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About Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT
Expertise

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.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Dogs > potty training

Dogs - potty training

Expert: Christine (Chris) Vassonei, APDT - 7/5/2009

Question
Hello, I have a 13 year old chow/shepherd mix. My dad has had him over the years and he has always been an outside dog. My dad has gotten to an age to were he can no longer take care of him so I brought home home with me. I live in an apartment, unlike my dad. I'm having trouble getting him not use the bathroom outside not on my carpet.I have been taking him out every 2 hours or so to try and help. Is there anything you can tell me to help the transition and help me teach him to potty outside? I would appreciate any help. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Answer
Hi, Jennifer,

You deserve some credit for taking in the old boy; some people would have just sent him to a shelter because he was "too old."

Although your dog is a senior, you should use the same housebreaking techniques you would use if he was a puppy. To help you, I'm including some documents:

http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/Housetraining.pdfhttp://www....
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/pup-housetrain.pdf http://www.hsmo.org/m_obedience/documents/CanineHousesoilingProblems.pdf
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/clean-stains.pdf

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