We adopted a one year old shelter dog. She was house trained but had accidents once a week for the first month. It was more about us getting out signals worked out as to when she needed to go and how long she could hold it. Once we got that worked out she's been really good about going outside. We leave her in the crate at night or when we aren't in the house to monitor her as she does have issues with chewing. My son loves the dog but I realized that this is really my pet. Its mine to care for until she dies. I do ask for help from my son but I don't expect much nor do I expect him to keep it up. With that said he has surprised me with his willingingness to walk, water and feed her daily. In fact he's better and remember what she needs and when. They are a commitment but so far I wouldn't chance a thing.

Anonymous wrote:The shelter counselors will be able to tell you whether the dog was ever housebroken. Even if the dog was housebroken before, from being in the shelter the dog may need a refresher and will have to learn what is required in YOUR home -- where to go, how to signal, what times walks are, etc.

I agree that the dog is your responsibility, not your child's.

I agree with this. Our rescue dog was 2yo when we got her and it took a few days for her to be consistent about peeing and pooping outside. Within 2-3 days though, it was a non-issue. The adjustment to a new home is HUGE for a dog and you need lots of patience and consistency.

Our dog sleeps in her bed at night - it is at the foot of our bed. We have her crate in our room, with the door open, but she doesn't go in there much.

Whatever you do, do not crate the dog all day while you are at work. The ASPCA and other animal welfare groups decry this practice as cruel and inhuman.

We have a former shelter dog, and I believe he had been kept outside at his previous residence. He was about a year old when we adopt him - fortunately for us, he learned good potty habits from our other dog immediately. He peed once in the house (could have been marking) but I found nothing after that incident. He's such a good boy....dogs are a hell of a lot of work, it's almost like having a second child. Seriously, the only contribution my 6 yr.old makes is making sure they have water. And even then, I need to check.

The shelter counselors will be able to tell you whether the dog was ever housebroken. Even if the dog was housebroken before, from being in the shelter the dog may need a refresher and will have to learn what is required in YOUR home -- where to go, how to signal, what times walks are, etc.

I agree that the dog is your responsibility, not your child's.

You should really do some more extensive research into dog ownership before getting a dog. It's great that you are thinking of adopting but make sure you are the last home the dog ever needs to find.

Please make sure YOU really want a dog. It's quite a commitment and your child will have activities and their own lives as they grow. You will be the primary caretaker for the dog not your child.

As for housebreaking, its pretty easy once you're consistent.

Two coworkers who adopted dogs from shelters that were about one... Yes on housebroken with some adjustment (have to get used to new house and comfortable with owners reading signals). One coworker kennels her dog at night, the other does not. Kenneling may be tough if the dog has never been Kenneled but we kennel our pup and highly recommend it.

I'm interested in getting a dog for my 7 yo dd who has been asking for a pet. The dogs from the shelter are about one year old. I've never had an indoor dog so don't know the first thing about potty training animals. So, are dogs usually potty trained by age one? Do you keep dogs in their cages overnight if they sleep indoors?