How to Potty Train Your Older Dog

Potty training an older dog might seem impossible – especially if they’ve spent years sticking to certain habits. The saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” might have you thinking that housebreaking your older dog is a pointless task. 

However, there is hope. With some patience, consistency, and the right techniques, it’s entirely possible to teach your dog new potty behaviours.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to follow to successfully potty train your older dog. Not only will this help ensure a cleaner home, but your pet will be happier for it!

Understand the Challenges

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Before diving into the training process, it’s important to understand the unique challenges older dogs face when it comes to potty training. Potty training an older dog looks different than potty training a puppy due to a few unique factors. 

Existing habits

Your older dog might have spent years developing certain habits and routines. If they've been allowed to relieve themselves indoors, for example, these behaviours can be deeply ingrained. Breaking these long-standing habits requires additional training and patience.

Medical issues

Health problems can impact an older dog's ability to control their bladder and bowel movements. Some common medical issues that affect potty training include Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), incontinence, arthritis, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Although pre-existing conditions are generally not covered, if you want to be prepared for the “just in case,” such as unexpected accidents and new illnesses, it’s best to subscribe to a comprehensive pet insurance plan that can help cover the costs of future unexpected illnesses or injuries. That way, you can seek the most appropriate treatment and move forward with your potty-training regimen. 

Anxiety & stress

Older dogs are often more susceptible to anxiety and stress, which can lead to accidents.

Changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or the arrival of a new pet, can cause significant stress. This stress can manifest in behaviours like potty accidents. 

Cognitive decline

As dogs age, they can experience cognitive decline (similar to dementia in humans). This can affect their memory and learning abilities, making it harder for them to remember the appropriate potty habits.

Physical limitations

Older dogs might have physical limitations that hinder their usual potty routine. They could have

difficulty holding their bladder for extended periods, or struggle to get to the door in time. This can certainly result in more potty accidents.

Understanding the unique challenges older dogs face when it comes to potty training will help you address them more effectively.

8 Steps to Potty Train an Older Dog

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Training an older dog to be housebroken requires consistency and patience. Your dog might have spent years developing poor potty habits, or they have mobility issues that make it more challenging for them. By following these steps – and sticking with them – you’ll be well on your way to establishing a new potty routine. 

1. Rule out existing medical issues

First, take your dog to the vet to rule out any possible medical issues. Physical ailments, illnesses, or conditions like kidney disease or diabetes could affect their bathroom habits. If any issues exist, ask your vet about the recommended treatment.

2. Designate a potty spot

Dogs are creatures of habit. It will be easier to establish a new potty routine by setting a designated spot for them to do their business. Identify a specific area in your yard or nearby where you want your dog to go potty. Try to choose an area that they don’t already have an association with (like an existing play or nap area). 

Once your dog starts using this new potty spot, the familiar scent will encourage them to use the same place repeatedly.

3. Limit access to “no-go” zones

At the same time, you want to hinder your dog’s access to “no-go” zones – i.e., areas that are strictly off limits for potty time. You might choose to confine your dog to a crate or gated area, so they don’t have free reign to have accidents around the house. At other times, be sure to supervise your dog to catch accidents before/when they occur. 

4. Establish a routine

Make potty time predictable by establishing a routine. This helps assure your dog that they will have expected times to relieve themselves so they’re less likely to have accidents between potty breaks. 

Here is a recommended routine during potty training:

• Morning Potty Walk: Every morning, take your dog immediately to their potty spot and then for a short walk. Not only will this provide exercise, it ensures that they have multiple chances to… empty their system, so to speak… during their walk.
• Post-Meal Breaks: Take your dog outside 15-20 minutes after meals. Give them at least 5 minutes to effectively relieve themselves (several times) before coming back inside.
• Post-Playtime Breaks: Dogs can get riled up (and exhausted) after playtime, making them prone to accidents. Take your dog immediately to their potty spot after playtime. 
• Evening Walk: Give your dog one last potty break before bedtime. Some exercise will also help them settle in for the night.

5. Use a trigger word or command

Associate potty time with a command or “trigger” word, like “go potty!”, “potty”, or “do your business”. Whatever phrase you choose, keep it consistent and use it every time. Your dog will come to learn this term and understand what you expect in the future. 

6. Follow up with positive reinforcement 

After your dog has successfully done their business, immediately follow up with praise and/or a high-value treat. This will help to create positive associations with going potty in the right place.

7. Monitor their water intake

While it’s important that your dog stays hydrated, during potting training, keep a close eye on their water intake so you can better predict their bathroom needs. It can be helpful to remove water intermittently throughout the day, and a couple of hours before bedtime to reduce nighttime accidents.

8. Expect mistakes

Accidents are part of the process. It could take weeks (or months) for your dog to get into a consistent potty routine. If you catch your dog in the act, interrupt them with a firm but gentle "no" and immediately take them outside. Never punish your dog for accidents, as this can lead to fear and anxiety (and more accidents).

9. Clean up & move forward

If your dog does have an accident, use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of the scent. Regular household cleaners might not eliminate the scent completely, which can lead your dog back to the same spot.

 10. Seek professional help if needed

If you’re still struggling to housetrain your older dog, seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They should be able to provide you with advice to address your dog’s specific challenges. 

If your dog does not have medical issues hindering their ability to relieve themselves or adhere to a routine, some effective training should do the trick. That said, it’s still smart to subscribe to a pet insurance plan, even if your dog is older, so you can quickly (and affordably) address any future health issues if they arise. 

Set Your Older Dog Up for Potty Training Success

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When it comes to potty training an older dog, patience and consistency are key. 

Maintaining a consistent potty and meal schedule will help set your dog up for success (and keep you accountable to the training regimen). Positive reinforcement (like praise and treats) will also help your dog build positive associations with potty time. 

While it might take longer than training a puppy, your older dog can learn new habits with the right approach. Proper supervision and managing your dog’s environment can significantly reduce accidents and help reinforce good habits.

A Healthy Dog is a Happy Dog

Potty training for dogs is not only about preventing in-home accidents – it’s about ensuring a positive relationship between you and your pet. Establishing a consistent feeding and exercise routine will help keep your older dog happy and healthy.

If your older dog does ever experience unexpected health issues, it’s good to be prepared. With the pet insurance options at PHI Direct, you can expect coverage of up to 80% of eligible veterinary treatment costs due to new illnesses and accidents each year. Keep your dog healthy for years to come with effective pet insurance coverage.