House Training an Ex Breeding Dog for Success

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House training an ex breeding dog requires patience and consistency. Many ex breeding dogs have never lived in a home environment before, so they may not understand basic household rules.

Establishing a routine is crucial for ex breeding dogs. They thrive on predictability, so set a regular feeding schedule and take them outside to the same spot each time.

Ex breeding dogs often have a strong instinct to eliminate in areas where they've previously relieved themselves. This is why it's essential to take them outside frequently, especially after meals and playtime.

Consistency is key when house training an ex breeding dog. Stick to a routine and reward good behavior with treats and praise.

Preparation and Understanding

Every dog has a different signal when they have to go potty, so it's essential to learn your dog's unique signal. Some dogs will go to the door, while others will sniff or bark.

You can't rely on your dog to tell you when they need to go, especially at a young age. Waiting for them to signal is like asking a human baby to tell you to change their diaper - it just doesn't happen.

Establishing a regular schedule and routine is crucial for successful house training. Take your dog out on a consistent schedule to help them learn when it's time to go.

Don't Assume Your

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Don't assume your dog is house trained. Take him out often and communicate what you expect in very clear terms.

Treat your new dog as if he is not housetrained, even if he's done well in the past. Most dogs will need time to adjust to a new environment with new smells and rules.

You can't assume your dog will pick up house training quickly, even if he's been in a foster home or shelter. Start from scratch and be patient with the process.

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The Myths of

Dogs will try to use areas in the house that they don’t view as part of the “den” or home, so they tend to pick areas that the family doesn’t spend a lot of time in and that are carpeted, if possible.

If you pottied on 4 feet, you too would choose an absorbent surface, which is why dogs often pick carpeted areas to relieve themselves.

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Dogs are masters at reading body language, so if you say, “What did you do?” in a disgusted tone, your dog may hide, cower, etc. in an effort to diffuse your being upset.

Dogs don't know or feel guilt, they offer appeasement gestures to calm us down, not because they understand they did something wrong.

Dogs live in the moment, they don't know past or present, so they don't understand that potty is a bad thing like we do.

Correcting a dog after the fact will only cause confusion and a fearful dog, because they don't know that carpet is different than grass until they're rewarded or corrected within that 1.6-second window.

Training Techniques

Consistency and patience are key to successful potty training, no matter your dog's age. Adult dogs might take longer to potty train because they're competing with their previous history and learned habits.

You can use verbal commands to help your dog associate going potty with a specific behavior. Saying "Go Potty" right when your dog is getting ready to go can help him correlate the command with the behavior.

Don't Equate Knowing He Has to Go

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Every dog has a different signal when they need to go potty, so it's essential to learn your dog's unique signal. Some dogs go to the door, while others sniff, bark, or even hide in a corner.

Dogs, especially toy breeds, may not signal at all, so it's crucial to establish a regular routine for taking them out. This is like asking a human baby to tell you to change their diaper – it just doesn't happen at this young age.

Here are some signs that your dog might need to go potty:

  • Sniffing the floor
  • Seeking out a hiding spot or somewhere out of the way
  • Pacing or circling
  • Going to the door
  • Pawing at the door or you
  • Whining or barking
  • Licking their groin or rear-end area

By recognizing these signs, you can take your dog to the designated potty area and help them learn to go potty on command. With patience and consistency, your dog will learn to communicate their needs to you.

Teach What Means

Saying "Go Potty" right when your dog is getting ready to go can help them correlate the verbal command with the behavior. This is especially helpful in establishing a routine and making it quicker for them to learn.

If this caught your attention, see: Training Dog to Ring Bell to Go Out

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You can use this command in conjunction with taking your dog outside to do their business. Make sure to praise and reward them with treats when they successfully go potty in the right spot.

Some signs that your dog might need to go potty include sniffing the floor, seeking out a hiding spot, pacing or circling, going to the door, pawing at the door or you, whining or barking, and licking their groin or rear-end area.

Here are some key things to remember when teaching your dog what "Go Potty" means:

  • Use a consistent command and location for taking your dog outside
  • Praise and reward your dog with treats when they go potty in the right spot
  • Watch for signs that your dog needs to go potty and take them outside immediately
  • Be patient and consistent in your training, as it may take time for your dog to learn

By following these tips and being consistent in your training, you can help your dog learn what "Go Potty" means and establish a routine that works for both of you.

Accidents and Regressions

Accidents will happen, but it's essential to catch your dog in the act to correct the behavior. You have a brief window of 1.6 seconds to catch your dog making a mistake.

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If your dog has an accident in the house, make a loud noise like "AAACCKKK" and quickly take them outside. When they potty outside, praise them and give a treat to reinforce the desired behavior.

Some common life changes can contribute to potty training regression, including transitioning to a new routine or environment, moving, or the recent loss of a family member. During the adjustment period, your dog may experience stress and anxiety, leading to accidents.

Here are some common life changes that can lead to potty training regression:

  • Recently adopted or re-homed
  • Change in schedule (humans go back to work, children go back to school, change in work schedule, etc.)
  • Moving
  • Addition of another pet to the home
  • The recent loss of a family member (human or animal)

Create a Smelly Area

Using the same door each time for potty and to the same area is a great way to establish a routine.

Leave the potty area as is, even if your dog has an accident, so your dog can pick up on the scent.

You can bag up the waste to avoid stepping in it, but your dog will still be able to smell it.

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If your dog has an accident on a flat surface, dab it up with a sponge or paper towel and put it in the potty area too.

Your goal is to make that area smell like potty, so get creative with it.

Male dogs especially do well with this trick, and you can even use an old log or paper bag stuffed with newspapers to attract their scent.

Put that smelly log or bag in your potty area outside in your backyard for a week to get your dog used to the scent.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Pheasant Scent Dog Training

Accidents! Now What?

Accidents happen, and it's essential to catch your dog in the act. You have only 1.6 seconds for a dog to correlate a behavior and a reward or correction.

If you do catch your dog making a mistake in the house, make a noise like "AAACCKKK" to interrupt the unwanted behavior. This noise will help your dog associate the mistake with the correction.

Quickly take your dog outside, and when they potty, immediately praise them and/or give a delicious treat. This will make your message clear from your dog's perspective, correcting the unwanted behavior and praising the desired one.

Intriguing read: Dog Training Noise Maker

Regression in Habits

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Regression in Habits can be a frustrating experience for dog owners, but it's not uncommon. Dogs are creatures of habit and can struggle to adjust to changes in their routine or environment. This can lead to potty accidents and a regression in their potty training.

The adjustment period after a significant life change can be challenging for dogs, and it's normal for them to regress in their potty training during this time. This period can be caused by stress and anxiety, missed potty breaks, and having to "hold it" longer than they're used to.

Some common life changes that can contribute to potty training regression include recently adopting or re-homing a dog, changes in schedule, moving, adding another pet to the home, and the recent loss of a family member. Here are some common life changes that can cause regression:

  • Recently adopted or re-homed
  • Change in schedule (humans go back to work, children go back to school, change in work schedule, etc.)
  • Moving
  • Addition of another pet to the home
  • The recent loss of a family member (human or animal)

In some cases, a newly adopted or re-homed dog might have potty accidents during the adjustment period, but with patience and consistency, they can bounce back to being fully house-trained.

Other Types of Soiling

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Medical problems can cause house soiling, such as urinary tract infections or parasite infections, so it's essential to rule out any possibility of disease or illness with your veterinarian.

Some dogs, especially young or old ones, temporarily lose control of their bladders when they become excited or feel threatened, leading to accidents in the house.

Dogs may deposit urine or feces to scent-mark their territory, usually in small amounts, and this behavior can occur in both male and female dogs.

Dogs who become anxious when left alone may house soil, often accompanied by other symptoms like destructive behavior or vocalization.

If your dog is afraid of loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, he may house soil when exposed to these sounds, leading to accidents in the house.

Medical problems can be a hidden cause of house soiling, so don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.

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Medical and Behavioral Factors

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Medical issues can cause your ex-breeding dog to have accidents inside, so it's essential to rule out any medical problems with the help of your veterinarian.

Your veterinarian can diagnose or rule out possible medical issues that might be causing the accidents.

Regression in potty habits is not uncommon, especially in senior years or with changes in routine.

Consistency is key when starting potty training over with an adult dog, and it's normal to encounter a few bumps along the way.

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Life Changes Contributing to Regression

Life changes can be tough on our furry friends, and it's not uncommon for them to experience potty training regression as a result. This can happen due to stress and anxiety caused by changes in their routine or environment.

Recently adopted or re-homed dogs may take some time to adjust to their new home and family. This adjustment period can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, and it's essential to be patient and understanding.

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Changes in schedule, such as when humans go back to work or children go back to school, can also cause dogs to feel anxious and stressed, leading to potty accidents. Moving to a new home can be a significant change for dogs, and it's not uncommon for them to have accidents during this time.

The addition of another pet to the home can also cause stress and anxiety in dogs, leading to potty training regression. Even the recent loss of a family member, whether human or animal, can cause dogs to feel anxious and stressed, leading to potty accidents.

Here are some common life changes that can contribute to potty training regression:

  • Recently adopted or re-homed
  • Change in schedule (humans go back to work, children go back to school, change in work schedule, etc.)
  • Moving
  • Addition of another pet to the home
  • The recent loss of a family member (human or animal)

By understanding these common life changes that can contribute to potty training regression, we can take steps to help our dogs feel more secure and calm, and reduce the likelihood of accidents.

Helping to Increase Urinary Control

If your dog has a history of marking, neutering or spaying can decrease urine marking, but consider other factors first.

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Neutering or spaying can help reduce urine marking, but it's not a guarantee.

To discourage future accidents, thoroughly clean up pee and poo accidents to prevent your dog from smelling and marking over them.

Increasing supervision while your dog is indoors can help interrupt and redirect marking behavior.

Signs that your dog is about to lift a leg or squat include sniffing the floor, seeking out a hiding spot, pacing or circling, and going to the door.

To prevent marking, take your dog outside immediately if you see these signs and praise them for going where it's appropriate.

Here are some common signs that your dog might need to go potty:

  • Sniffing the floor
  • Seeking out a hiding spot or somewhere out of the way
  • Pacing or circling
  • Going to the door
  • Pawing at the door or you
  • Whining or barking
  • Licking their groin or rear-end area

If your dog is intact, neutering or spaying can help reduce urine marking, but it's essential to consider other factors first.

Consistency is key when retraining your dog to hold their bladder and bowels. Start by extending the time between potty breaks in small increments, such as waiting four and a half hours between breaks for the first week.

Canine Separation Anxiety

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Canine separation anxiety can be a real challenge for dog owners. Potty accidents might be a sign of this issue, but it's essential to rule out other possible causes first.

Potty accidents related to separation anxiety occur only when a dog is left alone or separated from a particular person. They're a result of the dog being in a state of panic and unable to control their bladder or bowels.

Separation anxiety is not about a dog taking revenge on their owner or trying to teach them a lesson. It's a legitimate issue that requires professional help.

Working with a veterinarian, veterinary behaviorist, certified dog trainer, or behavior consultant is crucial for diagnosing and treating separation anxiety.

Training an Adult Dog

Training an adult dog requires consistency and patience, two essential ingredients for successful potty training. Breaking bad habits is always harder than learning new ones.

Adult dogs may take longer to potty train than a brand new puppy, so don't expect too much from your dog too soon.

Worth a look: Adult Dog Training

Managing Nighttime and Frequent Breaks

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Adult dogs usually don't need nighttime bathroom breaks as young puppies do, which is great news for uninterrupted sleep. However, if your dog has nighttime accidents, you'll need to set up their environment for success.

To prevent accidents, consider crating them at night or having them sleep in their larger playpen. This will help prevent them from wandering through the home looking for a potty spot while you're asleep.

To determine if you're taking your dog out frequently enough, keep a potty log the first week you start retraining your dog. This will help you track their schedule and might show you patterns in their potty routine.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when reviewing your potty log:

  • Am I taking my dog out frequently enough to prevent accidents?
  • What's the maximum amount of time my dog can hold it between these logged potty breaks?
  • Has my dog gone at least five days without an accident? Can I start extending the time between potty breaks?
  • Are accidents happening around the same time each day? (After mealtimes? Overnight? While you're gone?)

Nighttime Breaks

Adult dogs usually don't need nighttime bathroom breaks as young puppies do, which is great news for uninterrupted sleep.

However, if your dog has nighttime accidents, crating them at night or having them sleep in their larger playpen is a good idea to prevent wandering around the house looking for a potty spot while you're asleep.

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You should also set an earlier alarm to take your dog out to go to the bathroom if they have morning accidents.

It's essential to give your dog a bathroom break as late as possible before going to bed each night to help prevent accidents.

If you notice your dog has accidents around the same time each night, adjust your potty break schedule to prevent these accidents and give them a chance to relieve themselves beforehand.

Confinement

Confinement is a must when you can't watch your dog at all times, so confine him to a small area where he won't want to eliminate, just big enough for him to stand, lie down and turn around in.

This area could be a portion of a bathroom or laundry room blocked off with boxes or baby gates. You can also crate train your dog and use the crate to confine him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do retired breeder dogs make good pets?

Retired breeder dogs can make wonderful pets for the right owner, but they often require a long-term commitment. They can be a great fit for people who are willing to provide a stable and loving home.

How to potty train a previously abused dog?

To potty train a previously abused dog, establish a consistent schedule of regular trips outside, ideally every 2 hours, including after meals and before bedtime. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your dog feel safe and learn to trust the process of going potty outside.

What are the problems with ex-breeding dogs?

Dogs adopted from commercial kennels as ex-breeding stock may be more prone to behavioral issues such as fearfulness and touch sensitivity. These problems can manifest as house soiling when left alone, requiring attention and care from their new owners.

Tracy Mante

Lead Assigning Editor

Tracy Mante is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for guiding writers towards compelling and informative content. With a keen eye for detail, she has successfully managed a wide range of article categories, from in-depth features to engaging how-to guides. Tracy's expertise extends to the field of animal health, where she has overseen articles on complex topics such as canine surgery and procedures.

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