How To Potty Train Your Older Rescue Dog – Tips & Tricks from A Seasoned Pet Owner<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
Potty training your furry friend can feel like trying to herd cats when you’ve adopted a senior or adult rescue. As their previous owner might have moved on, so too did the potty habits they had formed over years of companionship\u2014or lack thereof due to neglect. But don\u2019t lose heart! Like my kitten named Whiskers who came into our lives with similar challenges in her past (which I found out when she brought me a tiny torn-up pillow), this can be done, and here’s how:<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Introduction to Potty Training an Older Rescue Dog – The Basics You Need To Know.**
\n*You might find yourself wondering if your new senior friend is even capable of learning.* Just like my older rescue dog, Duke who used to have accidents around the house (and I’ve learned he had some trauma with previous owners), it\u2019s essential to approach this task understanding that consistency and patience are key.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Step 1: Set Up a Consistent Routine for Your Senior Dog.**
\n*Start by establishing regular meal times, walks, and potty breaks.* I learned early on with Duke that his routine is everything\u2014keep to it religiously because he\u2019ll start looking forward to these as opportunities to go outside rather than inside accidents (an old habit from lack of outdoor experience).<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Step 2: Use a Potty Training Mat and Comfortable Space Outside.**
\n*Create an inviting, comfortable spot for your dog where they know it\u2019s their exclusive potty area.* As recommended by Per the ASPCA, never use scented litter boxes since some dogs associate smell with elimination (like my cat used to do), and always provide a non-toxic plant like peace lily that won’t harm them if chewed on.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Step 3: Positive Reinforcement When Your Dog Goes Potty Outside.**
\n*Use treats, praise or petting to encourage the correct behavior.* I always have Whiskers\u2019 favorite treat in hand when she goes potty outdoors\u2014it works wonders! Remember, rewards should be given immediately after they go outside and not as a lure (which might accidentally teach them this is an indoor habit).<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Step 4: Use Pads for Indoors Accidents.**
\n*If accidents happen at home initially, use pet urine-specific pads designed to absorb messes.* Per the ASPCA’s guidance on safe options that are flushable or compostable (I make sure I get these), this helps keep your house clean while you work through training. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Step 5: Consult a Professional for Persistent Issues & Accidents Indoors.**
\n*In some cases, it might be wise to seek help from a professional trainer or behaviorist.* I had Whiskers’ vet suggest this when accidents persisted despite our best efforts\u2014professionals can offer targeted strategies for dogs with special needs (like Duke\u2019s anxiety). <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Conclusion: Your Senior Rescue Will Get There With Love & Consistency.**
\n*While it might take time, your older rescue will learn to potty outside if you stick with a routine and positive reinforcement.* Remember that patience is the key here\u2014just like when I first taught Whiskers how to sit on command (it took her three tries!). You’ll get there too.<\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**Frequently Asked Questions About Potty Training an Older Rescue Dog:**
\n*How do you know if your senior dog is stressed?* Look for signs like pacing, whining or hiding\u2014it could be due to past trauma which makes them more anxious about changes (like potty training). Consult with a vet and behaviorist in this case. <\/p>\n
**What should I do when my older rescue has an accident indoors?**
\n*Stay calm, clean it up immediately using pet-safe products recommended by Per the ASPCA*, then take them outside again for potty breaks to reaffirm what\u2019s expected of him\/her. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n
**One Quick Tip: Always have a treat ready when taking your senior rescue outdoors.*
\n*A tasty, non-toxic snack can transform an ordinary walk into something special for them! Like Whiskers’ treats that she brings back from our walks\u2014it makes her excited to go outside and potty. <\/p>\n
—<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
How To Potty Train Your Older Rescue Dog – Tips & […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"","_twitter_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type":"","_pinterest_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-care"],"yoast_head":"\n