New here and need some advice

KellyO · New member Joined: 12 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

Hello all! We have a 15 year-old male shih-tzu named Bill. He has always been the best boy and we weren't even sure he knew he was a dog!!! Recently my husband and I rescued a 5 month-old male shih-tzu (Bob) from our local SPCA (cruelty sign-over). We were prepared for the awkwardness between the two upon first meeting but things have gotten out of control and I need some advice.

We are crate training Bob and he is doing wonderfully. The problem is with Bill! Even though we haven't changed his routine (chew toys, potty-time, etc) he REPEATEDLY urinates and defecates in the house!!! Our home always smells like urine and we don't know what to do to correct him!!! How do you reprimand a dog you've had forever when it's obvious he's "acting-out" because of the new dog in HIS world? We don't want to remove either one from our home, but at the same time we are SOOOO frustrated!!!! Confused

Any/all advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

Kelly

DeLaUK · Posted: Sun Nov 12, 2006 10:49 pm Post subject:

Hi Kelly and welcome,

Sorry to hear about the problem your having, I would definately be leaning towards the urinating being due to the new dog, hes just doing what dogs do and letting the new guy know whos turf hes on.

Can you crate Bill? Then when in the house keep him with you so he doesnt get chance to urinate anywhere inside? I know this would take some work on your part, and a lot of patience but your going to have to reprimand him to some level or he will keep on doing it.

Also you should get something like Natures Miracle (from the pet store) that will eliminate the odor from the carpets/furniture etc.

Just to be on the safe side taking his age into account then it would be worth having the vet check him over 'just' to be sure there isnt any bladder issues going on. I dont think it is that, I think its due to the new dog being on his turf BUT, it wouldnt be the first time something like this has coincidentally happened at the same time.

Good luck.

Chezza · Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 1:02 am Post subject:

Yea DeLaUK summed it all up well, theres not much more to add..
Patience and yea, let him know he's being naughty.
Good luck too..

coppersmom · Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:01 am Post subject:

I have never had any luck with any cleaner except Oxy-clean. You have to make it up fresh each time but my house no longer smells.

Good luck and good for you for rescuing Bob. Your the best

Sara · Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:04 pm Post subject:

I use a new 409 cleaner on my stuff and it works wonderfully.

I've been thinking on your post for a bit and I think first you need to remember that for a dog it's comforting when someone takes the reins and keeps them under control. If Bill is acting out he is probably not sure how to react to a new pack situation in which he's feeling a little lost in the shuffle. He may not know his place anymore so reprimanding him for pottying in the house would actually comfort him on a certain level. He needs to have black and white lines and often when dogs act out like this that's what they are looking for.

Before you do that though I'd check with the vet to make sure there's not some other reason that he may be pottying in the house...

Sara