Older Dog Problem

[Guest RANDCMOORE31]

Hi, wondering whether anyone can help me? I have 4 dogs including a 12 year old female shih tzu. Shelby has always had very regular toilet habits and has always done no. 2's in the morning and straight after tea at night. Two months ago we moved - and we now have 2 problems. 1. Although we've put in an identical dog door - she won't use it to go out to the toilet. The only time she'll go through it - is if I make her. 2. We spent $1300 cutting out some concrete and installing a piece of lawn for the dogs to go to the toilet - but she won't use that either. When I take her outside she does everything she can to avoid going to the toilet - and then messes inside during the day. I've tried standing over her, encouraging and praising her when she does the right thing, making her stay out longer and making sure she always comes out and goes to the right spot - but to no avail. We had some artificial grass we were using temporarily and she used that one day - so I moved that round to where the grass area is - but she won't use that now, either - and went on the concrete round the side of the house. I left it there and took her there this morning - but she won't go there. There is no reason that I can see for her not to use the grass or to dislike it (she's always gone on grass). She goes readily when we take her out for a walk. I don't understand what the problem is - so I don't know how to fix it. Does anyone have any suggestions please?

[Tintin Jac]

Hi and welcome!

I'm not really able to help you. It sounds like it would be a bit annoying for you. Poor dog may just be feeling strange with the changes lately.

Does it help for you to know that you're not the only one? Our old boy does go outside...but just outside the door, on the deck, where you step - ewww! He used to go somewhere private but now he doesn't really like to go outside at all. Except if it is about 20 degrees and he can find a nice spot in the sun. Otherwise, he just sleeps in Tintin's crate all day and occasionally wakes up for a cuddle. Poor old man.

Hope someone can be more helpful for you.

[t-time]

Go back to absolute basics - crate when you're home and take her out on lead to toilet every second hour with loads of praise and treats when she goes in the right place.

There's nothing medically wrong if she still goes when she's on a walk (or in the house!) - there must be something she thinks is weird about your new place!

Make sure you clean any messes in the house with an enzyme-based cleaner (Biozet washing powder diluted and sprayed over the cleaned area is a good one). Perhaps there was a dog in your home previously and that's why she's going inside?

Be patient - she's older and stuck in her ways ;) But.... back to basics

[Guest RANDCMOORE31]

Go back to absolute basics - crate when you're home and take her out on lead to toilet every second hour with loads of praise and treats when she goes in the right place.

There's nothing medically wrong if she still goes when she's on a walk (or in the house!) - there must be something she thinks is weird about your new place!

Make sure you clean any messes in the house with an enzyme-based cleaner (Biozet washing powder diluted and sprayed over the cleaned area is a good one). Perhaps there was a dog in your home previously and that's why she's going inside?

Be patient - she's older and stuck in her ways ;) But.... back to basics

Thanks everyone for your quick replies - it's great to hear other's ideas!

Edited March 19, 2010 by RANDCMOORE31