Housetraining the Adult or Adopted Dog

Potty accidents are one of the most frustrating parts of living with a dog—especially when we assume they “should know better.” But let’s put things into perspective: it can take human children years to master potty training. Yet we often expect dogs, especially puppies, to figure it out in just a few weeks.

Realistically, housetraining a puppy can take six to twelve months. And for adult or adopted dogs, the process can be just as involved. A dog might have been housetrained in a previous home, but that doesn’t mean they know where the bathroom is in your home. Imagine visiting a new place—you’d have to ask where the restroom is, too.

Start Fresh: Assume Nothing

Even if your new dog was reportedly housetrained, it’s best to treat them like they’re starting from scratch. New home, new rules, new smells—everything is unfamiliar. Give them frequent potty breaks, stick to a schedule, and clearly communicate what’s expected.

Clean Up Completely

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. If there’s even a trace of urine or feces left behind, they may return to that spot. Use enzyme cleaners like Nature’s Miracle, or hire a professional carpet cleaner who specializes in pet stains.

Don’t Wait for a Signal

Some dogs bark, some go to the door, and some never give any indication they need to go out—especially smaller breeds. Until you learn your dog’s individual signs (if they even have one), stick to a consistent routine. Waiting for them to “tell” you they need to go is like expecting a baby to ask for a diaper change.

Make Housetraining Black and White

Be crystal clear about what’s right and wrong. When your dog potties outside, reward immediately—treats, praise, even a happy dance. If they start to go inside, interrupt them with a neutral sound like “uh-oh!” and quickly take them outside. There can’t be any gray area. If a dog potties in a back room and feels relief, the behavior becomes self-rewarding—and that makes it harder to break.

Supervise and Set Up for Success

A well-managed environment is key. Until your dog is fully trained, they should always be in your sight or safely confined. Try tools like:

• Exercise Pens
• Baby gates or closed doors
• Drag leash (leash dragging behind the dog)
• Crates (see our separate guide on crate training)

A timer or phone reminder can help keep you on schedule. And avoid giving your dog access to areas where accidents “don’t matter” because the flooring is easy to clean. That’s not helping them learn—it’s just making cleanup easier for you.

If accidents happen in places you can’t supervise, try adding a tiny bell to their collar to help keep track of their movement.

Use High-Value Rewards

Find a treat your dog really loves—something they don’t get often, like deli meat or hot dogs. This becomes the “$100 treat,” reserved only for pottying outside. Go out with your dog, use a cue like “Go potty,” and the moment they finish, say “Yes!” and reward immediately. Do not wait until you’re back inside.

Timing matters. You have about 1 second for a dog to connect the behavior and the reward. Waiting too long teaches the wrong thing—like that coming inside earns the treat, not going potty. It’s all in the timing.

Also, don’t bring your dog in immediately after they go. Let them enjoy some outside time so they don’t associate pottying with the end of fun.

Teach the Cue: “Go Potty”

Every time your dog begins to go, say “Go potty.” Over time, they’ll learn to associate the words with the action. Avoid letting them play until after they go, so potty becomes the first goal of each trip outside.

If they don’t go within a few minutes, bring them in and confine them for a short time (not as punishment but for management!) and try again after 10–15 minutes.

Create a Go-To Potty Area

Dogs love routine and familiar smells. Always take them out the same door to the same spot. This builds a habit—and scent helps, too. If your dog poops, leave it there for a day. If they pee inside, blot it up and bring the towel outside to the potty area.

For newly adopted dogs, you can even create a smelly “target” by leaving a newspaper-stuffed bag or log in the front yard for neighborhood dogs to mark, then placing it in your potty area. Male dogs especially respond well to this.

When Accidents Happen…

Accidents will happen—it’s part of the process. If you catch your dog in the act, make a unique sound like “Ack!” to interrupt them and immediately take them outside. If they finish going outside, reward and praise.

Important: You must interrupt during the act. After the fact is too late—dogs won’t connect your reaction to their earlier behavior.

Avoid scolding or punishment. If you yell or act upset, your dog may learn not to potty in front of you, even outdoors. The goal is communication, not fear.

Feeding and Scheduling Tips

• Feed high-quality food at consistent times.
• Avoid free-feeding—this makes potty habits unpredictable.
• Don’t withhold water (except maybe 30-60 minutes before bedtime for puppies).
• Keep a log of potty times to identify patterns.
• Use a timer or chart to keep the whole family consistent.

Give Them Room to Move

When our bodies move, our organs move and some dogs need space to feel comfortable going potty. If your yard isn’t fenced, try a 15–20 foot training lead (avoid retractable leashes, which can be dangerous and counterproductive). Give your dog a little privacy to help them relax, move and go.

Busting Common Housetraining Myths

MYTH: “My dog is sneaky and always potties in the basement.”

TRUTH: Your dog is smart—not sneaky. Dogs will look for quiet, out-of-the-way places they don’t associate with their home or living areas.  Gate off unused areas and introduce your dog to the whole home gradually.

MYTH: “My dog looks guilty after an accident—he knows he did wrong!”

TRUTH: Dogs are great at reading our body language. If you look upset and use a harsh tone, your dog may cower or try to appease you—but that’s not guilt. It’s called appeasement.  It’s a natural response to your emotions.

Final Thoughts

Punishment and outdated techniques like rubbing your dog’s nose in it only create fear and confusion. Stick with proven, science-based methods. Be consistent, reward the good, manage the environment, and set your dog up for success.

You’ve got this! With patience and the right plan, your adult or adopted dog will become a reliable housetraining pro in no time.

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