How to Potty Train an Adult Dog or Rescue

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

An adult dog that is not housetrained is often a dog who was never taught, or one who has moved home and become confused. The good news is that adults often learn faster than puppies, because they can hold their bladder longer.

Start with the vet

Sudden accidents in a dog who was previously housetrained can signal illness, such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes, kidney problems or cognitive changes. See your vet first, particularly if the behavior is new.

Set up a routine

• Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps and play, and before bed
• Use the same spot and a cue such as "go potty"
• Stay with your dog, so you can reward immediately
• Feed at consistent times, since regular meals lead to regular toileting

Step 1: Supervise

Keep your dog in sight indoors. Use baby gates, closed doors or a leash tethered to you. If you cannot watch, use a crate or a secure pen, if your dog is comfortable with it. See how to crate train an adult dog.

Step 2: Go outside often

Take your dog out every couple of hours at first. Choose a quiet spot, wait a few minutes and be boring. If your dog toilets, reward heavily with treats and praise right away, before coming in.

Step 3: Watch for signals

Sniffing, circling, whining or heading to the door can mean your dog needs to go. Take your dog out at once.

Step 4: Handle accidents calmly

If you catch your dog in the act, interrupt calmly and take them outside. Do not scold. Clean the spot thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner, since leftover smell attracts repeat accidents. Do not rub your dog's nose in it.

Step 5: Gradually increase freedom

As accidents stop, give your dog more access to the house, one room at a time.

Special cases

• Rescue dogs may have lived outdoors, in kennels or in unusual environments and need to learn that the house is not a toilet. See how to train a rescue dog.
• Small dogs may dislike cold or wet weather, so use a coat or shelter.
• Older dogs have smaller bladders or medical conditions and may need more breaks.
• Dogs who mark need a different approach. See how to stop a dog marking indoors.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog goes inside right after returning. Stay outside longer, and keep indoor supervision tight.
• Your dog will not go in rain. Provide a covered area, and reward generously.
• Your dog hides to toilet. Do not punish, and supervise more.
• Your dog goes in the crate. Shorten crate time, and check for medical issues.

Keep a log

Record times of meals, toileting and accidents. Patterns help you adjust your schedule.

Dog doors and bells

Some dogs benefit from a dog door or a bell. See how to train a dog to use a dog door and how to teach a dog to ring a bell to go outside.

A sample plan

• Week 1: Outings every two hours, strict supervision, enzymatic cleaning.
• Week 2: Extend times, and watch for signals.
• Week 3 to 4: More freedom, and keep rewarding outside toileting.

Choosing a toilet spot and cue

Take your dog to the same spot each time, so the smell prompts toileting. Say your cue calmly as your dog starts, and reward just after finishing. Over time the cue will help you ask your dog to go before a car trip or bedtime. Always bring a bag and clean up.

Reading setbacks

If accidents suddenly return, think about what has changed: diet, schedule, weather, new pets, stress or health. Go back a step in the routine and call your vet if it persists. Setbacks are common, especially in rescue dogs settling into new homes.

The takeaway

Rule out health problems, supervise, reward outside toileting and never punish. Consistency works.