AboutDave Expertise My wife and I are active Sheltie owners. Helpful hints on discipline, training, disposition, selection, and of course acquisition. We think like dogs, so we can help you understand yours!
Experience 2 Shelties currently owned. Rescued and placed 9 dogs (3 non Sheltie).
Expert: Dave Date: 1/22/2008 Subject: House training an older sheltie
Question We just received a 3+ year old sheltie from a relative. Tess, our dog, had been allowed to do her duties in the kitchen where she was kept while the owner worked. We ask what is the best procedure to use in retraining Tess to go outside. We have only had her three days, but she seems to hold especially her No. 2 until we all go to bed around 11:00 p.m., then she goes a few feet away from her bed in the kitchen. We take her for walks in morning and evening where she ususlly does her No. 1. We would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Lou
Answer Hi Lou,
I'm sorry to hear this situation. Once a dog is forced to go inside it violates their inner habit of cleanliness and is difficult to break.
This is more simple than you might think: get a crate. Follow the crate method. (see my archived posts) Walk Tess until she does her business just like the crate method suggests. Keep track of her business and learn to anticipate her time. If potty time is 10 pm, walk her outside until she goes at night even if you are on leash for 2 hours the first four or 5 times. Stay loose and relaxed because she can tell what your mood is.
It really is that simple. It will take A LOT of time and EVEN MORE patience to communicate the right way to her. Be prepared to put in the effort and in 30 days you will see an improvement.
You have to be trained and so does she. Get on the method, and then if you have a problem write me back after 60 days.
