Re: New Development in Toileting

In Reply to: New Development in Toileting
Category:   House Breaking
Posted by:  Robby Johnson
Posted on:  May 30, 2002 at 10:51:23

: So far, this has not been an accident issue. But I wanted to see what you might think.

: Lucky has just turned a year old. Since we got him (as a rescue at 6 mos.) he's always been my "late sleeper." Madison and Gizmo are ready to go when I open the crate doors at 5:30 a.m. Lucky has to almost be awakened.

: Now, the past week, he just lays there and, if he gets up and goes outside, he just sits on the porch in a half-slumber. About an hour after "waking up" he'll signal at the door that he needs to go out.

: Should I make this an issue? He's very sensitive (I suspect some previous quasi-harsh methods) so if I start giving him my verbal command in my 5:30 a.m. "I've not had my coffee" voice, he just sort of stands there and shrivels a bit.

: Fortunately he does signal to go out.

: Thanks,

: Robby

Response:

Dear Robby,

Bless your heart -- Lucky, Madison and Gizmo are truly lucky (!) to have you as their owner. :-)

No, I wouldn't make an issue of it. Some dogs, like some people, are slow to awaken. Just as we...I mean you (LOL!) need coffee to fully wake up, Lucky may just need more time before he's ready to face the world.

Since he's always been a late sleeper, I wouldn't worry about this recent change too much. Still, it couldn't hurt to keep an eye on him for other behavior/physical changes.

Warm regards,
Leslie