HOUSE TRAINING AN ADULT DOG

[MILLY98]

MY HUSBAND AND I JUST ADOPTED A 3YR PITT BUT HE IS NOT HOUSE BROKEN. HE WAS AN  OUTSIDE DOG SO WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME POTTY TRAINING HIM. WHEN WE TAKE HIM FOR HIS WALKS HE WILL USE THE BATHROOM OUTSIDE BUT WHEN WE BRING HIM INSIDE HE WILL ALSO USE THE BATHROOM IN THE HOUSE. WE NEED HELP.

[BipolarBear75]

Hi, you could use peepee pads if you are desperate but they might be a step back. If you need to use them, use them only for a short time and put them progressively closer to the door he will associate to going outside.

This works with a puppy but I am usually a fan of going directly outside as well so the other's advice was very good. This was just in case.

[MILLY98]

Thank you so much for the advice!

[peekawho]

The dog is used to urinating and defacating whenever and wherever he likes, since he's been an outside dog for so long.

As Therese said, it will take patience and persistence on your part.  You must be EXTREMELY vigilant of the dog, in order to catch the signs that the dog needs to go.  If you can get him into a routine of scheduled eating and drinking, it will help.  Most dogs (this is more reliable in a puppy) will poop shortly after eating.

Feed twice a day, once in the morning, and once in the late afternoon.  Put the food down for 10-15 minutes, and take it up if he does not eat.  If you allow him free access to food, you'll have a very difficult time.  Only feed at those two times, and try to make them about the same time every day.

After eating, either walk him or let him out into the yard.  Stay there until he does his business.  LAVISH praise on him.  Only then can he come back in the house.  

Until you get urinating under control, do not allow him free access to water, either.  Offer water 3 or 4 times a day, as much as he wants but only during those times. Take the water away between those times.  He will probably pee within a half hour to hour after drinking.  Try to take him out at about those times to try to catch him peeing outside.  Again, PRAISE.

Don't allow him full run of the house while you are trying to accomplish training.  It will be nearly impossible to train him if he is upstairs peeing on your comforter while you are downstairs watching TV, oblivious to it all.  Keep him in the same room where you are at all times, or in a crate.  Most dogs won't pee or poo in a crate, unless you leave them for a long time.  But some will; so this may not be foolproof.

Point is, keep him where you can see him, and get him outside if he starts to "go" or starts circling or sniffing and its been awhile since he last "went".  If he has an accident, if you catch him IN THE ACT, clap your hands to startle him, and say NO.  Do not hit him or tower over him screaming.   If he just started to go, you can quickly take him outside to finish and then praise him.  If he already went in the house, its too late to do anything but clean it up thoroughly.  Do not scold him if its already done.

Praise success.  Schedule meals and water.  Startle if caught in the act of going, and take him outside where he can finish and be praised.

He'll get it eventually, if you are patient and consistent.  Once he's trustworthy, you can allow him free access to water.  

Good luck!

[therese83]

I know someone who did this with an older dog who had been kept in a shed by a very old lady with 15 other dogs and they lived in it. I mean in the poo

My friend said it took a loooooong time, but you have to be patient andjust keep praising outside.  This dog a poodle is now very highly obedient.

Does he poo in his bed?  If not you could try keeping him in a crate and then straight out for a pee + then half an hour of freedom in the house then back in the crate.

Just keep him with you in the house and maybe on a lead and the minute he gets in position a firm no, grab him and run for the door.

just my thoughts, i am sure it is doable.  Others im sure have more advice