Dog Peeing in House, But Won't on a Walk

[Karen]

It is likely behavioral right now. And no wonder, given all she has likely been through, but it IS solvable!

When you take her out, be prepared to stay outside until she does something, then praise, praise, praise!

You can skip the "rubbing nose in it," as that is not gonna penetrate.

What you do need to do first off is get a good cleaner that will eliminate the enzymes that tell a dog "good spot to pee here!" - there's one in stores here called "Nature's Miracle" that does the job well.

Is she being crate-trained at all? That's something to consider as well, as a healthy dog will NOT mess where it sleeps.

Sorry so many questions, and I am sorry that the shelter was not more forthcoming with information on the poor girl. How old is she?

[Mellkat86]

But that has been the problem. We leave her for ages out, we've walked her nearly every hour. But still she won't go. I've even sat outside with her for an hour after she tried to go in the house, and she still won't do anything.

We got a cleaner stuff from the local shop that does what you suggested.

[Karen]

The trick here is to out-stubborn her, which, for a husky, takes some doing! An hour is nothing to a determined dog! How much exercise is she getting? Can you take her for a run, or even ride a bike and have her beside you?

[Karen]

And do consider crate-training her, if you don't have a crate, this can still be accomplished by designating and blocking off an area to be her "crate. If all else fails, the bathroom can work, though my brother's dog's "crate" was the space under the kitchen table, blocked off with a child' playpen/baby gate. Put a nice dog bed in there (a pile of old blankets will do nicely), a couple of toys, and make it her place to be when you aren't there to supervise ...

She is still new to your home and family, and this is a big adjustment, it may take more time, so please don't give up on her, okay?

[carrie]

Sorry, Karen, but please do not try to crate train this dog. This animal is confused and scared and one of the outcomes is a lot more pee and poo!! If the dog does not understand where to put this then this creates more stress which create more pee and poo with nowhere to put it! You need to take a very deep breath (outside) and be very careful with your next step. This dog needs understanding and you need to forget behaviour you saw at the kennel - start again, this is a puppy who has no house training. It is also a very frightened soul and does not know what to do so naturally goes to the loo where it is less likely to be seen. This is not a marking issue. This is an everybody has always got really upset when I can't hold it in any more issue. Assume this dog has no idea what you want, start from scratch.

[Freedom]

Please do not restrict her water intake; this will only lead to health issues down the road.

I agree with Carrie, the poor pup is so scared and confused she can hardly think. Goodness knows what her background is, but she definitely needs to build a trust in people, and to live in a calm setting. Start potty training from scratch.

Keep a baggie of high value treats in the fridge. Cut up a hot dog ( a hot dog will make 78 training treats, but I've only ever managed to get 62. Point is, SMALL pieces) Or use cheese, or boiled boneless skinless chicken breast.

Work with the dog regularly on other skills like sit, down, shake hands. A few minutes multiple times a day. Yes, this is important to potty training! This dog needs to learn to bond with you, and to want to please you.

Outside, don't just leave her there; and don't sit there watching her. Take her for a walk. Give her a treat every 10 steps. After a bit, stop and try a sit, which ever commands she has learned. Then walk more.

When she does go outside, it is PARTY time. Jump up and down, clap and laugh, praise her lots, give her lots of treats, pet her. If your neighbors and your dog are looking at you like you are crazy, you are doing it right; anything less, you are not celebrating enough.

When she goes inside, just clean it up. Do not make eye contact with her, and do not scold her. It is OK to make noises of disgust (yuck, icky) while looking at the mess, but do not direct any of this to her. You can use baby gates, and keep her in one room -- the kitchen is usually good, as that floor is easy clean up. Have her bed in there, and her water bowl. Feed her in there if you don't already. (This is instead of crating her.) She will have to earn the right to be in other parts of the house.

She can be out with you when you can keep watch on her, and get her right out when she starts to go. Learn her "signs" - circling, sniffing to find a good place. You may find it easier to keep her collar on and a leash attached during this time, so you can get her out quickly and easily. Make sure to use a happy cheerful tone with her as you rush her out, so this is fun, not punishment. You should have the baggie in your pocket any time she is out of her restricted area, so you have it with you outdoors.

Good luck! Please don't give up on her, or leave her abandoned outdoors, she needs time to relax and be OK with you, her humans.

[Asiel]

If your dog does go inside again try picking some up on a paper towel, same as pee, soak it up with a paper towel or better yet try to spoon some in a container. Bring the all outside to the spot you want her to use and put her mess in that spot, dogs are very smart at recognizing their own scent. Then take her out (on leash) and bring her to that spot, keep her on leash until she goes. Prepare for a long time outside as huskies are pretty hard to train. No scolding, harsh words or punishments for accident but the minute she does anything outside be ready with the treat immediately so she gets the message. If you don't want to crate her I would keep her in the kitchen as mentioned until she is completely safe to wander around, this could take a few months so I think a crate might be handy if she has to be left. Don't think I would bring her back to that shelter, this dog needs love and understanding. Good luck..

[Clay]

Sorry, Karen, but please do not try to crate train this dog. This animal is confused and scared and one of the outcomes is a lot more pee and poo!! If the dog does not understand where to put this then this creates more stress which create more pee and poo with nowhere to put it! You need to take a very deep breath (outside) and be very careful with your next step. This dog needs understanding and you need to forget behaviour you saw at the kennel - start again, this is a puppy who has no house training. It is also a very frightened soul and does not know what to do so naturally goes to the loo where it is less likely to be seen. This is not a marking issue. This is an everybody has always got really upset when I can't hold it in any more issue. Assume this dog has no idea what you want, start from scratch.

Carrie, You chastised. But provided no help!