Some adult dogs have never been housebroken.
Housebreaking is a process where a dog's owner trains the dog to relieve itself in an appropriate place at an appropriate time. While this is a process that is typically associated with new puppies, adult dogs may need to be housebroken as well. Whether the adult dog has never been housebroken before or it simply needs a refresher course, it is important for the owners to know a few key facts about the process.
Causes
In some cases, adult dogs that have been rescued may have never been housebroken. They may have simply been exclusively outdoor dogs in their previous homes. Some dogs who have been abandoned or rescued might have once been housebroken, but their training might have been weakened by fewer opportunities to relieve themselves outside of their cage. For some dogs, a reminder of their previous housebreaking is all that is required, but some dogs require a complete reintroduction to the concept.
Considerations
Make sure that the adult dog is completely healthy before you start house training it. If you own a dog who was previously housebroken, but suddenly starts having accidents, there may be a medical problem that is causing it.
Supervision
Monitor the dog at all times. You cannot count on a crate or a small enclosed space to prevent a dog from relieving itself at first. Dogs are hesitant to soil their dens, which is what a crate represents to them, but in the early days, if they have come directly from a shelter, this might be something that they have had to ignore. If you see the dog sniffing at the ground or circling, take it outside. While this can be time consuming, it is best if the dog never has an accident in your home.
Routine
Establish a routine. Taking the dog out to relieve itself at regular intervals during the day will help it develop control. It will also give the dog a better idea of what you expect from it. A dog who is new to your home may be nervous or anxious, so the introduction of a schedule can help it feel more confident about its new environment.
Prevention
To prevent the dog from relieving itself indoors, monitor the dog regularly and crate it if it has an instinct to avoid soiling small spaces. Similarly, use a black light to locate places where the dog might have had an accident and use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the stain. This will prevent the dog from returning to the spot again.
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