While not true with every case, some dogs that soil indoors as adults simply need a way to effectively communicate their need. Almost all of the adult dogs with house training issues that I have ever worked with have benefited greatly from the introduction of a bell. The bell is hung next to the door at the dog's nose level. (details in the training section under topic "Fine tune your house training.") For adult dogs, I begin by taking them out to potty every hour and a half. When you go to the door let the dog see you hit the bell with your hand and get excited about letting him out. Usually dogs are ringing it themselves to be let out before the day is out. It is important that you NEVER give a food reward for using the bell. Let the dog make the association between ringing the bell and getting let out on his own. If your problem is mainly urination, you need to have your vet rule out any physical cause, such as bladder or kidney issues and diabetes which is common in small breeds. Also, an intact (unneutered) dog will soil in the house to mark territory. If your dog is not of show quality (and you plan to actually show him) you should have him neutered. This will not stop territorial marking right away, but it is the first step in teaching your dog that the house is YOUR territory, and his marking is unacceptable. If your little guy has issues with bowel movements as well as urination, adress your feeding practices and start a regimin of set feeding times and removal of food once your dog has stopped eating. This way you can monitor his digestive process, and have a better idea of when he will need to go. If he is an overnight soiler, you may need to remove access to food and water after a certain time until he learns to control his urges better. Look for subtle signs from him, and make a big, happy deal about going outside. It takes a little patience and dedication on your part but you should start to notice a difference in a week or less if you decide to try this technique. If your dog will play outside then go in the house once you let him in, try confining him to a crate immediately after coming in for ten minutes if he did not go outside. After ten minutes take him back outside to go. Repeat as many times as necessary to get him to go outside. Some people may disagree with me on this next point, but if you catch your dog in the act it is OK to reprimand them for their transgression as long as it is done without physically harming your dog. Clap, AAAK!, a loud firm OUTSIDE!, etc. Then take him to the appropriate spot. If you come upon the mess after the subject has fled the scene, clean it up and say NOTHING. It can be confusing to your dog to be reprimanded at that point, and you do not want your dog to associate being called to come with being chastized. I have also worked with many "poop eaters" that were so worried about defecating inside that they would eat their poop to avoid punishment. Be firm and consistent with your dog, and don't forget to heap on the praise and love as he is learning the proper potty proceedure.
