Going inside

I do rescues/adoptions, and I just got word that somebody will be calling me about a problem they have with their dog. I don't know the stats yet b/c they haven't called yet, that's why I'm asking for any suggestions ahead of time on what to ask for and what info to give. As far as I know, they've had the dog for about 6 months (don't know the age yet). I will definitely ask if they've brought the dog to the vet yet in case of a UTI, but from what I hear they will bring the dog out to do his/her business - they could be out there for 30 minutes, and the dog will come inside and pee and poop. I've heard of this before, but never found out the end result. What can I ask (besides the vet visit) and what can I offer in suggestion? Is there any behavioral problem that would make them do this? I know what they will say - they want to "get rid" of the dog b/c they cannot housebreak. This means I'll be struggling to find another foster home and nobody wants to take a problem dog like this. Poor baby. It never ends! :( Thanks in advance for your advice.

What kind of training have they done? Any? What breed? How long is the dog typically left alone during the day? How old is she/he? Is the dog spayed or neutered?

It sounds like the dog simply isn't housebroken, and without knowing about what attempts they have made, if any, I cannot really make any suggestions.

I've heard of these cases before, and the problem is usually pretty straightforward. They're simply not bringing her out when she really needs to go, and they're bringing her inside the house when she does have to go.

30 minutes just isn't enough for some dogs. For example, I had to stand outside with Ivy for almost 2 hours before she did her first potty outside. Additionally, do they play with the dog when outside? Tell them not to pay attention to the dog and not to play with it when outside until the dog eliminates. As soon as the dog eliminates outside (it will eventually!), praise to the high heavens and initiate play. Also, do they keep their dog on lead when outside? How about when inside? In the beginning, it's best to "tether" the pup to the caretaker to ensure that there are no accidents. It also helps for bonding :)

Hope that helps you some. In most cases, unless the dog has a medical problem, it's simply a case of wrong timing and misunderstood reinforcements.

Thank you both for responding. I wish I knew more about this, but I haven't gotten a call yet. That makes me really nervous. :confused: In cases like this, many times they bring the pet to the SPCA b/c they give up and the one here in Monroe County, PA is very, very bad. They don't keep pets more than 48 hours and they are euthanized. So, as you can imagine, I'm really concerned. I wish somebody got a name and number, but they didn't, they just gave my number to them. People make me crazy.

Much of the time it's about how the person is training. I'm anxious to find out how they are attempting to housebreak. I thought 30 minutes would be enough but you're right, if it's not the right time for the dog, then they won't go. But from what I understand from the caller, it's usually 5 minutes after they come in that the dog goes on the floor. That kind of time is just too close to being outside. I really wish I had taken that call. Like I said, I wanted to get a heads-up before they called me so I had some kind of suggestions for them. I will ask them the questions that you gave me Karen, and I will make the suggestions that you gave Giselle. I thank you both. I'll let you know what happens. Have a great night! :)

Hi Everyone:

I finally got to talk to the owner. This dog is a 4 month old Cairn Terrier (I think I spelled that right). He's had him since a pup. Bought him in a pet store. He also has another dog - a female Siberian Husky about 2 years old. When I heard this, I thought maybe the terrier is being territorial. I don't know if they would be territorial at such a young age but it's possible I guess. They keep the terrier in a crate when not home. Some days of the week they have somebody come to let them both out. He put him in a smaller crate b/c somebody said that's the best way. I don't know about that. He said the dog went in his crate anyway and he was told they don't usually do that b/c that's their place they sleep. I've always heard that too but when a dog's gotta go, a dog's gotta go. Don't forget, the poor little thing is in there when they are working - which could be up to 9 hours a day. He walks them first thing in the morning, (sometimes) middle of the day and when he gets home and at night. The dog used to go by the door and show him he has to go but doesn't anymore. The terrier may poop outside but the minute he gets in, he pees. That's why I thought maybe territory. :confused: When he was under the couch one time, the owner tried to reach for him to get him out and he bit him. My first thought is he was probably scared and was being dragged out. You know you only get one side of the story - and it's the owner's side. :eek: They also have 2 kids. One 11 and one 2. So, that's what I got so far. If anyone has any advice, please let me know. Thanks a bunch. :D

I may not be a trainer but I have house broken several dogs with no problems.

This is how I do it...

Keep the dog in the crate. (but make sure he gets play time too!).
Take pup out on a leash. Wait him out even if it takes 30 mins. If he don't go, don't yell or punnish the dog. Just put him back into his crate, wait 10 mins and take him out again. If he still won't go just keep doing this. It may take a while but he will go. Once he does go praise him tons and tons and play with him. Like said above.
Also when outside tell them "Do not let him wander around. Keep him on a short leash and just stand in one place. Other wise he will just explore as much as they let him.

After he goes they can keep him tied to themselves so they can make sure there are no accidents.


As for the crate use a small one(depending on the size of the pup), they can't have a lot of room or they will go in it.
They may just have to retrain him from the start.
I hope I helped :) Like I said I'm no professional but thats how I housebreak pups and older dogs.

I wonder if the owners are yelling at him for peeing on the floor and scaring him? Thats what it sounds like to me. Of course I don't know the whole story, but it's odd that he hides under the couch and bites at the owner when he/she reaches for him.

I wonder about the owners myself. I don't know them personally, but unfortunately, you only get their side of the story. I wish dogs could talk.

Thank you for the advice. I'll pass it on. One question though - I've heard both things about crates - some say it should be small, some say larger for them to move around. If a dog is in it almost 8 hours a day (which in my opinion is too long), shouldn't it be a bigger crate? Will the small crate for that many hours stunt it's growth?

The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand, and to turn around, but not so large that it can see one side as "okay to pee" and one side as not. Does that make sense?

Absolutely. Thank you Karen. And thank you all for your help. I'll pass this on and hopefully, things will work out. I'll keep you posted. :D