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Accidents in the house!

Behavioral Issues

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5 Apr 2008, 12:13

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  • Pooping in the house

    Behavioral Issues 5 Aug 2020, 04:36
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    He stopped doing it so I wonder now if it did have something to do with the storms.
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    @krazytoo100 hearing and sight tests sound like the way to go. I have a skittish boy who is very confident in his environment but freaks out easily about little things. He hates loud noises and used to be bad on July 4th, whining and shaking. We play some soothing music (supposedly dog calming cd’s) often and that helps him desensitize. Since we started doing that he is much better. But he has had problems over time, nothing sudden or drastic. I wouldn’t shy away from bloodwork again either, something may be going on. One thing you could try is carrying him outside, feel his heartbeat. If he is really stressed by it you will feel his heart racing.
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    Obviously I agree that a vet check for a medical issue is first and foremost. The dramatic increase is a signal that something medically is off-- could be urinary track, hell could be crystal or thyroid or many things. A full evaluation is called for anytime your dog has a sudden change or increase in a behavior. However, >>We've always had a bit of difficulty getting her entirely housebroken - she messes in the house every once in a while, but had a months long streak of being good.<< is not a great sign. Even if she has a medical issue, you still have a problem because you have a dog that is not housebroken and it is so much better to spend the next 3 or 4 months really addressing this than spend the next 8 to 10 yrs living with it. Housebreaking is a bit like being pregnant... you are or you aren't. Sure, a sick dog doesn't count. But unless sick, or some crisis leaving a dog so long it has no option, pottying in the house is simply not okay. So once you get the medical checked out, go back in time, and retrain as if a puppy. It's a little easier since she already knows to go out when you are home... but a whole LOT harder because when she does potty, you generally aren't. I see no way to do it without returning to crate training, not just when you are gone, but home also. Basically you are going to have to go out with her to potty, sing her praise, give her a treat. Take her out when she gets up in the morning, every 3 or 4 hours during the day, after meals, before bedtime. If she doesn't ever potty in the house at night, great. If she does, then her new sleeping zone is a crate. It helps if you have one where she generally sleeps and a 2nd on near the main action for during the day... because you need to start putting her in the crate when you cannot actively watch her even when you are HOME until you get 100 percent no house accidents. I'll put a couple of links with clear instructions. Since this mostly is if left alone, separation anxiety might be the stimulus. Sometimes medications for a while, plus really good toys they only get when left alone (especially mind stimulating ones like Shirley suggested), Kongs with some smeared cream cheese or peanut butter (don't use a lot!! Keep a couple in the freezer!), safe chew toys, can help get the dog over the anxiety. Talk to your vet, because you can't effectively do housetraining while not helping with the separation issues. http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/its-never-too-late-to-house-train-an-adult-dog-heres-how-to-start http://www.canineprofessionals.com/housebreaking-adult-dogs
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    Excellent, good job of working with him!
  • He peed in the house

    Behavioral Issues 20 Jul 2007, 12:40
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    If you get into the habit of walks/marking they will actually save their pee just for their walks. To them it's like going on a trip with a full tank of gas. I can't remember the last time ourmale had an accident. He loves & needs his walks.
  • Leaving the House

    Behavioral Issues 18 Nov 2006, 15:41
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    Thought I should post an update here. The "BIG problems with Jack" thread brings to mind a posting here. About a week after I left messages, the Behaviorist called me back. They also do animal rescue, so they may have been pretty busy. Anyway - I spoke to Carolyn for about 20 minutes on the phone. She said she'd be happy to come over for a $95 visit, or I could take some instruction on the phone for free. Basically, she told me to do what Andrea initially advised. Put Duke on a thin, almost ribbon thin 10 foot lead with no hand loop. He is to have this lead on in the house at all times. That way when someone is coming or going from the house, the lead will be easy for us to step on and reel him in,so it's short enough for him to sit, and cannot lunge forward. We are to stay calm and quiet while asking Duke to "sit" or "down". She said with consistency, this will blow the wind out of his sails. But it will take quite some time because he has done the wrong behavior for a long time. We're still working on it. But, I think he's getting used to being stopped short with the comings and goings here.