Even well-trained dogs can relapse into soiling the home as if they were puppies. This behavior can be attributed to territorial marking, health problems, or failure on the part of the owner to let the dog out often enough. Unless the behavior is health-related, older dog potty training becomes a must to get your dog back on the right track.

Older Dog Potty Training to Stop Territorial Marking
Territorial marking is common among male dogs from dominant breeds, but the problem is not limited any particular canine demographic. If your dog starts to mark his territory by eliminating on standing structures, and you have definitely been letting him out often enough, and your veterinarian says there are no health problems, your dog may have dominance issues. He wants to let you know that certain areas in the home are his turf.

This problem is often rectified through obedience and crate training, particularly the exercises that firmly establish the master as being dominant. The issue of your dog eliminating in the house is part of a greater problem, and by reestablishing your dominance in all aspects of daily life, your dog should stop eliminating in the house. Crate training will remind your dog the home is not a place for eliminating.

Dogs who are potty trained may begin marking when you introduce another dog into your home. Even a dog that accepts his role as submissive to the family will often try to warn the new kid on the block not to mess with his toys, food, bed, or family. The key to eliminating this behavior is showing both dogs that everything in the house belongs to you and your family. Once the dogs see you as the leader of the pack, older dog potty training may not be necessary.