Expert: Kaza - 2/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: I adopted a 3-5 yr old Bichon 1 week ago that was brought in as a stray.  We are struggling with him going to the potty anywhere he wants.  He doesn't seem to tell us when he needs to go out.  We take him frequently on walks and he will go usually but not so much in our back yard which we would prefer longterm for convenience.  Any similar stories and solutions other than the crate- which he seems to like alot after a week of training on it.  Thanks, Beth

ANSWER: Hiya Beth
ok so you have adopted a doggy from the pound, well done, commendable act xx
What you must try to remember is that this dog was not meant for the shelter, he has been through an extremely traumatic time, these are people dogs , so for him its like being in solitary confinement for a few years. Please give him time and 1 week isnt enough. It may take up to 6 months for him to adjust and trust humans again enough to feel comfortable to potty where you want, whatever you do, do not shout at him, praise his good points ignore his faults and simply redirect his bad bits. Dogs react through leadership, through following a leader not by violence any dog owner must learn this simple rule helps with any training .
Now for potty , a crate is always the best solution , dogs like routine, security of a den (time out ) and they love pleasing the alpha dog that is YOU.
I would use a wee pad and collect his scent on it when he pees place it outside in the area you want him to use, this will encourage him to do his potty there, he will reinforce his scent.
This may all take time and I would be thinking up to 6 months rather than 7 days .
if you want to read more about this then feel free to log into my health site
www.eurobichons.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: We are prepared for a long process and have been reading up on things.  Pee pad should help.  Also, he has no interest in playing in any way- do you think he will after warming up to our family? He certainly enjoys being near us and is a sweet little people guy.  We think he had been running wild for quite some time as he was in pretty bad shape but seems to be adjusting well.  thanks for any other insight and I will check out your website.  Beth

Answer
Hiya Beth
it may take quite some time for him to feel comfortable enough and safe enough to play, I would fill a sweaty unwashed sock with some dried treats (we use a dehydrating machine for fresh meats) tie them inside and give to him, he will sniff and trust me they love sweaty sock so he will eventually play.
We also use a playball that you put treats in it rolls on the floor dropping the occasional tid bit this too will help, the most important thing for him at the moment is to feel safe, warm loved and cuddled, he will make mistakes , you have to approach everything slowly and methodically. We have lots of dogs here and we never ever resort to vilence, we use simple commands such as sit, stay walk, stop, good boy, no and heel, down , wee and poopy.
The dog loves to listen to female voices in particular.Bonding is essential, so stroke him as often as possible, play with his ears inside and out, play with his feet and toes, open his mouth , all these are what a mother dog does with her pup, this will bond you both, lie on the floor with him, its all about showing hi its safe .
best wishes
kaza