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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
9am - 5pm
Wednesday
9am - 5pm
Thursday
9am - 5pm
Friday
9am - 5pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
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Areas Served

Centreville – 20120, 20121
Chantilly – 20151
Clifton – 20124
Fairfax – 22030, 22033
Fairfax Station – 22039
Manassas – 20109, 20110, 20111
Reston – 20191, 20190

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4.9
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
4.9
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
21:22 03 Oct 21
I never worry when Mary and team take care of my dog!
Michæl Silva
Michæl Silva
21:38 01 Jul 22
Mary at Paw Pals Pet Sitting is the greatest! She has helped me train my pooch Chico how play nice with other dogs and for that I am extremely grateful! A+A+A+A+A+A
Kwi Kim
Kwi Kim
22:37 17 Jun 22
I hired Paw Pals based on my sister’s referral. Meet & greet was very thorough and detailed. I was surprised that my finicky cat came to check the sitter out. Subsequently, a sitter watched my cat over several separate visits, and it was clear through the visit reports that my cat loved the sitter. All the visits were completed having followed my directions & with professionalism.I would highly recommend Paw Pals to anyone who’s looking for a dependable, personable, & professional sitter.
Joseph Walter
Joseph Walter
19:55 13 Jun 22
Paw Pals provided a large number of photos of our pets along with a personalized message on how our pets were doing with every single visit. I would highly recommend using Paw Pals, we'll be continuing to use them whenever we go on vacation.
Ashley Manning
Ashley Manning
09:50 11 Jun 22
Highly recommend as pet sitters!Initially, a sitter from the company will visit the house to meet the pets and learn where everything is. Tatiana took careful notes and we got her some spare keys.While we are away, Paw Pals sends sitters to come and look after our boys. They feed them, scoop litter, bring in mail and packages, and they will even manage trash, recycling, blinds and lights so that everything is comfortable for our kitties. Each time they check in, we receive an email message with updates and pictures, which is so comforting when we are on the road.Also, if you don’t let Paw Pals know when you are home, they assume something has happened and will continue to care for your babies. If something were to happen, I know they would be okay.Five stars for Paw Pals!
Brian Wood
Brian Wood
04:08 22 May 22
We have used Paw Pals for a number of years now and would highly recommend to anyone looking for help with their pets. Great communication from owner Mary and flexibility to make adjustments in schedule as life changes over time. Have had a consistent set of walkers who have gotten to know our pup and the various walking routes around our neighborhood quite well.
Lesley Bush
Lesley Bush
13:58 18 Mar 22
We can't rave enough about Paw Pals. They took care of our 18 year old Cat and 20 year old Chinchilla while we were away and when our flight got cancelled, they were so accommodating and available last minute for an extra day. We worked with Jen to coordinate visits from Miko and Danny. I loved the pictures and updates on how our Lil geriatric guys were doing. Thanks a million, Paw Pals!! Our special pets were so well cared for.
Sebastian Barnes
Sebastian Barnes
01:06 17 Jan 22
I have used Paw Pals for several trips over the last few months, and they have been phenomenal every time! Mary is extremely kind and responsive, and she makes sure that my cat and dog have the care that they need every time I am out of town. All of the pet sitters that I've had have been incredibly sweet to my pets, and they treat them like their own! Will gladly continue using Paw Pals every time I need a sitter.
Julie Shildt
Julie Shildt
17:45 14 Nov 21
It has been a pleasure doing business with paw pals. We have used this company for several trips we have taken over the past 6 months. They have been wonderful caretakers for our 2 cats. Anytime there is ever a question they don't hesitate to give us a call and they leave the best notes and pictures in the emailed report of each visit. We are so glad have found such a great company.
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!
Katie McCune
Katie McCune
19:19 15 Jul 21
I honestly cannot recommend Mary and her whole crew enough! We started using Mary originally about 7 years ago to stop by occasionally when our Aussie Lana was younger. Over the next couple years Lana stayed with Mary and her family for a couple weekends when we went on vacation. When we moved to our new house in Manassas, Lana stayed with Sam, who lives in Manassas, overnight for moving day, and did great. Right before the pandemic, we adopted our second Aussie, Goose, and Mary recommended a fantastic trainer for him.We now have weekly walks for the dogs, and they love all of their walkers! Trevor, Paul, Hazel, Sofie, and probably a couple others have helped Goose get used to more people, and have helped my husband and me when our schedules are crazy.Paw Pals is our go-to for any help with our dogs, so I highly recommend them!
Alexandra Hill
Alexandra Hill
22:43 23 May 21
I was a nervous mommy to leave my cats with a sitter service for the first time. Paw Pals went above and beyond to care for my cats and ease a nervous mommy. I already made a reservation to use them again!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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