Potty Training Dogs

Archive for November, 2009

Question: Advice please! Scared rescue dog – potty training regression – What are we doing wrong?

Got a terrified 7mth old dog from the shelter (rescued from a puppymill). Couldn’t go near him, pet him, get him out of his kennel (except to potty outside), eat/drink etc. After 3 weeks we still have a lot of his fears to work on but he will do everything above &enjoys being with us(he is progressing very well!)*BUT* potty training has regressed. When we got him he held it(getting outside was a priority even over his terrible fear of us). NOW he has accidents on the way(usually at the door but sometimes he will run around the house dropping gifts while trying to avoid coming to the door to go out)
We have gone by the book re shy dogs. No scolding/punishment (can make the problem worse), ignore bad & praise good behaviour, give treats, use calming signals.We tried clicker-not working so far, treats at the door & outside(too scared to eat),more trips(to every 1/2 hour or hour when we’re home), praise at thedoor when he doesn’t go there, now we started with a sharp “no” when he does.

Answer: The sharp no will only makes matters worse. Go back to positive re-enforcement. Let the vet check for possible UTI or other physical issues too. You need to be VERY patient ,persistent and consistent. Take treats out with you and as soon as he pottys outside make a huge happy deal about it and give a treat. NEVER scold because of potty issues. Scolding only makes a fearful dog more fearful which may make the dog aggressive or the dog may start hiding his indoor deposits. Hang in there and good luck.

Dog lovers-Celine dion (because you loved me)

Question: New Cat Advice?

My husband really wants a cat and I am fine with getting one, the only problem is I have never had a cat or dog before. (Said to say, I know) So I want to surprise him and get it for him but I don’t know where to go. Is it better to pay for one from the pet store adoption days? Can I get one free? What other supplies will I need to buy? I am also worried about problems like shedding hair all over the place and scratching up the furniture. How do I avoid problems like that? How do you potty train your cat?

All advise is very much appreciate. Thanks!

Answer: Try Petsmart – they do adoptions on the weekends.

All cat owners (including me) have said that their cats are so much more friendly with people, since the cats live in foster homes until they get adopted. (And they would be litter trained)

And since you’re right at petsmart, people there can help you with the supplies that you’ll need for your newest addition.

My cat does shed, but we try and brush him, (and vaccum) to help with shedding.

Good luck!

Dog Training : How to Train Your Dog to Bark on Command

Question: How to Potty Train Dogs- puppy mill dogs?

I got my dog two months ago from a humane society and they got her from a puppy mill. She is a bichon frise who will be 3 years in July. She is not an active dog at all.

Most dogs i’ve seen eat treats from their owners’ hand once they smell it. As for my dog, unless the treat is on the ground, she won’t eat it. Also, she doesn’t like to eat the treat right where she got it from. She will usually take a few steps then eat the treat. This has been a problem for me since this is greatly affecting the potty training process since sometimes, I can’t get her to eat the treat right away so she doesn’t know that what she did was good. Also, I can’t get her to do tricks for the same reason. Any suggestions?

Answer: A LOT of patience and understanding. Puppymill dogs are a whole ‘nuther ball game from most dogs. You may want to contact a bichon club or rescue group for specific advice. I have one alpha female that carries her treats everywhere for at least 20 minutes to prove to all the other dogs that they don’t have the gumption to try to take it from her. Then she will lie down and savor it slowly wheil they all look on and drool. LOL Silly old girl. She’ll take it daintily form your hand, but drops it before she gets a good grip on it to take it away.

How does she respond to gentle praise and affection? Maybe that would work better as a motivation for her. Or does she have a favorite toy? Most of my shelties are not food motivated, but will work for certain toys or praise.

Dog Training Tips: How to – Potty Train A Dog