AboutAnne Springer, BSc.,CPCT, IPDTA, APDT Expertise I'm happy to answer questions on behavior and training. I prefer a training philosophy much like your physician might adopt when treating patients - first, do no harm. Dogs are generally best trained using humane methods that make sense to them and put you in control, not necessarily by physical means, but by controlling the dog's access to resources, such as food, toys, access to the outdoors, etc. I want your dog to behave, but also to trust you and rely on you for guidance.
Experience Professional trainer, owner of Paws for Praise, LLC in Danvers, MA. Educated, bonded and insured, all breed experience. We use positive training and behavior modification techniques, and are committed to having the dogs that come through our center be both as well trained and behaviorally healthy as we can help their humans make them.
Organizations International Positive Dog Training Association (Regional Director for Massachusetts)
APDT
Therapy Dogs, Inc.
Truly Dog Friendly
Publications Gloucester Times, Ipswich Chronicle, and more
Education/Credentials B.S., Cum Laude, Salem State College
Diploma, Dog Obedience Training/Instruction (Apprenticed also)
Graduate, New York School of Dog Grooming
Pet CPR/First Aid Certified
Certified Pet Care Technician
AKC CGC Evaluator
Therapy Dogs Inc. Tester/Observer
You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dogs > Dog Training > 61/2 year old Beagle, just adopted. He only urinates outside, but has B.M. in the house.
Expert: Anne Springer, BSc.,CPCT, IPDTA, APDT Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: 61/2 year old Beagle, just adopted. He only urinates outside, but has B.M. in the house.
Question This dog is intelligent, and mellow in nature. We have had him only 10 days. He will have B.M. in the yard on a leash, but also go in the house. My husband wants to scold him, I disagree, so we need HELP!!
Answer Well, score one for you. In this case, I disagree with your hubby. Some dogs, when scolded, do NOT learn that it's wrong to poop in the house. Instead, they learn that it's dangerous to poop in front of the human. Then, you have trouble, because, ideally, you want to be at the other end of the leash so that you can PRAISE the dog for doing his biz outside. What you need, instead of scolding, is just to supervise the dog more closely so that he has no chance to poop inside without you being right there to gently interrupt him and say "outside?" as you take him to the right area and tell him "go poop" or some other phrase that he can learn to associate with that function (the word later becomes a "cue" and you will love when that happens, because you won't have to be standing in the rain like some people do, waiting for the dog to poop).
So, it's best to crate the dog when you cannot supervise him directly, or tether him to your belt with a leash so that you are right there to interrupt him and take him out if it looks like he needs to go. It's a bit more work, but well worth it to have a well house trained dog.
