We just got a 1 1/2 yr old show Westie from a breeder. He was potty trained at his old house, but here he almost never goes outside. Do I go about potty training an adult dog the same way as a puppy, or would you do it differently with an adult dog?
Also, he is about 4 lbs underweight. How can I put weight on him healthily?
Kelly Modzelewski says:
August 24th, 2009 at 09:11 PM
It's likely the change that caught him off his game but if you continue to have problems after trying to train him, I'd get him checked for any health issues. First, make sure you're feeding him on a regular routine. No food after 6:00 p.m. means he'll be less likely to need to go out during the night. On your walks, as soon as it looks like he's going to go to the bathroom, say, "It's wee time" or "Go potty" or some other such brilliant phrase. Use a high, encouraging voice. The main thing inside is to watch him for a few days until you figure out his schedule and, again, as soon as he starts to lift his leg, distract him with a "No - outside!" and rush him outside. Repeat your phrase when he goes outside and praise judicially. He'll remember it eventually.
To gain weight healthily, do it gradually. Add cooked chicken to his meals, feed him three or four times a day (see above), promote rest after meals, and switch to a higher-protein food. Good luck!
Gabriella suggests:
September 18th, 2009 at 03:28 PM
I agree with Kelly. Good Luck, Gabriella
Dragize suggests:
September 25th, 2009 at 06:42 PM
If you've just brought home a newly adopted shelter or rescue dog, your first task will be to be sure he's housetrained. If not, then you'll want to have him become housetrained ASAP. One big advantage of housetraining an older dog is that he has more bladder and bowel control than a puppy - is able to "hold it" for longer periods of time. However, in the beginning your new dog won't know where to go, and his system may be upset from a change in location and/or food, which can cause diarrhea. So at first, introduce him to his bathroom area and let him eliminate before bringing him in the house for the first time. Be patient and wait if necessary, praising him when he does. After you bring him inside, don't expect him to know right away to tell you if he has to go out. Just expect it, and take him out, very frequently at first, praising him each time he goes. Once you are sure he is eliminating normally with no diarrhea or other upsets, then put him on a regular elimination schedule as you would a puppy: in the morning, after meals, after play, and at night before bed. Accompany him, and praise him each time he goes. Make it a point to prevent accidents before they happen, rather than deal with or discipline him if they happen. Never punish him for an accident. Rather, just quietly clean up any mess, and continue with your schedule.
Do you know the answer this question? Are you a pet professional? Become an advisor today!
Not a pet professional? Register here to comment on this question and help fellow pet owners.
Do you have a pet question you need answering? Ask our caring pet advisors here:
Televets does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
© Televets 2008
