AboutPatti 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.
Question Hi, I have a 6 or 7 year old beagle mix. Hes great! I have had him for just about his whole life. When I first got him we lived in the country, where we put him out on a long leash and he ran around all day. Now I moved to the city and we have to walk him, now we have always had a bit of a problem with him peeing but before we just stuck him out side. Now, I wake up every morning and he just goes in the same spot, and no matter what I do, he won't stop. I tried to put down a bag so if he did go it wouldn't be on the carpet, but he went somewhere else. Please, what do I do?
Answer Hi Willow,
You didn't say how long ago you moved to the city, and if this problem has been going on since you moved. Usually, when a reliably house trained dog starts having accidents in the home, there is a medical reason, such as a urinary tract infection. That's something you may want to have your vet check out. It's also possible the former owners or tenants of where you live now might have had a dog that also marked those areas, and your dog is marking to claim the house as his.
Have you tried containing your dog over night, so your dog won't have access to the areas where he's been soiling? You could use a dog crate (if your dog is crate trained), a child gate or two, or an indoor dog pen (like this one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16677 )
Lay a thick layer of newspaper down over the entire containment area, so if your dog has an accident, clean-up will be easier.
Clean the areas where your dog has been soiling with an enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle or Simple Solutions. These cleaners will help remove odors which might be attracting your dog to mark.
