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KIDS AND DOGS - A PROFESSIONAL'S GUIDE TO HELPING FAMILIES
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Bebeken
Member
Posts: 1
Joined: Mar 2012
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Fri March 23, 2012 9:25 AM
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I foster dogs for a rescue, so, December 2010, I received a very neglected 2 year old pup, what they said was a Maltese. He weighted 4.5 pounds, now he weighs his normal weight, 10 pounds. He was so matted, it took the groomer close to 2 hours to get his coat off. Turns out, he is a wonderful, loving, sweet, smart and amazing Lhasapoo. I had fallen in love with that boy and so had my toy poodle so I adopted him.
The only issue I have with him, he was not house broken. Since he was not in great physical shape, I just placed him into a belly band. After he was neutered I worked on the house breaking. He has always access to the outside. He did well and about six weeks later, he started all over again, blessing every corner. I put him back into the belly band. which, after a few days he keeps dry. When I take him back out of the belly band, he is good for a few weeks and then he starts again. I do not want to crate him or confine him. Considering he is so smart, I know he knows where he has to go. What am I doing wrong?
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Jackienmutts
Senior Member
Posts: 1592
Joined: Jun 2008
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Fri March 23, 2012 11:08 PM
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First, thanks for adopting your sweet boy - sounds like he was in need of a paw up, so glad you were there for him. Now on to the house training. I assume he's been vet checked and is now in good health, meaning there's no other reason he'd be having accidents in the house? If that's the case, do remember you've got a 3 yr old boy without housetraining. First, make sure you've really cleaned anyplace he might have 'blessed" (love that term) with an enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle. If you've only used a general cleaner, his scent is still there and he'll continue to go back. Make cleaning your first task, and get a black light if there's any doubt you've missed places. Then, take that belly band off, and treat him like he's a puppy. Watch him like a hawk, and take him outside every 30-60 min or so, take treats, ask him to "potty" (or whatever word you use) and make a huge deal, throw a party, make sure he knows he's done what you're asking of him. Continue doing this, just as you would with a small puppy - just think of him that way for now. You're basically starting all over with his housetraining, so approach it like you would any new behavior or trick. Do it til it's foolproof. By "always having access to the outside", do you mean a doggie door? If so, that's good, but keep walking him out on a leash, and waiting him out - boys can most always find something to go on every time they're outside, and reward, reward reward. Make pottying outside a fun thing to do. You say he's good for a few weeks, then reverts back to his "accidents" inside. This means you know this won't be a quick fix - so be prepared to buckle down for the long haul, but you also know the results will be worth it. Just be consistent about walking him outside to potty, keep a schedule, be sure you reward him as soon as he does it, and continue this for maybe a couple months. My bet, he'll catch on. Hang tough!
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Jackie.....and mutts
"If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience". Woodrow Wilson
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