Widdle Digit.............

[urchin]

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:angry: ok you guys (and guyesses!) can anyone give us some advice on how to nip this behaviour in the bud?

We've been working hard with Digit to stop him leaving us little puddles on the floor - we think he's been taking a while to adjust to a new routine - he used to be able to nip out whenever he felt like it, now he has to wait until we can take him out..........so, we (well, I!) have been getting up around 6.30 to take him for an early wee, then he has a proper walk at around 9, i come home at lunchtime to take him out again, there's a 5 o'clock walk and a bedtime one...all of this has seemed to solve the problem, as he never has too long to wait, and he knows when to expect a trot out.

then, this week something new has happened - he has twice DELIBERATELY wee'd in the house. Each time only half an hour after coming in from a walk, and an empty. Both times he has been caught in the act and VERY LOUDLY SHOUTED AT and sent away. he knows he's done wrong because both times when he has been invited to join us again, he's gone straight back up to his bed and refused to budge (usually he's attatched to me with puppy-glue!) :angry:

My friend who's a vet nurse says this sounds like typical teenage boy dom behaviour and we're doing the right thing....but wondered if anyone else has any tips to add?

it's not so bad at my house as my floors are moppable, so bio wash powder gets the smell out - but Wig' place has carpets which is a lot harder to deal with

is there a wonder cure, or do i keep doing Sergeant Major impressions til he gets the idea?

 

[bardmand]

then, this week something new has happened - he has twice DELIBERATELY wee'd in the house. Each time only half an hour after coming in from a walk, and an empty. Both times he has been caught in the act and VERY LOUDLY SHOUTED AT and sent away. he knows he's done wrong because both times when he has been invited to join us again, he's gone straight back up to his bed and refused to budge (usually he's attatched to me with puppy-glue!) :angry:

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First of all: How old is he?

Second: I strongly recommend you do NOT use aversive methods for this sort of behaviour. He does NOT know he has done wrong. The reason he will not join you is because he is frightened of you after you have been angry with him. If you keep shouting at him, he will most likely end up avoiding going whenever you are around, because he has learnt that that is when he will be punished. That could well mean he will eventually sneak of to somewhere else in the house to do his business, and avoid doing anything when out on walks, because he will not go when you are near.

I would also suggest you (and everyone!) read The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson - a very entertaining and good book on dog behaviour and training.

Hope everything works out ok.

 

[~Helen~]

Oh, poor you. It can be frustrating.

I agree with bardmand, don't tell him off because it really is counter-productive. Just pop him outside and quietly clean up. Are you sure he hasn't got a bladder or kidney infection? It might be best to rule those out and then go back to basics with house-training :thumbsup:

There are a few threads which might help you in FAQ: house training and re-training threads - click me!

Good luck. Let us know how things go.

 

[ILoveKettleChips]

I'm still struggling to understand (a) if a dog can deliberately urinate out of badness? and (b) if they could, why would they?

Perhaps he just doesn't quite understand, or is marking. Dogs aren't human beings in furry coats! I'd suggest going back to square one.

 

[urchin]

thanks folks!

he's 10 months old, and no - i don't think he's done it out of badness, think he's just doing a bit of teenage territory marking.

Anyway, although people seem to think shouting was a bad idea, my understanding has always been if you catch a dog in the act shouting is ok - but no use whatsoever if it's a puddle on the floor that's already happened..........and really, although it WAS loud, it was only a brief 'no' type thing, not a general prolonged rant!

but, the thread with advice was really useful - will now be cleaning up in secret! .........the update is he hasn't tried it since and really shows no anxiety around weeing in my presence in permitted places