Expert: Delores Beck - 8/18/2010

Question
I in jauary my husband passed away and he used to be home all day with Daisy and she always behaved. For the past 3 months there have been changes in my life. I am in the process of moving and most of the furniture in my home is gone. I have been going back and forth to my boyfriends house. Every evening and spenf the weekends there. He has a 6 year old boxer and they get along great. The past couple of weeks daisy has been acting strange. She won't pee or poop all day and she does have a doggy door at home. If I go over to here she will pee a flood not a piddle. And refuses to do anything when I take her out. She has started peeing and pooping at the boyfriends house. Last night we went out for 20 minutes and when we came back we seen she pooped on his couch. I tried putting her old training collar on her so I can catch her in the act but that hasn't been possible.I want to keep my dog but if this keeps up I won't be able to.any suggestions on how to remdy this?

Answer
So basically everything in her life has changed and she's confused.

First, get a schedule going and that includes a long walk with her and the Boxer boy as soon as you get there. (this is something she'll look forward to).  After that, TAKE her out and praise & reward.  For the moment, confine her to maybe the kitchen when you're out so any accidents are no big deal.

Her "home" is gone - someone she loved is gone - she's in a strange place half the time and it's no surprise she's going through a transition.

Prevention is better than correction in this instance.  So be patient.  It's upsetting that you'd think of giving her up and I'm wondering if your boyfriend is suggesting this?  I hope not.

Things will improve quickly once you're in one place and she becomes used to the situation.  Right now she's bewildered and upset.