Kristina emailed for advice regarding her 4 year old Siberian Husky, who has recently started messing in the house after previously being very good at staying clean indoors. The vet is going to test for any problems. The dog is walked once a day and occasionally tethered in the garden for short periods. The yard where she is tethered is not currently fenced in, but the family use an ‘invisible fence’. One of the main problems is that she seems to ‘hold it in’ when outside then pee when she gets in, often near the cat litter box. Here are my suggestions: Read the rest of this entry »
Housetrained Siberian Husky Peeing Indoors
September 17th, 2008Shi Tzu Nipping at Feet
September 13th, 2008One of my newsletter subscribers emailed asking for help with his Shi Tzu who has a small behavioral problem:
“HI, I need your help I have a small ShiTuz love her to death. My problem I am having with her is she runs to anyone who comes and start biting their feet as well of mine when I come home.
I tried spanking her but she still does this, I am afraid she will make someone trip & fall since I’m elderly & so are of lot of my friends.
Please tell me & help me brake her of this habit looking forward to help. Homer” Read the rest of this entry »
Potty Training 7 Week Old Puppies
September 7th, 2008Kathy has just gor two new puppies and is experiencing difficulties:
“We just got two 7 week old puppies – on is a Shih-Tzu and the other a Yorkie. I am having a hard time crate training them. We are putting them each in a “kennel taxi” at night with a towel, a toy and a wind up clock. The Yorkie doesnt make much noise but the Shih-Tzu will whimper off and on during the night. I check each of them atleast twice each night and they both poop in their crates. I know they are puppies, but what can i do to help them understand they cant sleep in their poop? We will be having to leave them alone during the day and dont want them to be sitting in their poop all day. We also put their crates out in the day time for them to get use to them, but they would just go inside and poop. Are we using the right kind of crate? HELP!!!!” Read the rest of this entry »
Cocker Spaniel Soiling Crate
September 7th, 2008Craig is having trouble with his English Cocker Spaniel puppy:
“We Have a 51/2 month old english cocker. She does well in here crate at night and during the day. But a lot of times when we go away even for a couple of hours she makes a big mess in her cage. Any suggestions”
You may find the help you need in these earlier posts: Dachshund Soiling Crate, Toilet Training Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Peeing in Crate
It seems from what you have said that she is OK when you are at home but not when she is home alone. You could try making a recording of you and your family going about their daily business and leave it playing quietly when you are not there, or leave the radio on. Another factor is that there should be no fuss when leaving or returning, as this will increase any anxiety your dog is feeling.
Exercising Dogs Before Vaccinations Completed
September 7th, 2008Tina posted this question:
“How do I occupy my black labrador puppy on a rainy day before she is fully vaccinated and can go for walks?”
Whatever age of dog, they need exercise come rain or shine. If you have a garden or yard where she can burn off some energy, let her play there for a short while then towel her off before letting her back in the house. If you have nowhere to take her outdoors during this time, then be prepared to play – a lot! Make room somewhere and “lab-proof it” (remove any valuables or fragile items that can be knocked over or hit with a wagging tail). Then just play a few games with her to tire her out – if you need a rest, fill a treat ball with peanut butter or a little cheese paste and let her occupy herself with that for a while.
Dog Ignoring Commands
August 31st, 2008Erica has got a problem pooch:
“What do I do when my 5 mo. old pom/yorky ignores a command I am certain he knows and there are no appearent distractions? Do I enforce it by putting him into position?”
Yorkie Mix Chasing
August 10th, 2008Betty needed help with her Yorkshire Terrier Mix:
“I have a mixed yorkie we travel in the R.V. If she is not on a leash but is with us and she sees an animal or something she is gone like a light, when we call she does come back, however, is there any way we can stop this behavior. people have suggested using a shock collar,I hate to resort to this but am looking for any suggestions to see if this behavior can actually be stopped” Read the rest of this entry »
Puppy Jumping Up
August 8th, 2008Susan asked:
“How can I get an 8-month old female puppy to stop jumping on people, on doors, on windows? She has springs in her hind legs.” Read the rest of this entry »