Re: Impossible to housebreak

In Reply to: Impossible to housebreak
Posted by:  Donna
Posted on:  July 31, 2001 at 17:12:09

: I never thought that housebreaking a dog could be so difficult. Other dogs I have had were housebroken in short periods of time. So I want to start by thanking you for all the housebreaking advice you have offered over the past few months while trying to housebreak my 7 month old JRT. My question is this. If I am totally dedicated to housebreaking my dog, which I am, is there a possibility that the dog just may not learn and catch on to the cocept? I am afraid even if I follow all the housebreaking guidelines my dog will never learn that you only go outside. Thanks for your help!

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Hi Donna,

I can understand your frustration but I have to tell you that this breed can sometimes be very difficult to housebreak. I have found that with other terrier breeds also. Why? I don't have a clue except to say the terrier group seems to march to their own drummer.

I am not sure what your situation is and whether you are at home all the time or not but I can recommend an excellent book by Shirlee Kalstone titled "How to Housebreak a Dog in 7 Days." Don't be fooled by the title because it does take longer, but the nice thing about this book is she has actual timetables for almost every situation.

If you are home all day, she provides a timetable, if you work there is one for that, there is one for an older dog and so on. It is a real useful book to have around that can give you lots of new ideas to try. The best part is the book is in paperback and is quite inexpensive.

Although you are at your wit's end, there is hope!