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Expert: Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT - 11/25/2009


Question
I have a 9 month old female Chihuahua.  She will go "pee" on her puppy training pads indoors, but refuses to use the bathroom outside at all, in any temperature or weather.  She loves to go outside, is very playful.  I have even tried putting her training pads outside, and she won't even go to them.  How do I get her to start using the bathroom OUTSIDE?

Also, I have an 8 1/2 year old Toy Poodle.  She has no accidents indoors with urine, always "asks" to go outside.  But, at night she frequently has bowel movements indoors.  How can I help her stop this?  When I get up the next morning and find it, she seems very embarrassed - she puts her head down and tries to hide her face.  Any advice?

Answer
As far as the poodle's "embarrassment:"

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611065839.htm


For both dogs, I would suggest considering using dog crates, and re-visiting basic housebreaking protocol.

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/crate-train.pdf
http://www.hsmo.org/m_obedience/behavior/dogcrate.html
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/Housetraining.pdf
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/retrain-dog.pdf          

http://www.hsmo.org/m_obedience/documents/CanineHousesoilingProblems.pdf
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/clean-stains.pdf

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Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT

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I have NO MEDICAL background. If your question pertains to a physical concern about your dog -- that is, you think your dog may be sick, whelping problems, trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, excessive drinking, heavy drooling, unexplained physical symptoms of ANY kind, etc -- YOU NEED TO GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT WASTE TIME WAITING FOR AN EMAIL RESPONSE!!! Your dog could be having a medical crisis!
I answer questions pertaining to training of all kinds, behavior, grooming,etc. I am qualified to address questions regarding basic training issues; crate training, housebreaking, behavior management tools, basic obedience skills. You may be interested in visiting: http://bad-dog-good-dog.blogspot.com/ www.housecalls-dogtraining.com

Experience

Past instructor for Puppy and Behavior classes for the Humane Society of Missouri. Have been a trainer for over 10 years, both in private in-home sessions and in classroom situations. Have participated in obedience with one of my goldens, titling her with a Companion Dog title. Both of my dogs earned their CGC title and were certified as therapy dogs through two separate organizations. Currently involved in local golden retriever rescue. Am currently serving as an "expert" in the Golden Retriever, Dog Training, and Canine Behavior categories.

Organizations
Dirk's Fund Golden Retriever Rescue, www.dirksfund.com

Education/Credentials
Going on over ten years of private and public training; instructed with Humane Society of Missouri and South County Obedience.

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