Peeing EVERYWHERE

[Gabbie's Mom]

Gabbie is 6 1/2 months old and we are still not potty trained. We just got spaded last week and it seems to be getting worse (peeing on the couch and the bed). Gabbie is crate trained. Gabbie does not pee when it is raining outside or wet but she will use a piddle pad outside on the porch. Gabbie has a sensitive stomach and she does not get rewarded with treat, she gets awarded with praises. Gabbie does sleep in a crate at night but the biggest problem is waking up in the middle of the night to pee. Mommy is very tired and losing her cool. Mommy will let Gabbie cry in the crate after peeing but it can last for HOURS!!

NEED SLEEP & MORE IDEAS PLEASE!!

[Carol A. Smith]

Hello, Gabbie's mom:
I hate to tell you this, but 6 1/2 months is way too young to expect the pup to be house trained, relaibly.. I figure a pup can go one hour for number of months old, so she *might* manage 6.5 hours, but that's not a sure thing. So, not unusual that she needs to go in the middle of the night.

As to piddling on the couch and bed, keep her off them, until she is more trustworthy. Or, only let her up right after she has peed... Take her out OFTEN, praise praise praise when she does go outside. and IGNORE when she has an accident in the house. DON'T notice, spank, yell or clean it up in her presence. Sometimes, it is an attention getting device. Think about kids: they throw fits for attention. Bad attention is better than no attention. So, all in the house must agree not to notice the accident, not to comment, and to clean up outside of the dog's presence. Keep her leashed to you, yes, leashed to you. That way she can't sneak off and piddle.

As to middle of the night, take her out as late as you can before bed. You might consider restricting water the last couple of hours before bed as well.

Hope this helps, and hang in there. Dachshunds are notorious for not cooperating in the housebreaking department.

Carol