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Pointers For House Training An Older Dog Without A Crate

February 8, 2021 by Mary Telesz

happy golden lab who owner learned house training an older dog without a crateThe process of house training a dog to use the bathroom can sometimes be difficult, especially if your pet is older (i.e., no longer a puppy). Although your first instinct may be to use a crate, you will want to avoid this. There are several reasons a crate is detrimental to a dog’s well-being, including the fact that it represents a form of solitary confinement and that it can cause behavioral issues. Therefore, many organizations such as PETA and the Humane Society frequently advocate against this practice. Here are some pointers on house training an older dog without a crate.

Pointers For House Training An Older Dog Without A Crate

Although the house training process may seem daunting at first, you can teach your dog to correctly urinate or defecate by following six simple steps. Here is a close look at each of these steps.

Establish A Routine

old lab who owner learned house training an older dog without a crateMuch like humans, dogs are creatures of habit. Therefore, one of the most effective ways of house training a dog is by establishing a daily routine or schedule. This routine should include basic activities such as walks, meals, and playtime. It will likely take your pet a few days (or even weeks) to become fully accustomed to this schedule, so just remember to be patient. Make sure that your dog has sufficient time to digest food (at least one hour recommended) before walking.

Use The Same Keyword

When giving your dog commands, use the same keyword for each instruction. For example, you can use “pee-pee” for urination and “poop” for defecation and point to a specific location while doing so. If you vary the words you utilize, your dog may become confused and remain idle. Similarly to other commands, the difference in the reaction you see from your dog when you say “sit” to when you say “sit down” may potentially be extremely different.

Take Them To The Same Location Outside

Identify a spot in your backyard where your dog typically urinates or defecates right away and take him (or her) to that same location. This will make things significantly easier for both you and your pet. Your dog may need a slight push sometimes to get to this spot, but once he gets there, you will likely not need to wait long.

Learn And Watch For Your Dog’s Behavior Signs

Part of the house training process involves getting dogs to “hold it” until they find a place to do their business. There is no reason to force your dog to “hold it” for several hours at a time. In fact, this can often lead to health issues such as infections, bladder cancer and incontinence. Therefore, it’s important to understand your pet’s behavioral signs. If your dog incessantly paces around, whines, or barks at you, these are all likely signs that he needs to go outside to use the bathroom.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Similarly to small children, dogs behave well and learn best when you use positive reinforcement. If you regularly praise your dog when he listens to you, give him treats and other rewards, and pet him, he will know how much you approve of his behavior.

Be Patient

basset outside once owner learned house training an older dog without a crateThis is perhaps the most important tip to remember when house training your dog. As frustrated as you may become with your pet, you should never abuse him, physically or verbally. You can reprimand your dog for misbehaving without becoming abusive. Remember to repeat the same keywords, and your pet will heed them eventually. According to Psychology Today, “frequent house-soiling is the third-most-common reason dogs are relinquished to a shelter” (after aggressiveness and excessive noise).

Talk With Paw Pals On More Info On House Training An Older Dog Without A Crate

Reach out to the professionals at Paw Pals for more information on how to house train an older dog without using a crate. We serve pet owners throughout Northern Virginia and were founded by Mary Telesz, a local Australian Shepherd puppy owner who has more than 15 years of experience as a pet sitter.

If you are a busy dog owner who doesn’t always have the time to take care of your pet, Paw Pals can help you by providing high-quality dog walking and pet sitting. Our services are extremely flexible and can thus accommodate your schedule. We offer midday dog walking, (15, 30, and 45-minute visits) which is typically carried out Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm. This service includes playtime, brushing, and treats, as well as fresh food, water, and medications (if required). We also provide weekend and after-hours dog walking, as well as additional services such as dog supply pick-up.

Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC is licensed, bonded, and fully insured. Our dog walkers and sitters are also PetTech-certified in First Aid and Pet CPR. Call us today at (703) 345-1695 or contact us online to learn more.

Filed Under: Pet Advice

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Monday
9am - 5pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Areas Served

Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 22151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

Google Rating
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Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
5.0
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
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