Can you re-potty train an 8 year old dog?

Question

I adopted a miniature pinscher from a shelter when she was 2. She had been starved and abused by her former owners so she has issues but has been a wonderful pet for me.

I moved into a new house and she seems to have lost her sense about not going in the house. She will wet in her crate after a few hours so I'm guessing she was confined alot by her former owners and with the new house she's kind of confused about things.

I don't know how she was trained before. Can I re-train her? What is the best way to do that?

Answer 1

Yes, you can re-potty train an 8 year old dog. I just went through this recently with a dog that has never soiled inside the house before. To people, adjusting to a move is relatively easy. But for a dog, it can be extremely disorienting and stressful.

She may be marking her new territory, but chances are, she's just confused as to what you expect her to do. The best thing is to start from the basics, and I mean the basics. You should be able to move through the beginning stuff quickly, but it's important to reinforce what she already knows, while showing her what you want her to do in this new environment.

I recommend going to petsmart/walmart/petco and buying puppy pads with an attractant (if you cant afford them, buy the attractant and use newspaper). Attractants are more sanitary than keeping soiled pads or newspaper. Start by putting them in a kitchen or bathroom that is easy to get to, and that you don't mind having covered for awhile.

Dogs need to eliminate after eating, drinking, playing, sleeping or after being confined for a period of time. Every time she does one of these actions, take her to the pads and use your potty word, making sure to praise her for going (if she does). If she doesn't go, keep an eye on her and if you see her circling, sniffing or starting to go, pick her up and take her to the pads.

Once she uses the pads on her own, move them a few feet at a time towards the door, until they are at the door. Then you need to watch for her to go towards the door and let her out (she may even pick up what you're doing by now and scratch or bark). You should be good to go from there.

If she's soiling her crate, it might be because the crate is too big. If it's a crate you had before, it might just be stress. She may not know when you're coming back to let her out to use the potty. Dogs are animals that enjoy schedules, and moving may confuse her (even if you didnt change the schedule). If you can, let her out of her crate every few hours to eliminate (or have a friend come by and do it for you if you're at work). If it doesn't remedy itself soon, it could be a medical problem. Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://bitly.im/aMRjV

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 3

I have a poodle that was giving to us by my wife's sister. The dog was her grandmas before she died then my wife's sister took him before she had to give him up when she moved into an apartment that didn't allow pets. Before My wife's sister got the dog he was in a kennel we think he was abused because he is afraid of men it took a couple of years to warm up to me. He is 6 years old now. He wants a lot of attention and we both work full time. He goes pee on our carpet when we don't give him attention. He constantly wants attention. So if give your dog more attention maybe the dog won't pee on the floor. Another thing though since you live in a new house all dogs will mark their territory it is very common for dogs to pee in a new place. As for training if you catch the dog peeing discipline the dog but make sure you catch the dog in the act or they may be confused why they are being punished when the dog does go pee outside or wherever they are suppose too give them a dog treat to know what they did was a good thing.

Answer 4

Yes, I think you could retrain her. Small dogs need to be let out more frequently, probably every 2 hours if she is going in the house. Go outside with her and make sure she goes. When she does praise her and give her a treat.

The key is to not forget to let her out often.

Answer 5

Yes, but it will take work. Make sure that her crate is small enough, too. she might have a urinary tract infection, so have that checked, just to be safe. Good Luck

Answer 6

are you saying you've had her for 6 years?? I would recommend a vet check,,, sounds like something could be physically wrong.....

Answer 7

Yes Go to pawpersuasion.com and read the info there

Answer 8

the best way is to make sure u bring ur doggie treats and encourage her and give her lots of love with u and convince her to try to piss

Answer 9

i think not sure..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................