New Dog -- cries all the time; accidents still

[ifl]

Help Please!

I have a 4-year-old perfect well-behaved dog. I just adopted a 10-month-old dog from the shelter, about a month ago.

This morning was the first time I have EVER even had a thought that I made the wrong decision in adopting this dog and I'm hating myself for feeling this way, and it made me realize I need to reach out for help, so here I am....

My new dog Pesto is peppy and hyper (typical puppy) and "torments" my current dog all the time to play. So along with the stress associated with the pup, my current dog is not happy. I hope this will pass.

As Pesto has had a few accidents in the house, we have to keep him on a leash tethered to either me or my husband at all times. It's been a month already -- he knows not to go in the house as he seldom does (and we walk him regularly). HOWEVER, after a MONTH, (I took my eyes off of him for 5 minutes), he still is pooping int eh house -- in fact, all over the bedroom and hallway! I was SO angry. How long will it take for him to be 100% housetrained? Like I said, he usually waits, but the second I slack off, so does he.

Since I have to leave him on a leash at all times, he also cries CONSTANTLY when he can't see our other dog (who usually tries to escape from wherever Pesto is), and when he can't see me (even if he's with my husband).

So, between the incessant crying, and the seemingly stuck-in-limbo housetraining, I'm at my wits end.

I will likely call a personal trainer for help, but was hoping that someone out there could help.

Maybe this venting will help as well

I really do love this dog and want it to work out but am very depressed and exasperated by the whole thing.

You have all been very supportive through this group with other issues I had when he first came into our house and I appreciate that.

Thanks.

[JenBKR]

That certainly does sound frustrating. I honestly don't have much advise, but I do think that a trainer is a great idea. Sounds like he needs work, but you can do it. (((hugs))) good luck!

[wolfsoul]

Have you tried crate-training? Whenever you are out or can not supervise him, confine him to his crate. Dogs will not pee in their "den" unless there's no way they can hold it. You can put him in their with a Kong filled with peanut butter or something else that will keep him busy so that he does not worry about seeing your other dog. Make sure that you take him out to "do his business" very often (every hour is good) and praise him when he goes outside.

Good luck! I hope your dog adjusts to Pesto.

[ifl]

Thanks.

He actually is crated when we're not home. When we are home, he's on his leash thethered to me or my husband or to something in our proximity.

[ginagt]

How much exercise is the puppy getting? I'm not talking a walk or anything, I am talking real running playing exercise? Puppies and young dogs for that matter need more exercise than we think. My sister has a 11 month old beagle puppy, who normally plays with my 13 month old Golden Retriever on a daily basis, I was on vacation last week with my puppy so there was no play date between the two. My sister said the difference between Reba was like night and day. She was a pill the first 2 days and then uncle brought his terrior over to play and for the next day she was well behaved but then the following day a pill again. It is because she was able to get lots of exercise and playtime that she was a good dog. Puppies need a minium of an hour of exercise. Playing tug, ball, fetch, with other dogs. Engaging exercise.
I agree with the crating thing, your puppy should be crated unless you are giving it your full attention. That way there is no chance he will make a mistake. Try taking him out more often, he is old enough to know to go outside, make sure you are recognizing his potty "signal". Hang in there, you are doing fine. I know when I first got my puppy I had one week where I felt like I was going to lose my mind, but luckly it only lasted a short time and after that it was easy going.
About your older dog. They will learn to tolerate each other. I bet if you get your puppy more exercise your older dog will come around faster. See if you can find some other puppies in your area to play with. Good luck.

[ifl]

Thanks for the encouragement. I do give him lots of exercise when we're home - morning and evenings -- by playing fetch/tug of war/etc., and then my older dog and he play a lot.

He definitely screams in his crate if we put him in there when we're around and he can't see us.

I agree he definitely is better with the playtime, but he still does the pooping and the crying thing no matter what

I called a couple of trainers today and will hopefully have some one on one time with them in the next few weeks.

[ginagt]

Glad to hear he is getting the exercise he needs. That is so important.

About the screaming in the crate, do you let him out while he is making noise? My sisters beagle used to bark, howling, literally sound like she was dying...she finally grew out of it only about a month or so ago. The key is NEVER ever ever let him out when he is making noise. Require quiet for at least 60 seconds or longer...before you open that door. If you don't wait for quiet for at least a minute he will learn to out wait you. You might also want to give him a kong while he is in his crate. To keep him busy.
Good luck.

[pnance]

Is it possible to block off the bedroom and hallway where he's going poo? Also make sure you use an enzyme cleaner (you can usually find them at pet stores) to clean up his messes.
As for the crate - try giving him some treats or a kong with goodies in it when you put him in (hopefully it will last a couple of minutes) and walk away for a few minutes, walk back and let him out praising him. The idea is to get him in, walk out and be able to let him out and praise him before he starts screaming. Start with very short times (1-2 min) and work your way from there. Good luck!