Can anyone help with advice on re-housebreaking? (shepherd, clean, vet)
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My pit-shepherd mix (an old girl, rescue dog, we think about 13) was perfectly trained to go through a swinging door into the pantry then through a dog door to the patio and another dog door to the back yard and did so flawlessly for years. I went away from two weeks leaving her with my tenant, who took good care of her, even took her to his kid's soccer games, but never checked the back patio, which was covered with her deposits when I got back. Obviously she's rather not go out in the rain and cold but she's done it for years and I need her to get back in the old habit. I've cleaned it all up but she did it again today,so it's not from upset that I'm not here. I was thinking of spraying the patio with dog repellent but the ones I've smelled are too repellent for ME and the patio is right next to the kitchen with a window that would let that smell in. Any ideas? Thanks in advance..
given her age, and a sudden change in habits id be having a vet give her a FULL senior check up...
a sudden change in potty habits is often connected to health concerns so rule that out first.
it could be health, it could also be a case of as shes getting older shes loosing some of the control (or not getting the advanced warning) she once had.
if health and age as issues are rules out...you need to fully descent the back deck...cleaning alone wont get the smell out and shell keep returning based on odor alone...natures miracle or another enzamatic cleaner is needed.
i would also start form step 1, if shes not using the dog door to go outside, start taking her out every couple of hours...
I was also going to suggest spraying down the area with Nature's Miracle. You can then also try going on the outside of the doggie door with it open. Have some treats in your hand and see if your dog will come out. Have lots of patience.
It turned out that if I stood on the patio and watched until she exited, she was her old self. She was just taking advantage of the fact I was gone and the tenant wasn't "dogging" her to go outside. Still have to mop the patio but all's well that ends well. THanks to those who offered advice! Really appreciated it.
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