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Hey,
So it's been a few days and we still have Sugar. I must say, I forgot what it's like to have a dog. So I've been having panic attacks. Please tell me it will pass. I really love this dog. She is a very good dog, but totally NOT housebroken like they said she was. She has accidents all the time... eeek! I'm hoping it's because we are new to her, but it's very annoying since I take her out probably every half hour or so. She goes nearly every time I take her out. I'm not sure what I should be doing. When she pees in the house, what should I do to her? I signed up for classes, but what can I do in the meantime? Should I crate her after she pees in the house? I have no clue? I'm a little freaked out by her presence since I guess I'm not used to dogs. But she's super sweet and is a total lap dog. We are definitely going to make it work, but I'm feeling panicky.
Most dogs need a 'refresher course' in housetraining when they change homes. It's not at ALL uncommon. Has she been to the vet just to be sure she's healthy and doesn't have a UTI (the single most common cause of 'accidents' in dogs)?
Follow the directions TO THE LETTER (as must everyone else in your home) and you'll have a trained dog. Don't despair. You're describing something very common!
Get a book. Monitor the water, take her out, watch her, don't let her have run of house, work on it. A well trained dog takes about 2 years of work. Then, you will have a nice trained, well behaved dog, who is perfect. And really, you have to train yourself too, like, don't give her chances to do bad things, and get into trouble. She is just a baby. You need to step up and help her.
the dog should not have full run of the house until they are house trained. a great book how to housebreak your dog in 7 days by shirlee kalstone is great.
I second all of what ViralMd said. New digs, Sugar may just need a refresher course to understand what is required of her.
ViralMd...your instructions really does need to be made into a "sticky" it is refered back to so often!
Sandycat - I know it is difficult right now, but I am sure she will get better. Try to focus on the benefits of a new animal in the house - their eagerness to get your attention, everything is new and exciting to them, the security you have with a dog in the house... you will both become more relaxed with each other and learn how to work well together in time.
She's very cute. Would just correct her if she piddles in the house = try to scoop her up and take her out fast. I wouldnt crate her unless you cant watch her b/c you dont want her to associate the crate w/ punishment, you want her to like the crate. Wouldnt yell at her either (not saying you are) but it might make her a sneaky piddler. They want to please. Give her a tasty treat when she does 'go' outside, you want to reinforce the good behavior. Praise goes a long way.
If you're free feeding (leaving the bowl down 24/7), don't - feed her 2x a day and pick it up after about 10 min., when she s/b done. That way, she'll get on some type of schedule (if she's eating at set times). Take her out when she wakes up, circles, after she eats, before you leave etc.
Rem. to take her collar off when you crate her. Would prob. crate her at nite but if you hear her whining, you might want to give her the benefit and take her out if she has to relieve herself. It was the only time I didnt reward them b/c I didnt want to encourage it - it only happened a few times (but they were young puppies we got at different times, not together).
You may be giving her too much freedom, make sure your kids shut their dogs and you use a baby gate to confine her to the same room you're in where she's less likely to have accidents. We spent a lot of time in our kitchen when ours were puppies and we'd routinely take them out every hour or 2
She's smart and young but she's in a new environment and it's adjustment for her (as well as your family), it does take time and positive reinforcement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sandycat
Hey,
So it's been a few days and we still have Sugar. I must say, I forgot what it's like to have a dog. So I've been having panic attacks. Please tell me it will pass. I really love this dog. She is a very good dog, but totally NOT housebroken like they said she was. She has accidents all the time... eeek! I'm hoping it's because we are new to her, but it's very annoying since I take her out probably every half hour or so. She goes nearly every time I take her out. I'm not sure what I should be doing. When she pees in the house, what should I do to her? I signed up for classes, but what can I do in the meantime? Should I crate her after she pees in the house? I have no clue? I'm a little freaked out by her presence since I guess I'm not used to dogs. But she's super sweet and is a total lap dog. We are definitely going to make it work, but I'm feeling panicky.
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