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
Question I have a 1 year old Bichon Frise who has been house trained since she was 4 months old. I have never had problems with her going to the bathroom in the house. We got her a dog door and she goes outside to potty all day long. Sometimes though when I am home she will pee in the house. When we through the tennis ball for her sometimes she stops mid run and pees. Also if we are in a bedroom and the door is closed because she isn't allowed in at the time she will pee by the door. I don't understand why all of a sudden she is doing this. Even when she has access to the backyard and she has free run of most of the house. What do I do to stop this behavior?
Answer The first thing to do is have your vet check to make sure she does not have a low grade urinary tract infection. If she doesn't, then she is not as house trained as you thought, and it's time to re-visit her training. So, you would restrict her freedom in the house, take her outside on a leash, instead of letting her use the dog door (so that you can be there to reward her for doing her business in the right spot), and not scold for mistakes. Also, you can clean up any urine spots with an enzymatic cleaner, like Petastic, so that she won't be as tempted by the odor to go again in the same area.
