My 5 month old shitz "Buster" keeps going pee in the house or kennel
when we are gone. He is really great about going to the door, but we
are at our wits end with him. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

said in rec.pets.dogs.activities:

My 5 month old shitz "Buster" keeps going pee in the house
or kennel when we are gone. He is really great about going
to the door, but we are at our wits end with him.

He's too young for you to rely on his signals - put him on a
schedule, like after he wakes in the morning, right after meals,
before and after play sessions, and every other hour. Lots of
praise when he goes outside, no punishment if he goes inside.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.

Okay, that sounds good. He will wet his bed at night too. I cleaned
his kennel last night and sprayed vinegar on it to erase his scent. Do
you think that will be a problem for him? Thanks for your help!

For some reason, I keep reading this as "Shitzu pottery", and as this is
rec.pets.dogs.activities, keep thinking "Wow! A dog who can throw
pots!"

--
Debbie the Dogged das at spamcop dot net
"Poodles are space aliens who think they've disguised
themselves as dogs." - Paghat the Ratgirl

said in rec.pets.dogs.activities:

I cleaned
his kennel last night and sprayed vinegar on it to erase
his scent.

It would be better to clean with an enzymatic cleaner like
"Nature's Miracle" which eats the proteins in urine.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.

Thanks! Do you happen to think he might have Anxiety Disorder seeing
as how it only happens when we are not at home? He also pushes his way
inbetween my husband and I when we are showing each other affection.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks Again!

Thanks! Do you happen to think he might have Anxiety Disorder seeing
as how it only happens when we are not at home? He also pushes his way
inbetween my husband and I when we are showing each other affection.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks Again!

said in rec.pets.dogs.activities:

Do you happen to think he might have Anxiety Disorder
seeing as how it only happens when we are not at home? He
also pushes his way inbetween my husband and I when we are
showing each other affection. What are your thoughts?

My personal opinion is that separation anxiety is over
diagnosed. At this stage, with a 5 month old puppy, I wouldn't
worry about it.

What I *would* be doing is taking him to an obedience class
where he can socialise with all sorts of dogs and all sorts of
people. Meanwhile, continue on with your husband, there's no
need to banish him yet. Seriously, if your puppy continues
being pushy, just ignore him (the puppy) - don't say things like
"it's all right, baby" and pet him, you'd be reinforcing the
behaviour. Just be neutral. If he's really annoying, he may
need a time-out or more exercise - a tired dog is a happy dog
and has happy owners.

As to the anxiety, in my opinion, if a dog is comfortable in his
crate he's more comfortable being left alone. I'd really work
on that crate training - ask your obedience instructor: if
she/he says that crates are cruel, find another instructor.

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.

Thanks so much for all your help! We are signing him up TODAY!
Christine

said in rec.pets.dogs.activities:

Thanks so much for all your help! We are signing him up
TODAY!

You're welcome and good decision!

--
--Matt. Rocky's a Dog.