New Member

Posts: 1
From:Northern Indiana
Registered: Mar 2004

posted 03-14-2004 06:33 AM         

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I need Help. I have a Silky terrier that is just over a year old. When we where potty training him he took a liking to peeing under my desk. We managed to get him to not go any where else in the house, but he continues to pee under my desk. We've tried to punish him but he doesn't seem to take to it. I've tried countless carpet cleaning products but they don't seem to work. The smell is still there. I've decided to replace my carpet. Does anyone think that will help? and Does any one know if there is some sort of carpet or color that would discourage him from peeing there? what should I do?

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Member

Posts: 1387
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 03-14-2004 07:43 AM         

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Hi JJM, What did you clean the carpet with?

You pup has made that his "potty spot" he can smell the urine there and naturally assumes this is his spot. Punishing him won't help...you need to remove the smell permanently. Work to establish a pee spot outside. When you catch the pup going inside quickly pick him up and carry him outside(no yelling..no punishment) to the same spot setting him down and saying "go potty", keep some treats in your pocket and reward heavily with lots of verbal praise when he does go outside. He has been going in his inside spot for a long while now so this will take patience on your part, treat it like you are potty training a puppy all over again. Take him out when he wakes up from napping, after eating, after playing and in general about every 30 minutes so that you are more likely to have him going outside than inside and can make a big deal with rewards when he goes outside. It's setting him up to succeed, you have the opportunity to reward instead of punish.
Try a product like Natures Miracle on the carpet. It has enzymes that disolve the urine rather than cover up the odor. Saturate the carpet and pad and let it sit...do not dab it back up...let it dry on it's own. If you do replace the carpet make sure to do the same anytime he has an accident. Applying too much is better than not enough. The product can be purchased in pet stores and some grocery stores.
I would crate him when you are not home and at night, so he can't go pee under your desk.
Also consider leashing him to your waist so that you can grab him up easily when he starts to go. If you do this CONSISTANTLY and remain very watchfull...you should see results soon. I personally would not get new carpet until you have the training part down pat. Even if you do get new carpet...make sure you replace the padding in those spots he has been peeing...and you may need to treat the floor beneath(underlayment) with the Natures Miracle and then seal it before putting down new pad and carpet. My husband is a floor layer....too many people make the mistake of replacing carpet without taking the other steps and end up needing new carpet again.

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Posts: 813
From:Santa Maria, Ca.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 03-14-2004 09:16 AM         

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Very well said! Maisey

JJM, you also might want to try putting a small bowl of food in that spot, they usually don't like to urinate where they eat. Also do all the things Maisey suggested, I'm sure it will get better.

Good luck!

Susan

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