*Potential News* update :) having some issues

**Alysser** · 09-29-2009, 08:19 PM

Thanks guys!

I appreciate it, I really do

I need some help though. Overall, Mikey is a pretty good dog. But he doesn't listen, he steals things such as pillows and shoes. He already ruined a pair of old sandals that my mom had, she didn't really care about that, but he doesn't listen either. I don't know how to stop this. I think he's just looking for attention because if we ignore him he leaves it alone, but I dont want to "ignore" him because he's going to keep thinking it's okay to do it.

Now a second problem. He peed in the house 5 times now. I was told by the women he was potty trianed. I know he's still adjusting. But I need advice...we don't know any sure way of when he has to pee/poop. I've been taking him in the front and back for peeing and pooping and pottying. Should I just take him in one spot? What do I do when he does pee in the house? I am so confused. I was 5 when we got sassy so I don't know how my mom trained her. I know hitting and yelling isn't a way to train a dog, and I haven't done it, but I would like to know the best option. He is apparently potty trained and then he pees in the house. He's 2 years old.

**beeniesmom** · 09-30-2009, 08:18 AM

When I housetrained Beenie and Frankie, I had them tethered to me with a leash at all times. Once an hour, I'd take them out and after they did business outside I'd make a big deal about it and squeal and give small treat. Over time, increase time to 2 hours then 3 then 4 etc...

When a mess happens in the house and you catch them WHILE THEY DO IT, you scold: BAD DOG in firm voice and take him outside to finish.

Mickey just doesn't know where to go yet... that's all. It's a new house.
Also, is he neutered... he may be trying to make the house smell like him since it's a new place. Males that are not neutered tend to do this more.

**Seravieve** · 09-30-2009, 08:34 AM

Congrats on the new pup! How exciting!

I know how frustrating it is when they keep going in the house.. When we had Mia and then Treo, they both peed several times within the first few days. Mia peed twice on our bed

and several times in other various places. Then Treo peed once on the bed.. and also several other places. She did it in the middle of the night as well, even though she was restrained to one little 2.5x2.5 area, including a dog bed.

I agree with BeeniesMom, tethering and going outside more frequently works. And definitely praising as well. Stay outside until he'll go.

When Treo peed in the house, we'd bring her back to the spot, say a firm No or two, roll her over and then take her outside. I only caught her in the act once... I screamed to get her attention, in hopes that she'd stop, and rushed her outside. It only took a week or so before she quit going in the house. We were letting her out in the middle of the night there for a while, but now she can hold it from 930 or so until 715ish in the morning. It takes time, but they all figure it out eventually! =)

**Taz_Zoee** · 09-30-2009, 09:34 AM

We got Taggart when he was 6 months old and had no clue if he was potty trained or not. He did have several accidents in the first few months. Now that boy has a bladder of steel. He can hold it longer than Zoee.

BUT, last weekend when he was at my brothers, my parents live right next door to my brother, and Taggart was at my parents house. He actually lifted his leg and started to pee on my moms couch!

When she told me that I said no way, he doesn't lift his leg to pee. He still squats. She said her and my niece both saw him do it. The only thing I can think of is he must have smelled Sprite, my moms found dog, on the couch. I couldn't believe it! I was so glad he was still squatting to pee because I don't want a dog peeing on everything like our Cocker did.

Anyway, it will take time for him to adjust to your house and your rules. Consistency is the key. And I would probably take him out the same door each time to potty. Then he'll learn to go to that door when he wants out. And as others said, praise, praise, praise when he goes outside. I wouldn't punish when he goes inside. But I'd probably yell, or make a loud noise, if I caught him in the act just to startle him so you can get him outside.

**Casper** · 09-30-2009, 12:00 PM

We had the same problem when we first adopted Ethan (regarding peeing inside). The only thing that worked for him was to take him outside religiously every 45 minutes. Luckily he would hold it at night.

He soon taught us that when he nudges our hand he needs to go out, so life is a lot easier these days.

About Mikey's stealing and chewing things. Gosh, I don't know. Ethan went through that phase, but outgrew it quickly... I don't remember how we solved that problem.

Is there any way that you can confine Mikey to only certain rooms of the house? For instance, we keep a baby gate up so our dogs are no allowed to go down the hallway or in the kitchen unless we are with them. This might eliminate the chances he gets to get his "hands" on things he isn't supposed to have.
If he is bored, maybe a kong filled with treats will keep him from being destructive.

Good luck, It sounds like Mikey never sleeps!

**Daisy and Delilah** · 09-30-2009, 12:53 PM

I had the same problem with Delilah. The lady I got her from said she was potty trained but I wasn't seeing it.

It was a long hard road to do it but I finally got her trained. It boiled down to watching her all the time and taking her out every hour(I still do). I have the luxury of being able to do that right now but not everyone does. I actually had the carpet taken out and laminate flooring installed because of all the "accidents". Thank goodness she's fine now. I know she was basically terrified when she came here because of a new place. Now, she owns the house, I just visit her.

I noticed there was a baby gate at her former owner's house. The two dogs were confined to a certain area when they weren't around.

My Chis never chew anything so I really have no experience with that.

Alyssa, I think Mikey might just be getting used to his new home. He's still confused, That was what I thought about Delilah too. Hopefully things will level out soon. He is such a cute little boy.

**MonicanHonda** · 09-30-2009, 02:18 PM

What a cutie. Lol

I love the back of the couch position.

My fave. haha

**tikeyas_mom** · 09-30-2009, 02:38 PM

He is very cute!!!! Looks right at home!!

**buttercup132** · 10-01-2009, 06:55 PM

When I housetrained Beenie and Frankie, I had them tethered to me with a leash at all times. Once an hour, I'd take them out and after they did business outside I'd make a big deal about it and squeal and give small treat. Over time, increase time to 2 hours then 3 then 4 etc...

Do this, that way he cant get any shoes or anything either.You could put a choker on him and do a quick snap and no when he goes for a shoe. Also for peeing you can use a pee band.

**Shelteez2** · 10-02-2009, 02:03 PM

Just because he was housetrained at his previous home does not mean he will generalize that the same rules apply in this home. The best thing to do is treat him like a puppy. That means scheduled potty breaks, tether him to you, and whenever you can't be watching him 100% crate him. That will also prevent his getting into things he shouldn't.
If when you are watching him he goes after something he shouldn't have I wouldn't correct him (then again I don't believe in using corrections to teach dogs) I would tell him to give and take it from him, then I would tell him good boy and give him something appropriate to chew on.
Belly bands are good to use especially if he is marking, because if he goes to try and pee on something, you can go interupt him and take him outside to finish, and no pee gets on your stuff. Then you don't have to worry about cleaning it very thoroughly so that he doesn't smell it.
Good luck and don't give up. Adopting an adult can be a great challenge and reward all at the same time.

**Twisterdog** · 10-02-2009, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by Alysser

He's a pug beagle mix, technically a puggle, but I don't wanna call him that as it's not a real breed.

Good for you! I won't use "designer dog" names, either. I won't write them on customer's files. If a customer says, "He is a maltapoo.", I say as I'm writing, "Maltese/Poodle cross". Sometimes it opens up a conversation about designer dogs, and once in a while I can even get through to someone.

Congrats on your new pooch. Sometimes it takes them a while to understand the new layout and rules of housetraining. Just keep working and be patient.

**luvofallhorses** · 10-02-2009, 11:55 PM

Well he is just new and adjusting. Is he neutered? If not that may be the problem there if he is peeing A LOT. But I would give him time and crate him when you are not able to watch him.

**Alysser** · 10-03-2009, 09:38 AM

Woo, sorry I haven't updated in nearly 5 days! You guys probably think we gave him back, nope, he's still here! He's behaving and settling it alot nicer now. He has a schedule and has not peed/pooped since I last posted about it.

We found a very good obedience trainer who has worked with animals from cats to horses and rescue dogs, so I think he's pretty good. He was a PULLER on the leash as well, but has since got way better with the use of the harness

I am guessing you guys want more pics?