Housebreaking a 1yr. chihuahua (how much, terriers, clean, poop) - Dogs - - City-Data Forum

gubben1 · 04-07-2008, 09:53 AM

We have had him since he was a puppy, we've tried to do everything correctly (i'm sure we have made mistakes). We crate trained him, gave praise and rewards for "potty outside", have tried to never ever scold or punish for inside accidents and still he will go inside. Sometimes it's off to a quiet hall but sometimes it's right in front of us.
He hates to be outside in bad weather, chilly or windy, we live in the South so we only have a small time of bad weather.
He is otherwise healthy, no medical issues and is neutered.
PLEASE HELP !!!! We are almost to our end !!!

gardener34 · 04-07-2008, 10:01 AM

How often do you take him out? When you are home with him, take him out constantly, every hour to and hour and a half. Really important that you can't take dog out too often. Crate him when you aren't home.

Make sure you clean his usual peepee spots very carefully as they will go back to them as a habit when they smell the urine. There are products that are in the pet stores that clean up animal urine.

teatime · 04-07-2008, 01:35 PM

My next-door neighbor was just telling me last night that their chi still isn't potty-trained, either. They had rescued him from an abusive situation several months ago and he just refuses to potty train. His latest was to pee on their bed in six different spots while she was tending her kids. Needless to say, he's been spending more time outside now!

She told me she's still working with him but that chis are notoriously hard to train. I don't have any experience with them but thought maybe crate training might help? They're intensely attached to their people and it would be more positive than keeping him outside a lot.

maggiekate · 04-07-2008, 01:59 PM

small dogs, are hard, guess they are small and have a tiny bladder. Bichons are hard also
terriers. If I were you, since the dog is small-why not try the piddle pads they sell?

When I worked, and had a puppy-it was a life safer. petsmart etc-dr foster has them.
anyway-in the north, with snow, and rain it is a fight to get any dog out.

Alisande · 04-07-2008, 02:13 PM

I found out by accident that my dog didn't want to "go" on concrete or while on a leash. If I let her off the leash she would find the nearest spot of dirt/grass and go. She hasn't had one accident since I figured that out 7 years ago.

deegers · 04-07-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gubben1

We have had him since he was a puppy, we've tried to do everything correctly (i'm sure we have made mistakes). We crate trained him, gave praise and rewards for "potty outside", have tried to never ever scold or punish for inside accidents and still he will go inside. Sometimes it's off to a quiet hall but sometimes it's right in front of us.
He hates to be outside in bad weather, chilly or windy, we live in the South so we only have a small time of bad weather.
He is otherwise healthy, no medical issues and is neutered.
PLEASE HELP !!!! We are almost to our end !!!

What exactly is the issue with the potty-training? Where is he going inside? How much are you feeding and treating him? When are you taking him out?

IF he is going inside still, he may have too much time allowed to wander without supervision. My recommendation to you is, especially in this training phase, do not leave him unattended at any time while outside his crate. The biggest mistake in this phase of potty-training is allowing dogs to roam around the house. Even with the treats and encouragement, you have to eliminate all aspects of temptations. The dog still might not understand inside isn't what you want. Having the dog with you at all times while outside crate, allows you to have full control of the situation and keeping an eye on his behavior. How is this done? Several ways including keeping the dog on a 6 foot leash that's attached to you where ever you go, bring him in the room you or someone else is in. Having you there will deter them from feeling the need to go whenever he pleases. you can catch him in the act and prevent it. A stern "no" is not a bad thing. Using the "no" and then bringing them outside and getting super excited when they finish outside will clearly show the dog what you want. Get the whole family or household involved and understand that this is priority for a few weeks until the behavior gets better. You can't have one owner following good training and another person changing the pattern.

Feeding and watering you dog too much might be something to remember too. If he's taking in too much, you may need to take him more than normal. If you are still having an issue, you may need a trainer to visit your house and see if they can inspect the situation on a more one-on-one basis.

Good luck!

gubben1 · 04-07-2008, 07:49 PM

We try to watch him at all times when he is out of his crate, every second seems hard. Just this week we have blocked off the stairs so he can only access the kitchen and den.
We only feed him 3 times a day, small portions and if he doesn't eat with in 20 min., the food comes up.
Even though he has a very regular schedule, he doesn't seem to poop on schedule.
I think we just need to be more consistant that if he doesn't go when he is outside, then he doesn't get indoor freedom.
Thanks for all the suggestions and advice.

riveree · 04-07-2008, 10:39 PM

I would limit his access in the house, maybe baby-gate him into one room.

Often, they pee in the house because they don't recognize the house as "their" den. By restricting his area, he'll get used to every nook and cranny of that area/room. Gradually, you can increase his access to the rest of the house.

deegers · 04-08-2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gubben1

We try to watch him at all times when he is out of his crate, every second seems hard. Just this week we have blocked off the stairs so he can only access the kitchen and den.
We only feed him 3 times a day, small portions and if he doesn't eat with in 20 min., the food comes up.
Even though he has a very regular schedule, he doesn't seem to poop on schedule.
I think we just need to be more consistant that if he doesn't go when he is outside, then he doesn't get indoor freedom.
Thanks for all the suggestions and advice.

Gubben, you are right on the money. No indoor freedom unless he has earned your trust about the potty work. I know it's sounds like overkill, but it sometimes is necessary with certain dogs. My best friend's little dog took her a year to get potty trained because of this very case. She would supervise consistantly but then her workschedule was long so she wasn't around enough to do runs to home for outside pottys. She wee pads but also did the outside pottys and then wouldn't always supervise. The puppy didn't know what was clear her potty spot so it was whereever and my girlfriend was so frustrated. Each dog and each owner is different.

riveree has a great point that actually correlates to your own. No freedom, but as trust builds and you feel more and more confident you allow more and more room available.

But one accident, unfortunetely you have to go all the way back to the beginning. That's why I stress to anyone start with a good pattern and stick with it. Those accidents set you back so far and it's becomes time-consuming.

ArkLexee · 04-08-2008, 06:31 PM

The only time our chi-chi had an accident inside the house was when he was having kidney probs. But we got him when he was less than five weeks old so we had him from hello...so to speak. All I can add is to be sure you take him straight out after eating and waking up. If he isn't just in the habit of marking his territory inside, hopefully he'll catch on. Good luck...