Effective Potty Training for Your 2‑Year‑Old Dog: Step‑by‑Step Guide

There are many similarities in the process of potty training a 2-year-old dog and a young puppy. Whether you just adopted a 2-year-old dog or your pup needs a refresher, there are some things to keep in mind to successfully housetrain your dog. Some medical problems can cause bathroom problems, so never punish your dog for accidents.

Be patient and be prepared for the process to take longer than it does with puppies. A 2-year-old dog has established habits that you need to replace with new training. Not only will the training process likely take longer but it is also possible that each potty break will take longer than you expect, especially at first.

Dealing with accidents

Even with your best efforts, it is possible that your pup will still have an accident in the house. Make sure to clean up accidents completely with an enzyme cleaner.

Never punish or scold your dog for going potty in the house. This can increase her anxiety and fear and make the issue worse. Instead, interrupt her with a clap or vocalization and then immediately take her outside to the designated spot. Once she finishes going potty, offer plenty of praise and a bit of play.