Housetraining Troubles with Rescue

[Silver_wlf]

Hello All!

I've adopted a 9 month old Doberman Pinscher. We've had him about 4 weeks and he's settling in really well, however, I'm having some trouble with housetraining.

We use a crate and he's has never peed in the house. He seems to understand that that's not allowed. However, we've had several of the "other" accidents. (A couple have been related to an upset stomach.) I make sure to walk him within 30 minutes of eating and we go out first thing in the morning for a walk. He doesn't give any warning, circling, sniffing, etc. He did it yesterday while I was washing dishes. I know part of the problem is probably that I don't catch him.

I take him out on leash to go "potty" and I make a huge deal about it outside (with treats & praise) and I've tried using bells on my door - but I don't seem to be getting anywhere.

Is this normal for a rescue? Will it take a little while? Should I just keep him tethered to me while I'm busy? (On the phone, checking e-mail, etc.)

I understand that this is my fault - not his - but I'm wondering if there's anything else I can do. (Should I leave some of his droppings in the area that I want him to go in the yard? Is cleaning them up right away confusing?)

Thanks so much!

[Barb04]

We got our puppy at 5 months old. She was very good about going outside but after being with us for almost 2 weeks, she has had a couple of accidents in the house. I try to clean the area up good, then spray with Nature's Miracle which neutralizes the odor in that area so they shouldn't smell anything. This may help you.

Catching them showing signs, is the key, and that's what is happening with me. Now if Kona starts sniffing, I immediately go to the door with her, unless she runs down the hallway faster than I can see her and it's already happening. We're working on this one to. Just want to let you know that you're not alone.

[Silver_wlf]

Thanks! I'm glad it's not only me. I wish he would sniff or circle. It would be easier to catch him. For now he's in view at all times....

[Renee750il]

Moved you up here where the training gurus would catch it more easily!

It's a shame the former owners didn't do right by your dog. Dobermans are so good about wanting to please their people.

Emma (CreatureTeacher) should have some good advice for you - and Dobermans are her favorites, lol!

[CreatureTeacher]

Have you had him checked for intestinal infection and parasites? Things like those cycle rampantly through rescues and shelters, and it would explain his not giving warning. He might not have any warning, either!

[Silver_wlf]

Yup - we've been checked by the vet and nothing is wrong. He also doesn't warn outside. Just happens. Wierdest thing I've ever seen. Most dogs seem to do a "dance" of some sort. *sigh*

I've changed my routine so that they eat and then immediately go for a walk. I used to wait while I had breakfast (15 mins). This seems to be working better and once he's empty then he's fine in the house. I've also got his "routines" figured out.

Hopefully everything will sort of fall into place. *smile*

Thanks again so much!

[Doberluv]

My Doberman was a late bloomer. He was the slowest dog I ever had to potty train. He gave me no warning signs either for pee pee. He'd be walking across the living room floor, stop and pee, no circling, no sniffing around behind things, no nothin'! The only thing you can do is pretend he's still a very young pup and watch him literally every second. If you have to do house work or whatever and you can't keep your eyes on him, put him in his crate. Keep taking him out often...every 45 minutes or so. They do take a lot of time. Just watching them takes a lot of time. LOL. But the fewer accidents he has, the sooner he'll catch on. Good luck. I love Dobes. But they're a little slow to mature. Oh well...that's what makes them so endearing. (and so irritating.LOL)