Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Dog Training
  4. How to House Train an Adult Dog

How to House Train an Adult Dog

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 21, 2024

Dog Training

How to House Train an Adult Dog thumbnail

Maybe you just brought home a new rescue who’s never lived indoors before—or your older pet still has the occasional (or perhaps more frequent) accident inside your home. Whatever the cause of your potty training woes, we’re here to help!

Old dogs can learn new tricks, and this guide will send you on your way to a cleaner house in no time. Let’s dive in!

First: Try to identify the root cause of your dog’s accidents

The steps in this article will help you troubleshoot bad bathroom habits. It's best to understand why your dog is urinating or defecating indoors before you dive into any specific training protocol.

While ongoing potty accidents are often a simple lack of training clarity or consistency, sometimes our pets are trying to tell us something more. Here are a few potential reasons your dog is using the bathroom indoors.

Is your dog really old enough to hold their bladder and bowels?

A general rule of thumb is that puppies can hold their bladders one hour for every month of age—so a four-month-old puppy can wait four hours while a six-month-old puppy can do six—up to the eight to ten hours we typically expect from adult dogs.

While this is a helpful guideline, it’s important to realize that it is an estimate. Every dog is an individual with slightly different needs! Small breeds, for example, have a harder time holding their bladders than large dogs do. (They might not be able to make it through your entire work day until they’re over a year old.)

A small puppy sits next to a puddle of pee on a puppy pee pad

Does your dog have a medical issue like a urinary tract infection?

Even if your dog is old enough that they should be able to hold their bladder for longer intervals, an illness might prevent them from waiting to go. A medical problem is especially likely if your dog used to be potty trained and has suddenly regressed.

Common causes of house training accidents include:


  • Urinary tract infections
  • Kidney or bladder stones
  • Bladder inflammation
  • Kidney disease
  • Genital skin infections
  • Diabetes
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Canine cognitive dysfunction in older dogs (often called “doggy dementia”)

If you think your dog might be suffering from any of the above, get in touch with your vet right away!

dog barking

Has your dog experienced any big life transitions?

Just like us humans, our pets sometimes struggle to adjust to new situations. Your dog might be stressed out if you’ve recently:


  • Moved into a new house
  • Brought another dog home
  • Changed your work schedule
  • Lost a family member
  • Experience any other life changes

In these instances, our dogs aren’t using the bathroom indoors to “get back at us”. They’re just confused and a little uncertain. Getting back on a consistent routine should clear up their accidents in no time!

Are your dog’s accidents linked to other behavioral problems like anxiety?

Sometimes our dogs experience chronic struggles with their mental health that aren’t directly linked to recent life changes. Separation anxiety, past trauma, and more can contribute to house training problems.

If you think this is your dog, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Consider setting up an appointment with a certified vet behaviorist to evaluate next steps and get back on track.

Next: Eliminate the scent of past accidents for a fresh start

Dogs have a natural instinct to relieve themselves where they’ve used the bathroom before. This means it’s important to thoroughly clean all accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove traces of previous markings!

Urine can have a powerful, pervasive smell to our dogs’ noses. Regular soap and water won’t cut it here.

Then: Prevent future accidents with a consistent management and training schedule

It turns out that potty training an adult dog isn’t all that different from house training a puppy—but it can take a little longer. Our older or recently adopted pets might have a long history of bad habits we need to break.

Here’s how to get your dog back on track in a better routine with a little consistency and patience!

Feed your dog at about the same time each day

If your dog eats on a regular schedule, it will be easier to predict when they need to use the bathroom. Pay attention to any extra treats you give them during the day that might increase their need to go potty.

Take your dog outside at regular intervals (and increase the time between bathroom breaks slowly)

While an adult dog’s bladder can hold more than a puppy, it’s important to start small during the training process. You want to go fully back to basics and set your pet up for success!

Take your dog outside more frequently than you think you need to at first. Slowly increase the intervals between their potty breaks only when they’ve shown they can consistently handle the previous amount of time.

To start, it’s a good idea to take your dog outside every 2-3 hours as well as shortly after they:


  • Wake up in the morning or from a nap
  • Finish a meal
  • Play (especially if they drink a lot of water to cool down)

Encourage your dog to potty in the same area to create a predictable pattern

Remember when we said that dogs are inclined to use the bathroom in the same spot they’ve gone before? You can use this to your advantage outside! Try walking your dog in a small circle in the same corner of your yard to encourage a healthy habit of eliminating there.

Use positive reinforcement when your dog gets it right

When your dog potties outside, praise and reward them! You can use small training treats, physical affection, or a favorite toy to celebrate their job well done.

(Note: Wait until after your dog has finished eliminating so you don’t interrupt them in the act. You want to make sure they have time to fully empty their bladder, which can take more than 30 seconds, before offering a tasty treat or fun game.)

Keep your dog in a crate or pen when you’re unable to supervise

Canines generally don't like to use the bathroom where they sleep or eat. By confining your dog to a smaller space (like a comfortable, appropriately sized kennel or wire pen), you can take advantage of this natural instinct to reduce the odds of accidents while you’re away.

Is your dog uncomfortable with confinement in a crate, or have you just never used one before? You can read more about kennel training an adult dog in this article!You can also consider setting up designated potty pads in your dog’s environment if you have to leave them alone longer than you think they can hold their bladder.

dog on bed

Pay attention to your dog’s subtle signals (or consider teaching them a specific way to ask)

If your dog has to use the bathroom, they might:


  • Pace, circle, or lie down near the door
  • Paw at the door
  • Sniff in circles
  • Lick their hindquarters
  • Bark or whine
  • Retreat to a hiding spot

Every canine gives slightly different signals. Over time, you can learn to recognize your own dog’s tells and take them for a potty break before they’re pushed to go indoors.

Subtle signs not enough? You can also consider training your dog to do a specific behavior, like ring a bell or bark near the door, in order to be let outside! This can work especially well for quiet, stoic dogs who aren’t likely to let you know about their bladder needs on their own.

What if your dog won’t go when you take them outside?

If your dog seems unwilling to use the bathroom when you take them outside for a potty break, you can do a few things:


  • Wait them out. Sometimes our pets are too distracted by interesting smells or sounds from neighboring yards to get down to business right away. Stay still in one spot, and be patient!
  • Bring them back inside and put them inside their crate. Wait a few minutes and take them out again, repeating until they finally go.
  • Get in touch with your vet. It’s possible that using the bathroom is uncomfortable for your dog, and a physical exam might help solve the problem.

What to do if your dog has a house training accident

Even if you’re doing everything right, accidents happen. No person (or dog) is perfect! Here’s how to bounce back quickly if your dog uses the bathroom inside.

If you catch your dog in the act

If your dog starts to use the bathroom in front of you, gently interrupt and immediately take them outside. When they finish eliminating in their designated spot in your yard, praise them!

Be careful not to yell or scare your dog. You don’t want them to feel nervous about using the bathroom in front of you even when you’re outside—you just want to remind them that pottying doesn’t happen in the house.

If you find the accident later

If you don’t discover an accident until after the fact, don’t say anything to your dog. They won’t be able to make the connection between their previous behavior and your current response. Any scolding will only confuse them!

Clean it up, return to basics, and trust the process

Clean up any potty spots with an enzymatic cleaner and take a deep breath. You’ve got this. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page about your new house training schedule, and consider decreasing the intervals between bathroom breaks until your dog gets the hang of it.

House training can be tough—but we pet parents are tougher!

We know how difficult it is to enter a room only to be greeted by a big, smelly accident. Potty training struggles can take a toll on our own stress levels, routines, and homes. We promise the process is worth it in the end.

If you and your dog are really struggling? Consider reaching out to a force-free trainer for more help. You have a whole team cheering for you!

Trainer that reviewed this article

There is so much misinformation out there, we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified, positive-only trainers. The trainers that review our content are reviewed by other trainers to ensure that we have the best quality filters on our content. 

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Emily Fitzpatrick
VSA-CDT
Owner and Head Trainer | Misunderstood Mutt

Haley Young photo

Haley Young

June 21, 2024

Dog Training

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Follow us

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

TiktokInstagramFacebookYoutube
Related articles
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
All categories

Most recent articles

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Vizsla: Real-World Tips from Owners

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnailGet to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners
Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners thumbnail

Get to Know the Greyhound: Real-World Tips from Owners

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners
Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Belgian Malinois: Insider Tips From Real Dog Owners

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Beagle: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnailExplore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners
Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners thumbnail

Explore the Doberman Pinscher: Honest Advice from 9,000+ Dog Owners

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnailExplore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners
Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

Explore the Standard Poodle: Real-World Advice from 9,000+ Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

  • How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

    As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

  • How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

    How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

    More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.

  • What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

    What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

    You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?

  • Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

    Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

    Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

  • The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

    Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

  • Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

    Best Toys for Herding Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

  • The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

    The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

    Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?

  • Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

    Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

    You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

  • Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

    Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

    * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

  • The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

    The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

    From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

  • How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

    How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

    Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

  • Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

    Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

    Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

  • How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

    How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

    Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

  • Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

    Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

    Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

  • The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

  • The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

    The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

  • The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

  • The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best United States Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

  • The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

    The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

    Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US