Question:
I am writing in regards to an issue I am having with my two older bichons, Duffy and Tucker. They are both rescued dogs, so I'm not sure how old they are, but they're not young. The problem is that I can't get them housebroken, no matter what I do. I live in a house with a backyard, and both dogs get outside several times a day. They run and play in the yard but seem to hold out until they get back inside to do their toilet. My vet recommends crating them for periods of time and then letting them out -- I tried that, and it made no difference. I do not want to keep them in a crate all the time they're inside. What do you suggest?
P.T., Robbinsdale, MN Aug 15, 2010
Answer:
Some smaller breeds like bichons seem to have a cognitive processing error when it comes to house soiling. This problem is often rooted in them being paper-trained to evacuate indoors, often in a puppy pen. A habitual place fixation can be difficult to break. Have your dogs evacuate indoors on newspapers or absorbent disposable puppy "pee pads." Carry the soiled material and lay it out in the backyard (ideally protected from rain). Then follow your vet's advice and crate them so you can supervise their activities, or keep them on leashes when indoors. Take them out frequently, especially before and after meals and sleeping, to have them sniff around the new training spot of soiled material in the yard. This should trigger evacuation. When they do, praise them appropriately.
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