Re: house braking

In Reply to: house braking
Category:   
Posted by:  Diane
Posted on:  May 10, 2003 at 23:00:55

: My 3 year old fixed male BUDDY was very easy to house brake, but in the last two months he has had several pooping in the house episodes when I go to work. I hate to put him back in his crate he seems so much happier when not crated he has had the run of house for about a year now with no propblems what so ever. I don't know should I yell at him, put him in his crate right away when I see the poop or what.I think he just forgets to go before I leave for work. I leave him out for a while but he is to busy chasing critters.

Response:

Dear Diane,

Any time there is a difference in a dog's elimination habits, it's best to first find out if there is medical reason for the change. Please schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible; you should be prepared to provide a sample of Buddy's poop for examination.

If Buddy is healthy then you need to consider your part in his behavior. He's not likely to "forget" or to be "too busy" to go potty if you are there to distract, direct, and encourage him. And the only thing Buddy will learn by you yelling at him/crating him when you find he's pooped in your house is to be afraid of you every time you enter the house.