador (see References 2).

    • 2

      Select a place for your dog's crate away from the day-to-day house traffic. However, the crate is a place for your dog to relax and have some quiet time, so it should also be accessible to your dog at all times.

    • 3

      Acclimate your dog to its new crate. If your dog resists entering the crate or howls or whines if locked inside for more than a few minutes, then you must make the crate a pleasant place to be. Feed your dog in its crate, provide it with toys or recreational natural bones, and cover the floor of the crate with comfortable bedding.

    • 4

      Confine your dog to the crate any time that you are sleeping, out of the house, or unable to be with it during the day.

    • 5

      Select a place outside your home where you dog is permitted to "go." It should be relatively close to the house or apartment and should also be well lit at night.

    • 6

      Put your dog's collar and leash on each time you bring it to eliminate. Bring it to the same place each time it goes outside (see References 1). Once your dog understands what you expect of it when you bring it to its outside space, apply a command to the behavior, such as "potty" or "hurry, hurry." Eventually your dog will understand the command and be able to generalize its behavior when the command is given in other locations.

    • 7

      Treat your untrained adult dog as if it is a young puppy. Offer your dog plenty of potty breaks during the day and at night. According to LabradorSavvy.com, a puppy being housebroken needs to go out 1) hourly during the day, 2) immediately after eating or drinking, 3) after being stimulated by activity, 4) when excited, 5) before bedtime and 6) immediately upon awakening (see References 3). Some dogs may wake during the night and need to go outside. Although the adult Labrador has a larger bladder than a puppy, the idea is to put elimination on a schedule that can be modified over time.

    • 8

      As soon as your dog begins to ask to go outside to eliminate, start decreasing the number of scheduled potty breaks. If your dog has an accident during this time, backtrack to the previous schedule and reinforce the behavior for a few days. Clean soiled areas thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner (see References 1).