posted 12-27-2003 02:35 PM         

Sounds like he needs to be confined when you are not home to supervise him since he obviously can not be trusted alone. He apparently is abusing his free reign of the house (if that is what you are giving him) privilege!

Is the doggy door accessible through your kitchen or laundry room? These rooms are ideal since most laundry rooms and kitchens are tiled, so if your dog does happen to eliminate in that room it is very easy to clean up. When you leave your home, or can not watch him, put up a gate (or some kind of a barrier) to block off any exits from the laundry room or kitchen, and leave him in there. This will prohibit his access to the other rooms in your house, thus eliminating his ability to "go" in the other rooms.

When you are home, DO NOT let him out of your sight! This way you are able to correct him when he does eliminate in the wrong area. Do note that disciplining a dog when you find an "accidnent" in the house is utterly worthless. On the other hand, when you do catch your dog eliminating in the house a firm NO along with a clap of the hands (to get his attention) and immediately bringing him outside (if you have a certain word for outside such as out, outside, whatever it might be, use this when you are taking him out) is the best bet. When he does eliminate outside, immediately give him lots of positive verbal praise and a small treat to reward his behavior.

Also, when you do find the "accidnets" use a quality deodorizer to help eliminate the scent so he is not attracted to the same spot because he smells the "remains" from his previous "accident."

In addition, you may want to look into neutering him if you haven't already done so already, as neutering can eliminate a lot of problems in dogs. It does sound like, although I am not positive, he may be "marking his territory." With the neutering of a dog, this problem is often stopped (or prevented).

The keys to remember here are:
1)VERY close supervision when you are home. Never let him out of your sight. This isn't easy, but it is so essential!
2)LIMITED access to the house. Even when you are home, only let him in the room(s) that you are in so you can keep an eye on him.
3)CORRECTION when (and only when you catch him) he eliminates in the house. And, lots of verbal praise with a little treat when he does eliminate outside.
4)PATIENCE & PERSISTENCE

Once he proves to you that he can be trusted, which may be long time, GRADUALLY allow hime access to more parts of the house. If the problem begins again, take away the access.

There are other posts on this board that discuss this issue and other housbreaking issues, so I would recommend taking a look at them as they do contain a lot of useful and valuable info. that would probably be of help to you.

By the way, it was very nice of you to take him into your home and provide him with the love and attention he needs!!! That says a lot about you, great job!

Let us know how he progresses,
Kristi

[This message has been edited by MyBabyShihPoo (edited 12-27-2003).]