posted 05-14-2003 01:27 PM           

---

We have a four month old Shih Tzu whom we bought for our daughters fifth birthday gift. She was the runt of a litter of four. She is a beautiful dog, well mannered and the girls love her! The problem is that we are having a lot of trouble training her. There are times when she'll be outside for a couple of hours and as soon as she comes in the house she'll use the bathroom! I'll stick her nose in it and place her outside but this does not seem to be working: now she has started to eat her poo! Can anyone help!! We don't want to have to get rid of her for the family adours her but I don't know what else to do!!!

IP: Logged

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 05-14-2003 06:33 PM         

---

Tracy....sticking her nose in it is the wrong way to house train a dog. Furthermore, you should only correct her for her accidents if you catch her in the act and even then do not rub her nose in it...instead make a loud,unhappy sound like "ohhhh!" and take her outside and then tell her "go pee". Be consist, use phrases such as "gotta go outside?" before taking her out and take her outside often especially after a nap,shortly after eating or drinking and after playing...stay outside with her until she goes and then praise her for going. Are you crate training her or have you considered it? A crate, used properly, is a very helpful aid in potty training.
Eating poop is natural puppy behavior and there are several products avialable to stop this behavior such as Deter or Forbid. I used unseasoned meat tenderizer and it worked fine.
There is a potty training book avialable at Petsmart that you may be interested in picking up. The cost runs about $5.95 and is well worth it.
Be patient! She will get the hang of it.

IP: Logged

posted 05-17-2003 12:25 AM           

---

I agree with the poster above . Crate training young dogs works wonders in helping with potty training. When your dogs is out watch his every step. Also please dont rub your dogs nose into it. If one of your children had an accident would you do it to them???? That is so disgusting and just makes the problems worse . The dogs probably started eating the feces because your were rubbing his nose in it. I would definitly get some of the stuff you put on their food that stops them from eating their feces. Good luck and I hope you are able to keep your puppy.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 110
From:Madison, MS
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 05-18-2003 12:14 PM         

---

Crate training is a GODSEND....couldn't do it without one. It's their HOME..their DEN and Sugg loves her. It's her own place to retreat to and she does this sometimes on her own when she's tired and wants to be left alone. A GOOD THING FOR ALL INVOLVED.

TRY IT...YOU'LL LIKE IT !

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 102
From:matthew, NC, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 05-18-2003 03:28 PM         

---

Hi Tracy--what everyone is telling you is correct. crate training will be a big aid to you for housebreaking your dog. crate her when your gone and when you are home take her out every hour on the hour. reward her when she does her thing outside, scold her if she goes inside only when you catch her in the act by looking into her eyes and saying no no no firmly! but don't shout or hit (which i know you don't do but i know some people do) or rub her nose into it. I've read so much on this because i have my own puppy and everything i've read says they do not have any control over their bladder or bowels until they are about 6-7 months old,--they are babies after all and people shouldn't expect so much from them. You have to help her learn but it should be done with patience and some restrictions. do not let her roam the house, keep her with you and keep an eye on her. when she starts to sniff around and acting like shes looking for something take her out immediately, even if you've just come in.

with persistance from you and a great great deal of patience she will learn in time. i invested in a rug shampooer and warned my husband that there were going to be accidents. Harley is 10 months old now and has been housebroken for at least 2 months, maybe 3. it seemed as is she woke up one day and understood and i'm proud of her and us both! it can be frustrating but you can do it. i wish you luck

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)