Adult Dog Housetraining Advice

[GSKnight]

I adopted Viktor 21 days ago tomorrow. He's a 3 year old GSD abused rescue. I seems to me he was never properly house trained. He is learning many things he doesn't know... like how to play ball (sad). Now, 3 weeks in and he still had an accident in the house this week. When I got home from work, we went on a long walk. Came home and ate dinner. I waited a little while then took him out for his short evening potty walk. He didn't poop. Waited a bit longer... nothing. Came inside, and while I was changing, he pooped in the dining room I praise and pet him when he goes outside and correct him when there is in inside issue.

Now, I am I just not being patient enough? Is 21 days just not long enough to expect him to learn? Should I wait longer when taking him outside? Is there anything else I should be doing?

Thanks.

[wolfstraum]

I would do the crate thing just like with a puppy Greg....if he does not relieve himself, crate him after the walk, wait a half hour and take him outside again. Restrict yourself to one corner of your yard - not a walk...repeat "go potty" or whatever mantra you use - no action, crate and repeat.

Punishment (hopefully just a verbal reprimand!) is not effective - the dog must be caught IN THE ACT to understand that you are unhappy with his behavior - pooping wherever as needed is already imprinted and is natural to Victor - it is a behavior that will take some time and dedication to change.

Lee

[GSKnight]

Originally Posted by wolfstraum

I would do the crate thing just like with a puppy Greg....if he does not relieve himself, crate him after the walk, wait a half hour and take him outside again. Restrict yourself to one corner of your yard - not a walk...repeat "go potty" or whatever mantra you use - no action, crate and repeat.

Punishment (hopefully just a verbal reprimand!) is not effective - the dog must be caught IN THE ACT to understand that you are unhappy with his behavior - pooping wherever as needed is already imprinted and is natural to Victor - it is a behavior that will take some time and dedication to change.

Lee

Thanks Lee.... your help and advice with helping Viktor has been invaluable and much appreciated.

You are right… all he has known for 3+ years is to poop inside I guess, I will give it more time & try the crate method you discuss. He is bacially a 3 year old puppy.

[1sttimeforgsd]

Thank you again for giving Viktor a loving and forever home. Just as Wolfstraum has advised they just about have to be treated like a 8 wk old puppy. Work with him and be patient he will come around. My little terrier mix was a rescue from a shelter where she had been the first year of her life and I trained her just like she was a new puppy and with patience it will work. Good luck with your boy.

[Emoore]

Don't leave him un-crated and unsupervised. Housebreaking accidents are always the owner's fault, the dog doesn't deserve to be punished or reprimanded for something he doesn't understand yet.

[GSKnight]

Originally Posted by Emoore

Don't leave him un-crated and unsupervised.

Can't watch him every second... but I try.

[GSKnight]

It seems to be working... 10 days without an accident in the house!!!
(knock on wood... probably just jinxed myself)

I guess I just needed a little advice, and some extra attention to get him over the edge on this one.

He seems to know when we are going on a potty break rather than a walk... is doing his business and getting a treat. No crating now necessary.

[wolfstraum]

ahhh - still stick to the program....IF he does not potty on a potty break - back in the crate - but glad he is learning! Good Job Greg!

Lee

[Suka]

Originally Posted by GSKnight

Can't watch him every second... but I try.

This is why if I love leashing dogs/puppies to me during house training.... while I do the dishes, read a book, etc.

I used to do a lot of pitbull rescue and house trained a lot of older dogs.

Lee got you going the right way!

[BlackPuppy]

BTW, he's very handsome!