Help dogs rediscover house-training
PET OHANA
Hawaiian Humane Society
Many adult dogs adopted from animal shelters were house-trained in their previous homes. While at the shelter, however, they might get out of practice, without enough opportunities to eliminate outside.
Question: What affects house-training habits?
Answer: Scents and odors from other pets in a new home might stimulate some initial "marking." Also, remember that you and your new dog need time to learn each other's signals and routines. Even with a house-trained dog, if you don't recognize his "bathroom" signal, you might miss his request to go out, causing him to eliminate indoors.
Q: How can I make the process easier?
A: For the first few weeks, assume your new dog isn't house-trained and start from scratch. The process will be much smoother if you take steps to prevent accidents and remind him where he's supposed to eliminate.
Take your dog out at the same times every day. For example, first thing in the morning, when you arrive home from work and before you go to bed.
Don't give your dog an opportunity to soil in the house. He should be watched at all times when he's indoors.
Q: What are other problems?
A: If you've consistently followed these procedures and your dog continues to eliminate in the house, there could be another reason:
» Medical problems: Check with your veterinarian to rule out any possibility of disease or illness such as a urinary tract infection or a parasite.
» Overexcitement: Some dogs, especially young ones, temporarily lose control of their bladders when they become excited or feel threatened.
» Marking territory: Dogs sometimes deposit urine or feces, usually in small amounts, to scent-mark their territory.
» Separation anxiety: Dogs that become anxious when they're left alone have accidents as a result.
The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail,
hhs@hawaiianhumane.org. Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line. Or, write "Pet Ohana," Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.