Expert: Sandy Finley - 5/22/2007

Question
QUESTION: I know housebreaking is a typical question and I have read a lot of suggestions but most deal with young dogs.
My Shih Tzu/Yorkie Laney is 3 years old.  She was on the verge of being trained I thought, just the occasional accident, though now I know she was going at times/places I didn't realize. And, she seems to be getting worse.  She will be sitting with me, hop down go around the furniture where I don't see her and potty.  I don't think she has any idea that it is wrong.  She just goes where/when she wants whether she has been outside or not.  If she poops when we are in different rooms, she eats some of all of it.  She is a sweet dog but I am going crazy.  I know it is my fault and I obviously didn't do the training right.  We did crate training and stopped when we thought (incorrectly) that she had it down.  The crate is long gone and now if she is locked in any area without us, she cries and barks.

ANSWER: Hello Janis,

You are correct in that most suggestions on housebreaking deal with young dogs. The reason is that a three year old dog that is not housebroken is not suffering from a housebreaking problem. Laney is displaying unnatural, possibly neurotic behavior. Dogs have existed in harmony with humans for centuries in large part because it is unnatural for them to soil where they live.

Small dogs are often treated like little humans. I would suspect that this is the problem with your relationship with your dog and why it is exhibiting this unnatural behavior.

Read my article entitled "Training Tips" found at http://perfectdogtraining.com and begin to establish yourself as your dog's leader. You are currently attempting to cure the symptom rather than the cause of the problem.

Good Luck

Sandy Finley
Perfect Manners Dog Training

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

QUESTION: Sandy,
Thank you.  This never crossed my mind.  I always thought I should go back to housebreaking 101.  You are wonderful to share your expertise.
Re: the leadership techniques-
With several people in our family/home, should all of us try to reinforce our alpha positions?  Can all humans be the alpha?
She does sleep on the beds, should we get the crate back out and put it in the bedroom or put her in her daytime "area" at night?
I gave you all that info but failed to mention that Laney is the newer/younger of two dogs in our family.  The 10 year old Cocker, Lilly, is well behaved.  She will try to stand up for herself over very few things but Laney takes her toys, and does put her feet on Lilly's shoulders, etc.  I assume she is the Alpha of the two.  Should I just let that go since it is between the two of them?
Our eating schedule is crazy.  We feed Lilly at 5 but Laney doesn't want to eat yet so we let her wait if she wants.  Should we do the 15 minute thing at 5 and if she doesn't eat make her go 24 hours till 5 the next day?
I cannot even begin to thank you enough for all of this help.
Janis


Answer
Janis,

I would agree that it sounds like Laney has assumed a higher position then Lilly. And yes, let them sort things out. Nature is very wise in such matters.

All of the humans should be viewed by Laney as her superior. When I take a new client, I demand that all members of the household be present for training. It is important that everyone is "on the same page".

Regarding feeding, it is important that you should feed her after you eat. This is an essential Alpha behavior. You should also enforce the "15 minute thing". You want Laney to begin acting like a normal dog not a spoiled little human.

I'm sorry I can't give you "quick fix" for your difficulty but I can assure you if you change your interaction and correct the root of the problem, that you and Laney will enjoy a much happier and balanced relationship.

Take Care,

Sandy Finley
Perfect Manners Dog Training
http://perfectdogtraining.com