House training a 4yo dog?? Possible?

[Anonymous]

I came across a sweet 4yo dog who has had a rough life and needs a safe home. I’d love to take him in and give him a good life. According to his foster mom, he’s not fully housebroken. Seems “timid” about going out. He’s “working on it”. Would I totally regret getting an adult dog that’s not housebroken? Is it possible that he ever can be at this late date? This would only be my second dog, and I want an adult to avoid the puppy stage! But I’m worried I might be in an event worse position!

[Anonymous]

Is the housebreaking issue related to something physical/medical?

A schedule and positive reinforcement does wonders.

[Anonymous]

We got a dog age 3 that was supposed to be housebroken, but wasn't totally doable, but don't expect there won't be messes to pickup I think the book I used was the Art of Training a Puppy by Monks of New Skeet. Previously had a puppy to train

[Anonymous]

I taught a 2 year old who was outside her whole life previously - I think it's possible. Would be great if this dog had another dog to "show her the ways" - good luck. Hope you get lots more feedback.

I'd still get a crate for nighttime and naps while training (they don't go in their crate).

[Anonymous]

OP here. I don’t know if it’s a medical or behavioral problem, and I don’t know if I’ll find out from the rescue. I do have a 3yo golden who is perfectly house trained, so maybe that could help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I don’t know if it’s a medical or behavioral problem, and I don’t know if I’ll find out from the rescue. I do have a 3yo golden who is perfectly house trained, so maybe that could help.

I think the rescue would need to tell you if there was a medical issue.

Definitely a good role model will help.

[Anonymous]

I’ve had 3 rescued dogs, all were strays and had not lived in a house before. I house trained all of them. Age was was 1-4 years. With one of them that was approx 2when I got here it took about 2 weeks because I didn’t recognize her signs at first. I assumed she would stand at door and whine or something. She would literally sit in her haunches and stare at me. At first I thought she wanted a head rub so that’s what I did, then she would pee within 10 mins. Soon as I knew that was her signal it took like a day. So every dog is different, if you do this keep an open mind with regard to their method of communication.

[Anonymous]

Most dogs will need to be “re-trained” in a new environment regardless of their success before. It will probably be a lot faster and easier with a dog that was previously doing well with eliminating outside, but a lot of it is specific to getting on a schedule, “communication” between you and the dog, and them being comfortable in their schedule and environment.

I had a one year old who was supposedly “perfect” in his previous home (but idk if they were a reliable source since they were also getting rid of him) but took several months for me to get reliable in my house. It was a little easier than a baby puppy since he could hold it longer but not much. Now, he knows his schedule and cues with me and I generally have no issues. In the meantime I recommend having areas gated off that have no carpet or area rug, that you spend most of your time with the dog in.

[Anonymous]

It's absolutely possible. Especially with a schedule, with a dog buddy to show him the ropes, and with positive reinforcement and no scolding and punishment if he messes up. We've adopted four adult dogs and they've all quickly gotten housebroken.