Re: adopting an older dog

In Reply to: adopting an older dog
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  Leti Calhoun
Posted on:  August 28, 2002 at 13:06:33

: We adopted an older dog(3yrs) from a woman who couldn't handle his nature. How can we re-train him? He is use to human food, he is use to soiling in the house. He gets plenty of exercise with my 3 children and he gets plenty of attention as well. He seems happy! Yet every night after a long walk. After taking care of business, he soils the floor and urinates on our furniture. What can I do?

Response:

Hi Leti,

Thanks for adopting one of our older terriers! Although it seems like he's as bad as a puppy right now he will still be easier and faster to train.

If this guy isn't neutered then I strongly urge you to get him done ASAP. Neutering him should help to lessen any marking tendencies as well as be healthier for him.

Slowly (over a week or so) switch him from human food to a good quality kibble. You do this slowly to keep from getting his stomach upset. Then you have to practice tough love. I like feeding my dogs twice a day instead of one meal. Put his food down and give him 15 minutes to eat it. If he doesn't, put the food up and don't give it to him again until the next meal time...AND NO TREATS IN BETWEEN!

Trust me when I say a healthy dog will not starve himself, it may turn out to be a battle of wills but this is one you will win, as long as you don't cave haha! He may go days without eating but he will finally get so hungry he'll eat whatever is put down in front of him.

As far as housebreaking, you will need to go back to Housebreaking 101 with him and put him on a feeding/potty schedule. Leash him and take him out where you want him to do his business and encourage him to go. At this point he should only go outside when you take him out to go potty. Why, you ask? Because you want him to start equating outside = potty. When he does his business praise him and then immediately bring him in.

Until you can get him housebroken, he should not have the run of the house if there is nobody to watch him. Either crate him or confine him. Also NO TREATS during this time when dealing with housebreaking issues. You want to set the dog up for success, not failure so you need to control his intake, which makes housebreaking much easier.

Also, get him enrolled in obedience school! It's a must with this breed and not a luxury.

I am providing you some links, one includes a list of some of our favorite books. I suggest you buy a copy of "How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days" by Shirlee Kalstone. It will take longer than 7 days but this is a great guide to help you.

Good Luck!
Marie