My kids found this little stray dog around mid-August. We called the local vets, the SPCA, put ads in papers, put up signs and the kids took her around the neighborhood looking for her home. Well, no one claimed her and the kids have fallen in love. (I didn't really want the responsiblity of a dog, but she's cute and the kids love her so we just kept her.) The vet says she's about 2 yrs, a poodle and something (we're thinking a Yorkie-Poo) and she had been wandering around the neighborhood for at least a couple of weeks by the time the kids captured her. She was full of mats and dehydrated. We have gotten her a couple rounds of shots, she doesn't have heart worm, and whether she's spayed or not is still a matter of question. Aside from those things, there is a MAJOR PROBLEM. She has accidents. She has them a couple times a week. I don't know what to do. The main question is, "Can you train a 2 year old dog?" I've trained 4 kids and one lab. I'm just not sure about a dog that is having issues at 2 years old and I have no idea what kind of living arrangements she had in the past. Last night, I put her in her kennel because I didn't want to take the chance of her having an accident and my mom swore she wouldn't go in something that was so small. I put her in at midnight and took her out to go to the bathroom at 530am. She had wet herself in the kennel. She also still had to go potty outside. She is only 5 pounds. I can't leave her outside when I leave the house. She freezes easily. (Anyone know where to find an inexpensive winter coat for a dog?) During the day, she stays with my mom and her golden retriever. (She has only had a couple of accidents there.) She is a cutie. She dances on her hind legs and turns circles and loves us all. She is happy and sweet, except she doesn't like baths and her hair or teeth brushed. I've put her in the bathroom when I go shopping and come home to find poop all over the bathroom. I don't know if she was stressed or what. You wouldn't think a 5 pound dog could poop that much. She pees on a multi-colored throw rug by the front door that I can't see if she has peed on it until I look underneath it. (When I peek under it to check on it daily, she slithers underneath the couch because she is afraid she might be in trouble.) She is such a sweetie and I am very fond of her, however, I also like a clean house. I think about urine soaking into the padding of my carpet and cringe. Does anyone have any ideas? Right now, I am thinking that I either have to give her up or just accept the accidents. Ew! I don't like either option. Thanks!
When we got our dog from the pound he piddled all over the house and we used the Urine Be Gone type products and they seemed to do the job. After the dog got used to us and realized we were not going to hurt him or toss him, he got that part of his act under control. Some of these Urine Be Gone products also come with a black light to identify where they urinated even if you can't see it with the naked eye.
You can train a 15 yr old dog! Easy!!! I HIGHLY recommend calling PetSmart and speaking to an associate (or better yet, the dog trainer) and ask them when is their next Potty Training class. They have some free classes, once a month, usually the first Saturday. They will explain everything to you in detail, ask questions if you have them and you will see how easy it really is to potty train them! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me at anytime. Heather (former dog trainer)
I PM'd you with my phone number. I'll be happy to give you tips for housebreaking your dog (FREE of charge and obligation) and no waiting for a class to start. Money means nothing to me if I can help to keep a pup in a home where they are loved. Vickie (Current dog trainer)
It sounds like you are on the right track to helping this dog learn how to behave inside and in a family. Nothing comes easy so if you decide to keep her by all means take zookeeper up on her willingness to show you the way to a pee-free house. Otherwise, keep us posted please. Best wishes.
