I have a new dog, he's adopted from an animal shelter, a Sheltie ranging between 1-2 years old. My understanding was that he is potty trained, but based on his actions in the house, he's clueless.
I take him outside to go for a walk hoping he will go to the bathroom but he doesn't really stop and do anything. Occasionally he will stop and sniff the snowbank but then sit down and wait for me to start walking again. I've taken him out in the garage but he won't go there either. I've put down doggy pads but he ignores them.
He doesn't have a favorite place to go to the bathroom, he just poops or pees here and there, doesn't matter what room he is in.
I've scolded him, brought him over to the poop pile and said "NO" very loudly and he still doesn't get it.
I haven't had the dog for more than a week and I know he is still getting use to his surroundings.
Does anyone have advice for accelerating his potty training?
Is he used to grass? If he's 1 he's probably never had to go in snow before.
Is he used to grass? If he's 1 he's probably never had to go in snow before.
Yes he's used to snow as I found him in Minnesota.
Maybe I should try a different dog food, perhaps moist food rather than dry?
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I have a 5 month old male Taiwanese mountain and a 7 month old Golden.
Here is what worked for me.
While training I always give my pup a treat after he goes potty outside. He needs to know that going outside = reward.
Be attentive! Shut doors you are not in so you can see him most the time. Is he has been sleeping for a while as soon as he gets up take him outside and give him a treat after he goes and make sure you give him praise and pets too.
After a few weeks they no longer need treats and they have free roam of the house when I am gone. They catch on pretty quick. With treats I've got my puppies potty trained, sitting, coming, laying down. Now I no longer use treats unless I'm training them a new trick.
Be patient and I wish you much success!
-MD
Did the dog have parvo?
Since Eileen got the dog at a Shelter I would hope not. They check for Parvo, or should be.
Another couple things I would like to add.
There is no point in scolding him after the fact. If you catch him in the act then yes, but after the fact he is just confused. If he look sad it's because he is scared or confused.
A baby gate can be very handy for keeping your dog corralled and in your field of vision. Dogs like to sniff around and circle before doing their business. Look for those signs.
Natures Miracle!! Most cleaners will not remove the odor (pheromones, you can't smell) left behind from the dog. Lingering odors can draw them back.
I recommend using a trigger word and a hand signal when you want your dog to pee each and every time. I stand tall and put my hand out to the side and say "go potty". It does not work right away, but after time it will.
Be consistent in everything you do. Repetition will win the battle for you.
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If he has a crate, keep him in it for an hour or two (he won't mess where he sleeps), then immediately take him outside and reward him whenever he does anything there.