I have 2 rescued dogs.. Sammy, a female Cocker Spaniel, and Frank, a Tibetan Terrier/Chow mix. I've had a lot of training to do for both to overcome anxiety issues they came to me with, but have had Frank for the least amount of time, and the house training for peeing inside has become a huge issue. I've literally removed all rugs in the house as he couldn't stop himself from going on them. (It took Sammy over 1 year to feel secure enough before she got that under control)Now, I am physically putting Frank on his leash and taking him to the grass in the backyard and insisting he go there before I take him off the leash. I'm hoping this will do it, but don't trust him yet to let him do it himself. I've tried sequestering him in a crate or keeping him outside which is not a good thing in summer heat. That works for a little while, then it's out the window! He has a doggy door, and so does not have an excuse. I've had to assert myself as alpha with both especially with their anxiety issues from their past. What has made things challenging is that I am still recuperating from major surgery and have not been able to go outside for walks with them for one month and have to abstain for another. Frank was starting to show some huge anxiety issued when in contact with other dogs outside, especially if Sammy was with us, so , my plan was to take them separately until I get a better handle on it... then I got sick. PLEASE help me with any thing you can think of for the peeing issue, as I feel fairly confident I can get the anxiety issued lessened or resolved once I get back outside with them .. He is anywhere from 3-4 years old (got him as a rescue so not sure of age) Thanks, Ellen
Although house-training an older dog, especially one with anxiety issues, can be a lot tougher than when they were puppies, it can be accomplished with persistence and lots of patience on your behalf. You are definitely on the right track when it comes to taking him out to the backyard and insisting that he goes to the toilet before you head back into the house. The main times that he will need to relieve himself include first thing in the morning and before bed at night, after any sort of playing or activity, as well as about half an hour after meals. In between these times you could take him out every few hours. He should indicate to you when he needs to go, by circling restlessly and sniffing the floor. It is important that he understands where exactly you want him to go, as ultimately he will want to do what pleases you. You can do this by praising him and giving him a reward when he goes to the toilet in the backyard where you want him to. If you catch him in the act of toileting inside, and only if he is doing so at that exact moment, you should say NO in a loud voice and take him outside immediately. There is no point taking him back to his mistake afterwards and telling him off as he will have forgotten about it and won’t associate you being cross with making a mess inside. It may take him some time to come to terms with what is required of him, especially as he is anxious and so may be prone to little accidents. However, as long as you are patient and gentle yet with him, he will overcome this in time.
I hope this helps and all the best with the training!
