While we are gone

[wriggin]

I have the best behaved dachie in the world when left out alone, except for one problem......no matter how long or how little he is left alone, he will go to the bathroom, even when we just took him out and he's done both! I would really love to leave him out in the apartment while we are gone, but only if we can trust him. Is he just doing this because we are gone or is it seperation anxiety? Is there any way to correct this since we don't catch him in the act?

Also, he does still have an accident from time to time because I am not sure he knows how to tell us he has to go out. We tried the bell thing for a few weeks but he doesn't seen to have any clue at all that he is suppose to ring it, even when we put his paw on it. Any other suggestions?

[Heide]

I am not an expert on this subject its been a while since I had a little one..:circle:
I would just keep working with him on the potty issue. I know they can be quite stubborn in this area. I would keep him kept up still while you are away. I would with positive reinforcement keep working with him say a couple hours a day. Let him out and watch him closely and take him out and give him a treat. Something lo cal like carrots if he likes them.
I am sure other members will have more suggestions for you.
Good luck:flower:

[dutchman]

If you leave hin in a kennel when you leave does he still have accidents? Sone dogs actuallt feel safe and secre in a kennel then tey do when given the run of the house. If there are no accidents when left in a kennel and no reports of barking because of the confinement then I wold say that would be the eaisest solution. My boys spen their time alone in seperate kennel in the kitchen. I am able to get home most days at noon to give them a break.

Good lock,

Tom and the boys (/Frank, Tanner and Dexter)

[Mark]

Personally I would not leave Ziggy loose if this is a problem anytime you leave or are you saying he potties in the crate? If so, how large is the crate? If he has enough room to roam and potty, maybe it's too large. He's about 2 1/2, right? Crates are also a way for them to be safe . . . those tempting electric cords . . . those tasty looking chocolates that were left out by accident . . . or getting into other mischief.

Never used a bell, but I think if you help him ring the bell "everytime" you go out with him . . . eventually he'll get it. Maybe it would also be helpful to ring it as a signal to go out for potty. Hopefully someone with bell-training experience can help.