Need an idiots guide to dogs......

thistledome

Some good advice already in this thread. I agree with using the words wee and poo (or whatever words you prefer), if you say them as they are actually performing the action they soon learn what you mean. Lots of praise for an outside job - sounds like you're doing that already.

I used to use Simple Solution for pet stains and it took the smell away. Costs about £6 a litre approx.

OP, I think it's very good of you to do this. Best of luck with it and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

foreign_correspondent

what a pretty face she has!

smileypigface

Some great advice on here - we use "toilet" as a cue - although sometimes I wish we'd chosen something a bit less 'basic' - our friend says "get busy" which is a bit more refined I think

Just anothere quick vote for the use of crates - our two have one each - they love having their own safe and quiet place and we've never had to worry about chewing damage or injury occuring when we are out.

We have had our rescue 5 year old springer for a year now - she is a very fearful girlie (but growing in confidence slowly!) she took to a crate instantly - its the place where she can relax and feel safe and the place where lots of good things happen - ours are fed in their crates so there is never an issue between them at meal times.

Good luck with the training!

Oh, just one last thing - we were told not to come indoors the instant they have been in case they decide they want to be out there longer so hold off doing the wee or poo - maybe this is more relevant to young springers who would spend all night mooching around the garden given half a chance

Tygermoth

Just thought i would update.

Dry and pooh free day yesterday. Yay.

Slight problem that she does not like 'getting busy' on the lead so there was no positive reinforcement yesterday (runs off to do it)

Will i be mean to her just keeping her on the lead each time we go out on the half hour? the reason is as stated above she will mooch with me giving me the sad eye... no sign of toilet.. so as soon i let her off to strech her legs... !!!!!! shes off and poohed or weed down the garden with none of that essential positive reinforcment... arrggh

Though tomorrow (unless you say otherwise) when this training begins in earnest its on the lead whether she likes it or not!

foreign_correspondent

Good start! Tone of voice conveys a lot - if you scall to her in a nice happy voice 'good girl, clean dog!' or whatever, when you see her going to the loo, she will get the message! Positive reinforcement can be anything from just attention (my dog wags her tail like a loon everytime I look at her!), to vocal praise, to fuss, treats, a game, etc etc.

Sagz_2

Hi Tygermoth
It sounds like you've made a great start but I wanted to remind you that Dogs Trust offer life-long behavioural support so you could get in touch with the centre Pip came from and get expert back-up if you need it.

Tygermoth

Really? I know we needed a lot of support when she was first homed with us.

But i paid for a behavorologist when she didnt settle or take to us.

Well you learn something new everyday!

Thanks for the info

Lobell

I wouldn't try to keep her on the lead if she's happier to perform off lead.

One of my dogs will not 'go' if he thinks anyone is watching him (admittedly, he's not normal in may aspects) but Pip may have been shouted at (or worse) in her previous life for 'going' in the wrong place so may have bad associations with toileting in the presence of people.

Tygermoth

Hello all,

Thought I would update.

Seems to be going well'ish. The first day we only had one soiling in the house and we were out at the time (30 mins only) typical.

Second day total dry all day yay! Then late evening just after a trip outside where she wee'd we noticed some marking on the Bathroom floor.. Yup, eaten poop.

She refuses to go out overnight and runs and hides under the spare bed if I wake her to go out. However this is not so much of a problem as she seems not to wee overnight now I have been shutting her in the spare bedroom. (The spare room was her bolt hole when scared) I think it may be the same principle as the cages as she happy in there with her bed, food, water and favourite toys and has space free from the aforementioned devilish kittens.

No joy in getting busy while on a lead, so offering praise from a distance and hoping she’s getting the message. I think she has issues pooping or peeing near anyone (probably punished methinks) We also believe she was repeatedly trapped using food, gets very apprehensive at meal times and wont approach her dinner until you well away from her (though this is getting much better mainly because if she’s not 'in like Flynn' the cats will be!)

Pip seems to be in a grumpy rebellious mood this morning and is in my bad books for chasing the chickens (This I will not tolerate and for the first time ever shouted at her), chewing and spitting coal out over the kitchen and knocking over the airers...... (And breathe)

Oh the joy of dog co-ownership....

Merry Christmas all!

Tyger

foreign_correspondent

yes, it sounds like she has been punished when pooing inside - as a result she does not know it is the pooing inside she is in trouble for, just thinks that pooing gets her into trouble - so will eat it to hide the evidence, or poo well away from you... do keep calling 'good girl' in a nice happy, gentle voice when you see her toilet outside, to reassure her this is ok. I would not try and make her toilet whilst on the lead, just focus on getting her happier pooing outside at first.

She is not chewing coal and knocking things over to get at you, (much as it may feel like it! lol) she is just a pup and it is all pretty normal pup behaviour! Has she got something nice and chewy you could give her to take to her bed and gnaw on?