A little frustrated

[Nicole and Baby Oscar]

I have a little bit of a frustrating problem with Copper, my nearly 2 year old rescue. Most people have trouble getting their dogs to go where they want, I have trouble getting Copper to go AT ALL. He was a stray for the entire 20 months of his life, and wasn't neutered or officially "housetrained". He still marks outside, but never has an accident inside. My problem is that sometimes he'll go A LONG TIME (12-14 hours is not uncommon) between peeing... even though I take him out every 4-6 hours with Oscar (for 20-30 minutes at a time). This includes going in the backyard and running around, and I watch him like a hawk! Is this normal for an adult? My husband says I'm a worry wart and he'll go when he's ready. Maybe I'm just used to Oscar needing to go out more because he's younger. Any thoughts or ideas?

[Rosalyn]

<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm34.gif" border=0> Congatulations on your rescue! You are a very special person and need a pat on the back. No problem when he has to go he will. Our 6 yr. old hides under the bed till my 3 year old grandson goes home. From 8:00-2:30 and she still might not go to pee. I think as long as the vet says he is healthy no need to worry. Our little babies just go ALL the time. Dudley born 2-28-01. So be patient and accept this for now, because when he gets very old his kidneys might go, or what ever. Kiss the kids for me.<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm20.gif" border=0>

[Mark]

Hi Nicole,

Try taking some mini carrots in your pocket and say "go potty" over and over for as long as it takes. When Oscar *goes* give him his reward and praise . . . and keep working on Copper, rewarding correct actions when he *goes*. It just sounds like he doesn't know "what you expect" him to do.

Keep us posted,
Mark