How to House Break a 3-Year Old Dog

While many dogs are housebroken at a young age, there are some situations where an older dog needs training. Puppies have the advantage of not having any bad habits to unlearn, but contrary to the old adage, old dogs can learn new tricks. Animal shelters are full of older dogs looking for a home, and the question of housetraining shouldn't be a deciding factor when considering whether or not to adopt a 3-year-old. With a little guidance, even adult dogs can quickly learn to take their business outdoors.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Safe area outdoors
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Allow an adjustment period. The new dog has spent the previous three years of his life in a situation that was perhaps less than healthy. There are all kinds of new sounds and smells to get used to, new schedules to learn and new people to meet. A change in the dog's diet can also cause some stomach upsets that may make it more difficult for him to get outside in time, especially navigating through a new home. If possible, keep the dog on the same food he was given previously and wean him onto a new food if desired. Don't expect housetraining to happen overnight, but do expect some accidents.

    • 2

      Walk the dog regularly, right from the beginning. While puppies generally need to be taken outside every hour to an hour and a half, a 3-year-old dog will be able to hold his bladder longer. Make a routine -- take him outside first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, after meals and after an exciting event like greeting a new visitor. Timing outside visits with the dog's natural need to go will provide easy reinforcement.

    • 3

      Learn your dog's behavior. Watch him when he is taken outside to eliminate; by the time he is 3 years old, he will most likely have an established behavior pattern that he will go through before eliminating. Some dogs sniff, others circle -- by learning cues it will make it possible to prevent indoor accidents before they happen by recognizing pre-elimination behavior. When indoors with the dog, when he starts exhibiting this behavior, interrupt him and get him outdoors.

    • 4

      Praise correct behavior. Dogs are eager to please the alpha, and a 3-year-old should have a good idea of the shape of a pack -- with the human at the head. Acknowledgment from the pack leader that he's done a good job will make him want to repeat the behavior. This praise can be as simple as verbal praise with petting and belly rubs, or even an extra piece of kibble or other treat.

    • 5

      Confine him. When there is no one home to keep an eye on him, confine him to a crate. Dogs have a natural instinct to keep their dens and beds clean, so his natural urge will be to wait to eliminate until after he's out of his crate. Because a 3-year-old dog has more control than a puppy, this will make housetraining even easier. As soon as he is let out of his crate, be sure to take him outside.