House training older dogs involves a similar system of crate training, regular trips outside, and praise and reward that you would use for a puppy. It is actually a bit less demanding of the owner, because mature dogs need to eliminate less frequently than puppies. Instead of taking older dogs outside every 45 minutes to an hour, once every three hours should be sufficient.

If your older dog has been eliminating in the house, never leave him unsupervised. Allowing him the opportunity to eliminate will only encourage him to return to the same spot. Use a crate to reteach him the negative effects of eliminating inside--dogs do not like eliminating in any place where they will spend ample time.

If your older dog is inside the house and you see him squat or lift a leg, shout, "No!" loud enough to startle him out of eliminating. If you have adopted an older dog, do not scoop him up to go outside as you would with a puppy. His reaction to an abrupt pickup may be unpredictable. Instead, get his leash immediately and take him outside. Then give him plenty of praise and attention after he eliminates outside.

Reasons Your Older Dog May Be Eliminating Inside
Just because your dog eliminates inside the house once doesn't mean he needs house training. If you left him inside for too long, he may have had no choice but to eliminate. He can't hold it forever! Health problems are another possibility. If he has been having a problem with number two, check his feces for worms. A dog that has rarely had problems in the past but recently started going number one on your carpet might have a urinary tract infection that inhibits his ability to wait for you to let him outside. Older dog house training can do nothing to solve these problems. Only a trip to the vet will help.