It's a slow process, be patient and consistent with her. We adopted Bolt 6 years ago, he's 12 y/o and 3/4 Africain. We don't know his history, but at some point he got into a dog fight. He has the scars to prove it. When we walk, there are certain dogs that will trigger a violent reaction from him. Over the years I've gotten very good at reading other people, and how they walk their dogs, plus reading their dog's body language. A high straight up tail tightly wagging will send him off the rails. I've worked extensively with him to the point that he is manageable when he sees other dogs. I usually make him sit, or give as wide a distance as I can allow. BUT, he is a biter, so I'm extremely cautious when I'm around other people. All bets are off if that other dog is not leashed!! It does get better, and yes you can teach an older dog new behaviors, I certainly did.
Teach an old dog new tricks?
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Is there no way that he can have access to the yard?….
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Is there no way that he can have access to the yard?….
I am thinking about getting a dog door to the yard, but I worry because I have cats (so I automatically have to upgrade/$ to one of the magnetic ones) and my fence is only 4-4.5 ft high (however he has never jumped this one). I would like to try a door, but I hate to spend the money and it not work out. I went through 3 sets of gates before I found these…
Not that I mind spending - if it will work.
The crate we tried was ancient and missing the bottom tray, so it was a hassle. It was also too big and open, I think he would like a smaller "den" type place since he loves to lay under beds and coffee tables. I cant put a blanket over one because he also loves to make blanket confetti:)
I think I will look for a smaller (used-incase it doesnt work out) crate and set it up so it is like a little "hide away" for him. Maybe just leave it up and give him treats in it and see how things progress.He really is a great dog for all he has been though and I am lucky that this is his only real issue and that we can manage it.
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Christy, we use an expen instead of a crate. At least if he had an accident he could get away from it. Maybe that would help.
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It sounds like a behavioral issue. He sounds like he goes back to his old settings when you are not around.
I would suggest restricting his movement when you are gone and go with a smaller kennel that is more like a den, covered and small enought that he would have to sit in his own mess if he goes. They typically sleep all day and the small space will make him feel safe while you are away. It may be a little stressful at first, but they really sleep all day. I wouldnt put any bedding in it until you see that he can hold it first, then add it as a special something for him. Add a few chew bones to help him use up his stress energy.
Get him excited when you get home and go directly out for a pee. Feed him next, and walk until he poops. Get him used to the idea of a routine that gives him praises when he does it right. LOTS of potty praising!! Maybe even treats!!
I would suggest the travel kennels because they are cheap. You shouldnt have to use it for long. Once the behavior stops, you might want to move him to a larger wire kennel (cover with a blanket) that he can stand in, but not much larger. Once he is cool in that and keeps the routine, then expand the space more.
It is important to give him guidelines that he understands and praises for goals he can attain. Mine grasp this idea very well.
A very regular potty routine will be essential. Anytime he is out of the kennel, immediately outside to "go potty".
When you are home, pick a time every day that you take him to pee. Not when he tells you he needs to go. Beat him to the punch and tell him to "go Potty", then once he goes, take a walk for the treat.
you will need to give attention to the potty time when you are at home to establish it is important so he will know it is also important when you are not home.
Ignore the accidents, dont scold, just clean it up and stick to your routine. He will slowly adapt to the new guidelines and follow your cues.
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Also, its important to make your leaving and returning as calm as possible.
Often owners will "poor baby, I have to go to work now" in a sad tone.
This makes the dog think that this is a bad thing and they should be concerned.
Same with greeting when the owners arrrive home…its all " momma's home" high energy." That just pumps the dog up as well.
You want the kind of calmness that you have when you walk out to the garage to get a tool and then come back.
Its not a big deal...same with your going and coming home.
It should be as matter-of-fact as you can make it. -
I would suggest working in very small increments with him & the whole crate thing. I wouldn't even THINK of closing the door until he voluntarily goes in for more than 5/10 minutes.
You might be able to start with a few seconds in the crate…& making it a place that he WANTS to go into instead of a place that he HAS to go into will make a big difference. Pick a VERY HIGH value treat that he doesn't get any place else...you ONLY give him that special treat in his crate. Maybe even a special toy in there too. Remove him from the crate AND the treat & start again. Start with just a few seconds..and build from there. Once he's comfortable & wanting to go into the crate try closing the door (without locking it) for a few seconds & remove him & the treat right away. Don't give him a chance to "lose it" or go "Taz" on you.
All of this may take months...because eventually you can move up to closing the door & leaving for a few seconds...then add on a minute..then a few minutes..etc. Again, this could take many months depending on how afraid he is.
Good luck!
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It's taken me almost a year to get Sugar to the point she is at now-I did say that took me a loooongg time!
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You might be able to start with a few seconds in the crate…& making it a place that he WANTS to go into instead of a place that he HAS to go into
Great advice!!
It took me 2 years to train my rescue that potty was on grass and not on anything. I finally go her to pee outside, then she would pee and poop on the porch. Finally she got it! I was so proud!! It takes patience and there is a lot of importance to sticking with the same routine!
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Thak you all for the encouragement and great advice.
I have a friend that has both types of crates that I can use/have (chose the travel crate for its den-ness:) ) for free.
So, my next step is to move it into his room and put a mat in there, leave it open and do nothing but give him his "special" treats and let him get use to it.
I honestly think he will use it on his own with the door open.
But I have to remind myself to be patient.
We will slowly work on this and see how things go.
I will keep you updated -
My advice besides the crate training is to empty him before you leave. Make time to go on a short walk until he goes potty before you leave.
My dogs sometimes will poop three times on a short walk. They actually strain to get everything out of them to mark as much as the neighborhood as they can.
Our female even backs up and pees on trees.
If the he is empty & maybe give him a chewy to keep him busy, and a really nice blanket to sleep on. They love snuggling certain things.
He's going to have a hard time pooping/peeing in the house if he has nothing inside of him.
