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Expert: Patti - 10/31/2009


Question
We have a one year old Boxer that we rescued 4 months ago.  He used to pee in his crate but got over that quickly.  Here is our problem... he knows to go outside and 90% of the time does great but he does not give us a signal.. no bark, no whine, no walking to the door.  Usually we keep our eyes on him and when he acts a little anxious, we take him out. It usually works but at least once a week he pees in the house. How do we teach him to give us a signal???  Thanks so much!

Answer

Hi Colleen,

Here are directions on how to train a dog to ring a bell when he wants to go outside:

http://www.uvhs.org/behavioral_docs/ringing_a_bell_to_go_outside.pdf

Until your dog is trained into asking to go out, continue to watch your dog, and take him outside on a schedule. You can't blame your dog for accidents if you aren't watching him close enough. Keeping to a schedule is the best way of preventing accidents.

Best of luck,

Patti

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Patti

Expertise

To date, I've owned 7 dogs, all of which have lived into old age. Having cared for them in all stages of life, I feel I can offer sound advice to other pet owners, and people considering getting a dog. I am knowledgeable about the AKC (American Kennel Club) dog breeds, training and exercise, caring for sick and elderly pets, feeding, as well as many holistic treatments pets can benefit from. My only request is that you write me using standard English and punctuation.

Experience

My life experience in this field is more like "on the job training" rather than an actual degree in animal welfare. You may benefit from my experiences over the past 30 years. Aside from the dogs I've owned, I'm also involved in "breed rescue" and have fostered several dogs, all of which have been adopted to wonderful "forever homes". I find helping people who want a dog very rewarding.

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Real life experience, based on over 30 years of dog ownership.

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