Housebreaking a 3 yr. old

[Jennifer]

Hi, we got a sweet girl and she is 3 yrs. old and I was wondering if it was possible to housebreak her?? Any suggestions would be helpful.. The previous owners had her as a show dog, but never showed her because the lady got sick and they kept the boxers in an apt (was an old barn, but they turned it into an apt. for their daughter that never moved in) and so they allowed the boxers to use the bathroom in there.

Thanks,
Jennifer

 

[simmons]

I don't think it is impossible, she's still young I would suggest back to basic's with her. Treat her like a puppy...outside after potty and naps and in between. Take her potty on a leash...bring treats and when she does potty outside, praise like crazy. Like you just hit the lottery and give her a treat.

Soon, she will associate potty outside with lots of extra attention and special treats.
Maybe use a word like "potty" Do you want to go "potty" and then take her outside, "go potty"

It may take some time, but stay patient and persistent and she will get it down.

If you do catch her in the act inside, maybe say "Uh Huh" and take her outside to finish.

Good Luck!!

 

[Jan]

I was wondering if it was possible to housebreak her??
Jennifer

Yes, it is certainly possible to housebreak an older dog. As Jenny said just treat her like a puppy. Take her out frequently and crate her when you can't watch her.

Good luck!

 

[tastubbs]

Yes. Tyson was about 3 when I got him. He had clearly spent the first years of his life on a chain outside. His foster Mom crate trained him. When I brought him home, I started crate training over just to be sure. He does beatifully, and I never crate him while I am away.