Puppy problems :-( advice please ---update

nyc_besos · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 11:12 PM

Not sure if I'm posting this in the right section, but I really need help with Epi. He is now 6 months old and I have tried to housebreak him and he is having a very hard time, and I am getting very frustrated

Its not with him doing poopies he will go outside and do it or when I walk him. However he seems to be suffering from "submissive peeing" as online and my vet has referred to it. Whenever he sees me or Abel whether we are coming in the house or speak to him sternly if he gets too hyper he stops and pees whenever he is and a huge amount. I really don't know what else to do to stop it? Any advice? I have done the following.

-ignore him for 15 min when I get home so he has time to calm down
-approach him gently and slowly
-tried to offer him treats
-wee wee pads still even though he is 6 month
-vet said give him less water, only with food

Nothing is working, any ideas on what could be causing this still, or what I can do to try and help him not pee everytime?

TIA

snowhite · #2 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:16 AM

I'm sorry I don't have any advice, but I wanted to let you know you're not the only one who knows a doggie with this problem. Our family dog did this every time we were gone long periods of time. The only thing that seemed to work was to be home with her more frequent (I know...not the most realistic for people who have to work) and then we got another dog that seemed to preoccupy her time.

bluemay1 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:34 AM

Have you tried kenneling him while you're away? (not leaving him to roam free in your place?) That way, he can't see you guys when you walk in the door and get excited and then pee? My shepherd and most dogs know better not to pee/defecate in their "home/personal space". Just curious...

CSRE · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:57 AM

Maybe he is not being walked enough? or with sufficient frequency? I mean, if he has already peed he would not have a big amount

Maybe he spends too much time alone?

I’ve seen many dogs in my building do that, but normally it is because one of the above reasons. I really don’t think taking the water away is the answer, but I am not an expert.

I am sure some of our dogs experts might have some better advise Kimoy

BabyJ · #5 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 02:19 AM

My dog did this for the first year, maybe two. When you get home you have to bring him outside right away to pee before you do any of your hellos. My dog will still do it if he has a full bladder and gets really riled up, and he is 5 now.

blm14 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 07:56 AM

Letting him out when you first get home and ignoring him when he's REALLY excited and then loving on him when he calms down instead will help.

rocklymber · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 09:17 AM

Our new GSD is struggling with this too; so I sympathize with you.

Here is what I have been doing, that makes our lives easier. (Also, he's supposed to be on bedrest, so he's in his kennel a lot.)

Pullo gets walks frequently. I take him for a longish walk first thing in the morning. If I wait too long, he pees in his kennel. When he comes back inside, he gets breakfast and water. I don't leave water in his kennel, but I do allow him drinks often. I usually try to take him out once more before I go to work. I have to make sure he pees before I take him inside, or he'll do it in the house. When I get home from work, the process is repeated. If I'm going to be gone for a significant period of time, like for work, or bedtime, I put him in his kennel, and cover it so he can't get distracted by the cats or anything. He gets treats and toys in his kennel, so he likes being in there, as opposed to feeling like it's punishment.

I know how frustrating it can be dealing with the cleanup. Just try to be paitent with Epi, and I'm sure you can work it out. :-)

-P

nyc_besos · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 09:37 AM

thanks for the tips guys

More information that may help, he is sectioned off to one area of the apartment and we have tried "crate training him". I tried taking him out the minute I get in but he gets excited as I approach him and will watch me and pee

Rocklymber, I will try taking him on two walks before work thats a great idea.

He is only alone for at most 7 hrs b/c Abel is nearby with work, my commute is an hour away so I dont see him as much. I really hope he grows out of this habit. I am trying to be patient I just never had this problem with my last pup so I feel so helpless. I keep wondering if I am doing something wrong. I feel like a bad mom

**katie** · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 10:43 AM

our youngest westie did this when she was a baby, she is almost a year old now. She still does this in the mornings so I just don't touch her cause when I do, she will release haha. I'm a little surprised that your dog is still doing it only because it's more common in females. The only advice I have is just have more people over and play w/ him more so that he's used to being around people.

BabyJ · #10 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 11:11 AM

7 hours is too long for him to hold it. Abel needs to come home at lunch to let him out. General rule - puppies can only hold it for as many hours as they are months.

brody · #11 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 11:44 AM

^

Or hire a dog walker to come by. You can have them come by twice a day at first, then move down to once per day once he is older.

ETA: Dogs have no concept of time, so that 15 minutes you are ignoring your dog for (rightfully), can be cut down to 2 minutes easily, without him knowing the difference.

k9bites · #12 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 11:59 AM

Kimoy, I would go to very positive reinforcement.
When he starts to pee just tell him "no" but NOT in a mean/stern way, just very matter-of-fact. Then immediately pick him up and take him out (where he should be going) and as soon as he goes where you want him to, immediately praise him! (Use your best 8 year old girl voice...........people laugh but it has worked great for us)!! Tell him, "yes, good potty (or whatever word you want to use).
He is still a puppy and most puppies get pretty excited so, IMO, that part of it is pretty normal.
I also agree that 7 hours is a long time to "hold it" and especially for a smaller dog.
Rewarding the GOOD behavior has always seemed to work the best for us.

**luvapup** · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 10:59 PM

Keywords from a Dog Trainer:

REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR.

littlespesh · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyJ

7 hours is too long for him to hold it. Abel needs to come home at lunch to let him out. General rule - puppies can only hold it for as many hours as they are months.

i have to agree, and definitely with k9bites's advice. my tino just turned two and he still had occasionally peeing 'accidents' until maybe 1 1/2 years. at 6 months EPi is still SO young. puppies are like babies, each one takes their own time to learn and mature.

i know im not a huge help, but im still learning things myself with my 2 year old 'puppy'. i just started re-reading 'the other end of the leash' - its such an insightful read.

it.

best of luck, with patience u'll work it out im sure. training is for life ;)

lynette21s · #15 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 11:52 PM

The problem may be because he is really just a puppy. My dogs are both 3 yrs old and when they are left TOO long in the house alone. They still do this crap. lol

But what can you do. It will get better Kimoy! Hang in there and take some tips from the AFers.

nyc_besos · #16 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 10:48 AM

thanks guys!

Kari those tips are really helpful, I will def try that. I keep telling Abel I think thats where me and him are having issues. Because all of our previous dogs were at least 1year old. this is out first experience with a puppy, and even though he is getting bigger (size ) we still need to remember he is a baby.

I will also have Abel come home and walk him at lunch. We were doing this until three months, b/c the vet had told us only up to three months

clearly he was wrong so we will def not leave him the 7 hours anymore.
And Kari I will use my 8 year old voice

I notice he is also a lot more excited with me that Abel, I am guessing b/c I baby him so much and Abel is more of the "enforcer parent"

I also have been letting him run around on the balcony more often too so he can get familiar with sounds and people its gated off and plenty of room to run , I notice past few days I have been home and he is running out there and more walks no accidents except one or two.
thanks ladies

keep the advice coming! I will keep updating

rocklymber · #17 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 10:40 AM

To add....my dachsund who is nine *still* has problems if she's left in the house too long. It's always right by the door, so I know she *wants* to go outside.

Some of the more experienced folks can chime in here, but I read somewhere once that women's voices sound like puppy voices to dogs, and that's why sometimes dogs don't listen as well to women. Also might explain why the little girl voice works when praising; because it's less dominant? I don't know, I'm really talking out of my ass here, but curious...

**katie** · #18 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocklymber

To add....my dachsund who is nine *still* has problems if she's left in the house too long. It's always right by the door, so I know she *wants* to go outside.

Some of the more experienced folks can chime in here, but I read somewhere once that women's voices sound like puppy voices to dogs, and that's why sometimes dogs don't listen as well to women. Also might explain why the little girl voice works when praising; because it's less dominant? I don't know, I'm really talking out of my ass here, but curious...

Yup, our dogs don't listen if you talk nice to them, they will take advantage of you lol. Need to show them who's boss lol. My bf and I have slowly been training our friend's beagle whenever we're over and he will listen only if we talk loud and mean to him. Otherwise he is way too hyper

sam.i.am001 · #19 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:27 AM

I have found that happy, positive reinforcement is the best option when training. A simple low-key correction (e.g., "no" said without emotion and without much attention) results in dogs knowing that this is not the desired behaviour and will allow them to figure out what you like by seeing which things are rewarded.

^For dogs who are hyper, rewarding the behaviour you like (e.g., calmness, etc.) is key, imo.

nyc_besos · #20 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sam.i.am001

I have found that happy, positive reinforcement is the best option when training. A simple low-key correction (e.g., "no" said without emotion and without much attention) results in dogs knowing that this is not the desired behaviour and will allow them to figure out what you like by seeing which things are rewarded.

^For dogs who are hyper, rewarding the behaviour you like (e.g., calmness, etc.) is key, imo.

he is soooo hyper, Im guessing its from him being so young and not being neutered yet either

so we will see I will try a mono-tone

R&RFreak · #21 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:51 AM

Kenneling your puppy when you're away really helps. Dogs normally don't pee where they sleep, so I wouldn't use one that is too big for them. Just one that is big enough for them to go in and turn around. I use to let my puppy run around the garage when I was away, but he pooped and peed everywhere. Then at night, I started to crate him while I slept (right next to the bed) and it took about 2 weeks for him to get potty trained. Crating him at night teaches them how to hold it in.

Marcano · #22 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:51 AM

I just happened to catch a snippet of a TV show the other day where a dog trainer was working with a family who had the same issue with their dog. Her advice was to get the dog sitting, because he can't PEE if he is in 'SIT'- it's the wrong physical position. Of course I have no idea if this will work or not, but it may be worth a try. Good luck- I can only imagine how frustrating that has to be.

kphan1999 · #23 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 11:54 AM

Not being neutered, I have noticed in my experience with dogs, does contribute to the hyperness for male dogs a lot. Being a pup does that also. I would recommend the same advice as Kari. I did have a dog that I was trying to train to go outside with treats not do it very well. He would sneak poops inside the house. lol. I think if you should keep it consistent on a training method. Dogs are creatures of habit and like stability. Continue with giving him less water when you are not around for long periods of time if the pee is ruining carpet, crate him and take him out right away when you get home and once he relieves himself, reward him with a nice voice and a treat.

k9bites · #24 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 12:02 PM

Kimoy.....Also please remember to never "reprimand" him unless you actually catch him going in the house. (And, again, I recommend using a calm, matter-of-fact voice to say "NO" -no yelling- and then immediately outside). You must actually "catch" him in the act. A reprimand, after the fact (you come home and realize he's gone in the house) will not do any good. He will only think you are reprimanding him for whatever he was doing immediately before.

And........don't forget to PRAISE and REWARD the good behavior!!!

nyc_besos · #25 (**permalink**) 07-06-2009, 10:14 PM

thanks everyone I already started using some of these great tips and been taking him out more and more and we have already had less accidents