Adult rescue with chronic potty problems

[Quinn]

We adopted our sheltie mix at about 1.5 yrs old. He had severe separation anxiety and we began to crate him. Upon crating he began to defecate in the crate, eat it and then vomit (gross I know). It got so bad he came down with acute hepatitis. After that we never crated again. He never had accidents accept when we were gone. At first we were in an apartment and thought maybe he just needed a yard to go to freely for eliminations. Now that we are in a house he still has accidents inside and he takes forever to go potty in the yard. We began crating again and this time he is doing really well, but now if we are home and he wonders away he will potty in the house while we aren't watching. I just don't know what to do anymore. My vet says dogs don't know spite...but sometimes I wonder. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[tootchie'smom]

The fact that he is able to control himself sometimes means that your pet dog is already aware what's right and wrong with his potty. There must be something that makes him poop while you are not watching. Possibilities like as he still feels confident that he can get away with it because they are accidents. If you have already started training him, be consistent with your rules. That way, he will also be consistent on his acts.

Just my 2cents

Tootchie's Mom

[melody]

Hi Quinn! Does that mean that he only poops in your house or his crate when you are away? Does he poop on the same spot? I've heard of dogs doing that that's why it is recommended to really clean the area where your dog pooped before.

If he has severe separation anxiety I would suggest that you give him enough exercise when you are with him. Or maybe take him to a doggie day care or ask a friend to take care of him while you are gone. When you crate him, make sure he has enough toys that he can play with or chew on. This will give your dog something to do while he is alone.

You also need to find out what begins your dogs anxiety? Is it when you get your keys? When you put on your shoes? Lets say you found out that he starts to get anxious when you get your keys, practice doing that over and over again until your dog is no longer anxious about you getting your keys.

There are also some vets who might prescribe medications but nothing beats training your dog.

[uberglamorous]

Depending on your dog's behavior, it usually takes anywhere from one to two months of consistent and patient training to get him used to relieving himself at the proper place.

He's still having problems with his potty habits probably because your pet lacks enough training for him to pee/poop at the proper place. Either you or someone should be present to supervise your dog during the times he's most likely to do his business.

He'll usually feel the call of nature after waking up in the morning, after playing or exercise, within 10-15 minutes of mealtime. This is when you'll have to take him to the designated potty place. So if you think about it, there's nothing difficult about getting him used to "going" at the right place. It's just a matter of being consistent enough because dogs learn the most from constant repetition.