Can i housetrain a 5 yr old german shepherd cross who has lived in kennels for nearly a yearr?

Question

we have had her for just one day and she has almost got hang of the 'sit' command but she poos and wees in the kitchen instead of going to toilet when she is on her walk. what's the best way to train her to go outside??? HELP! x x

Answer 1

Well, you got really good advice, especially from sophylakes.
However, no one mentioned the importance of *routine*.
Dogs love routine. They gain a sense of security when they know what they can expect and when.
Feed your dog twice per day, at the same times. Notice how long after the feedings that she needs to go, and begin taking her out at that time every day. She will develop a pretty reliable habit of doing it at the same time daily.
It is hard for a dog that is insecure to 'go' outside until they know they are safe outside. So she needs outings often to become comfortable with her surroundings. Otherwise, she is worried that the unknown boogieman may find her by following her scent if she leaves it where just any monster can find it. So, the kitchen has seemed the safest place, as her human protectors live there, and her scent is camouflaged there. If you can give her a sandy area or a secluded corner where she can go, she will be more comfortable to take the risk of doing it outdoors. If there is such an area, you can spread down a couple of bags of sand from your local garden center or builder's supply. Pick any poop up quickly, so she knows it isn't left for predators to find.
As she becomes used to a feeding routine, and a walking routine, and becomes more secure in her new home, she will soon be doing her job outside.
Right now, the worst you can do is scold her for mistakes. You don't want to place any more stress on her about this bodily function to make it traumatic. Just show her your approval when she does do it in the appropriate places.
keep a close eye on her to notice as soon as she appears restless, or turns a circle in the kitchen. (dogs will normally do a circle before they pee or poo) If you catch her about to do it, stay upbeat..and just "lets go girl! "..If you don't catch her when she errs, ignore it..After all, to her, she is doing the prudent thing, and shouldn't be chided for it.
Best wishes to you and yours, and God will bless you for taking in this precious dog.
An old scrawny stray German shepherd dog that I adopted, saved my life! Just a week after I gave him a home.

Answer 2

First of all, with tons of love and affection and understanding.

Which you seem to have in abundance.

Second, just like a puppy. Take her out immediately after she wakes up, right after she eats, and every two hours just to be sure she knows what's what.

Also, dogs start sniffing around on the ground when they have to go. Just a tell. Put down a wee wee pad in the kitchen and slowly move it towards your back door and then on out into the yard.

You are a hero for taking this sweetheart on and giving her a forever home.

PS German Shepherds are extremely prone to hip displasia and spondelitis so never, for any reason, hit them, especially one that is your dog's age. You could seriously injure your dog. The above answerer, who said to hit the dog and say no, does not quite understand what it means to rehab a dog like yours and doesn't understand that negative reinforcement is never ever used.

Good luck.

Answer 3

First, you should probably get a kennel for the house so she has a place of her own. You don't necessarily have to shut the door, but she needs to have a safe place.
Take her out on the hour. This way, she will get used to the idea that she has to go outside. Walk her around the perimeter of your yard everytime you take her out. Have a leash on her and walk the perimeter of the yard, every hour.

I did this with my puppies and they were potty trained in a week. Granted, this is a 5 yr old dog, but they need a schedule, train her as you would if she were a puppy. She needs a set schedule, and as she gets used to the yard and going where she is suppose to - lots of praise when she goes to the bathroom outside. Not necessarily with treats, but lots of praise when she goes. She will get the hang of it - shephards are smart dogs.

And - talk to her. I know that sounds crazy - I have always talked calmly to my dogs, they listen!! I even had a dog that watched tv.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You can teach an old dog new tricks......

Start by confining her to a small area. She will not go to the bathroom where she sleeps...... then when you take her out take her straight outside, when she does something outside reward her with a treat and tell her she did a good job....... You need to keep her outside until she does something......Gradually let her into more of the house and the training proceeds..... You have only had her for one day, she is confused and is not sure what you want of her and if she has been in a kennel that is all she knows........ be patient.... Reward and praise will get you far......

Answer 5

Hmm...well, it would be tough since your dog's probably been forced to go in the same place it eats and sleeps but it is possible to break that habit, but you need to do something on your part too. Pay attention to your dog. If it starts acting differently like if its lying down and suddenly stands up and sniffs around, that could be a sign that it needs to go. There are other signs like when your dog suddenly gets restless. When your dog does it right and pees outside, praise him and give him a reward. I give my dog treats whenever he goes outside but a nice belly rub and a few praises are good too. Be consistent. Keep giving him rewards and praises everytime he does it right. Another thing, I read in a book that dogs don't really understand much of the praises we say so your tone is important. If you use a higher pitch, that'd be better. Lastly, don't stall. Let your dog outside the instant he starts acting up. If you put it off, he may not be able to hold it in and just pee in the house! I hope this helps^_^

Answer 6

German shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs. with patience and a bit of hard work on your part, you can get them to do almost anything - even at 5 years of age.

Answer 7

yes you can train a 5 year old dog if you have pantiet with then

Answer 8

The best way to train her is to when she gose out side to the bathroom and she gose to the bathroom then give her a bone. If she gose in the kiten or anywhere else then u need to say bad and hit her. It wount hert but they will learn better.


Thank You

Answer 9

sometimes it is difficult for dogs to be housebroken if they have been forced to potty where they eat and sleep.. be patient , consistent and fair... take your dog out first thing in morning and stand in one area.. when she goes... PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE.. when she has an accident in the house and you see it happening say UT UH and take her gently outside .... if she has accident in house and you don't catch her in the act DO NOTHING

Answer 10

yes you can you have to spend time with him for him to like you