frank the tank's mum

I have a 14 month old staffy called Frank, aka the most excitable, playful and affectionate dog ever, who caused a lot of disruption to my two cats when I first brought him home. As the cats are older and so less tolerant of a young puppy running around the place I decided to let Frank know quick smart that he is not higher up the food chain than them. I was really persistent in telling him no every time he would try to chase a cat or even approach one. The result of my labour is that he now never chases the cats or goes near them, he let's them approach him and they either avoid him or rub up against him depending on their mood. Some nights the dog and cats even sleep together on our bed. I found that I just had to let the dog know to leave the cats alone and he has actually responded really well. Unfortunately for him we went away for Christmas, and he had to go and stay with our friends who have a bit of a crazy cat, he knew not to chase her but then didn't know how to respond when she would attack him unprovoked and bite his face, or when she decided it was time to chase him around their backyard. Oops, may have taken the cat above dog thing a little too far. (He wasn't hurt though and my friends assure me it was hilarious to watch!)

Hi Stella, Frank is not desexed, I did wonder whether that might have something to do with it... He tends mainly to go in two places, he does his number 1s against my favourite piece of furniture, and then his number 2s in our spare bedroom. We always leave the back door open so he can get out but he continues to go inside, very frustrating indeed. The thing about desexing him, I have had him booked in twice but have pulled out because he just has the most awesome personality and I worry it might change him. I'm probably being totally silly...???

I'm definitely going to try a crate. I think I'll go the inside option as I really do want him to be able to sleep inside. We're in Canberra so leaving him outside every night in Winter seems too mean! Thanks so much for the advice, much appreciated :rolleyes:

So does the crate go inside or outside? Can I do either way?

Hi All I'm new to the forums and have a 14 month old male staffy called Frank. He's been being a bit naughty lately, can you guys give me some advice?? Frank does this weird thing where he goes to the toilet inside overnight even though he can get outside! He never goes inside when we're awake so I just don't know why he's doing it. Most of the time it's on tiles but it's still driving me nuts! I'm sure I'm being naughty letting him come in at night but he tends to cry when we leave him outside... Has anything like this ever happened to any of you?