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.
This was my question in April...
"my cockapoo is 1.5 years old...i adopted him @ 9 months. he was not housebroken. i thought the training worked...until the last few weeks ago. he pee-ed (on kitchen floor) twice & deposited a tiny poo (in his crate) while left alone for a few hours. he has gone 8 hours without an accident many times. then he peed sometime during the night. i am taking him out every few hours, giving him plenty of exercise. any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks so much"
I followed the advise, there are no medical problems & from the training classes, he is totally obedient on leash, going in and out of doors, etc. (I have been working on obedience training from the start) I should mention he also has separation anxiety & is very shy with other dogs & people, so I have been working on that too.
I read the articles you linked to your 7/3 housebreaking question.
Last nite, my cockapoo pooped all over the living room in the middle of the nite...he had been out just before bedtime. I tried crate training for 6 months months... he gets himself so worked up (trying to bite & claw his way out) that I am afraid he will break his teeth. I have bells by the door that he occassionally remembers to use (I remind him every time I take him out, if he doesn't ring it)...this morning he simply sat by the door to go out (this was before I discovered the poop in the living room). His bed is in the bedroom & I can keep the bedroom door closed at nite, (although this throws off the air conditioning), but in the past he has also peed in the bedroom, so that doesn't seem like a solution.
Also, I just started using a "belly band"... if I am going to be gone for several hours. He did pee once through the band and there was a puddle on the floor...a few weeks ago and nothing since....but I haven't left him for several hours either.
He has a routine, gets lots of exercise, he is praised lavishly & rewarded when going outside...I have been doing this consistently for a year...where am I going wrong?
Thank you...I am feeling so desperate.
ps the handle on the basket in the photo is no longer there..a casualty from his separation anxiety.
Answer I think trying to address these problems through email exchanges and give adequate assistance may be rather difficult. I think perhaps you might benefit more if you worked with a trainer in your area. If you give me your city, state, and zip code, I will try to find some names to send you.