help wanted with house training dog!

skyrocket wrote:

I know its not money saving but-
I am trying to housetrain my dog who has been an outside dog for many years (he is 7).
He is a lovely thing but I am relatively clueless in housebreaking him. I read a book and that says not to rub his face in it (which I don't anyway!) and to look for clues that he needs to go, which I do try.
When he has weed I clean it up and spray it with disinfectant and it=nterestingly he doesnt seem to go in the same place twice but it is becoming unbearable.
What can I do? How do I stop him weeing in my house?
Help!

I still cant believe there are comments about rubbing dog's noses in their mess - it's so barbaric!

Anyway when we rehomed our greyhound she had been used to outdoor life and kennels for 3.5 years. We simply just watched her like a hawk and when we saw any sign of her wanting to go (they get restless, wander and circle around), we quickly got her outside. When your dog does go make sure you give him LOADS of praise and make a fuss. This will help him understand that he has done the right thing by going to toilet outside.

This worked for our greyhound

You could try letting the dog out every half hour or so, then giving him masses of praise when he wee's outside. Give him a treat like a small biscuit or meat scrap as dogs work better for food rewards!

It might take a while to learn due to age, but if you are consistant you should get there in the end.

obviously aimed at puppies but the basics are the same

http://www.takingthelead.co.uk/3/BehAdv/housetra.htm

you can train to command - ie when they go say 'be quick' or whatever your chosen command is and treat eventually they'll get it and go when you tell them to 'be quick' (beware what command you choose though or else you can get a situation when you're telling a child to 'be quick' and the dog goes.. )

generally give then every opportunity to go out that you can but especially after meals. It's rare that our dog 'needs to go' cos he's thrown out at regular intervals and he's learnt to hold it inbetween.

You may find the puppy training mats helpful just in that they make it easier to clean up.

I would definately make sure your dog is going outside at regular intervals. If you turn it into a routine he should start getting the idea especially if he's rewarded after!
It took a lot of time and patience for my dog Milly to get it but now she's perfect. I would try to ignore the 'accidents' and not scold while he's learning but definately reward him when he gets it. Good luck!