Bathroom issue

[pljnyc]

Hello all,

Hope you can help me out, I recently rescued Sammy a Chihuahua, she is approx 2 years old and spayed. My problem is her pooping, she will pooh outisde first thing in the AM but most other times she pooh in the house, she has only pee pee'd inside once when I first brought her home. Any ideas on stopping her from going pooh inside? any suggestions welcom

[cowgurl6254]

First of all, I would definitely get a crate. Put her in the crate any time that you cannot supervise her. It's not punishment, it's only a way to discourage her from going potty in the house. Dogs naturally do not want to mess up their "den", so make her a bed in the crate and she will likely not go potty in there. When she is out in your house, make sure you watch her at all times so you can catch her in the act. If she tries to go in the house, say "NO!" in a firm voice and immediately take her outside to a designated spot. It's very important that you catch her in the act. Do not allow her to roam freely in the house until she is totally trained. Any time you cannot watch her, put her in the crate. Also, try to get her eating and drinking on a set schedule. After she eats, don't play with her until she has gone potty outside. Good luck and kudos to you for adopting a rescue! :)

[Tinaweena]

You'll have to treat her like a new 8 week old puppy until she is reliable in the house. Make sure you clean every spot she's used as a bathroom in the house, with a pet stain and odour specific cleaner.
Also get a crate, alot of people think they are cruel, but your dog will only appreciate it. It's like their own special quiet place. Like a den in the wild (even tho I've never seen a pack of wild Chihuahua's haha) There are alot of resources on the net to teachyou how to introduce the crate to her, so she ends up loving it.
Watch her like a hawk when she is free in the house and as soon as you suspect she is going to go, get right outside with her and praise like it's the greatest thing you've ever seen when she goes. Bring a tasty treat also.
It will take time, and be annoying, it may even mean you're picking her up and running outside 4 times in an hour, but it will be worth it!

[Roxy's CD]

Hmm, if she poops outside in the AM maybe your just not getting her out enough, or at the right times. She needs to get used to YOUR house, and your schedules but until than treat her as a pup, take her outside every 30 minutes or hour. Bring treats so when she goes you can reward her right away.

[pljnyc]

Thanks to you all, great advice, I am out to get a crate and try that. I will let you know how it goes.

[cowgurl6254]

Good luck!! :) I'm glad you are getting a crate...that will make it go a lot easier. My puppy LOVES his by the way. I actually have to drag him out of it sometimes :p