(www.meowbarkblog.com) — Reader John asked:
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any good ideas about how to “reverse” hosebreak an 8 yrar old dog? that is, have moved to apartment and want dog to use garden/patio area, but he seems to think it is part of the living area and thus he won’t go. what to do?
John, your vet will probably have some good ideas, but here’s what I’d do in the meantime, based on general housebreaking rules. Because let’s face it, housebreaking is housebreaking, regardless of where you’re retraining your dog to do his business.
Next time you take Sparky out for a walk, pick up his poop and bring it home with you. Put it in the area where you want him to go potty. When he sniffs it, tell him, “Good potty! Good dog! Good potty!” Give him a treat if you like. Then pick it up and dispose of it as you usually would. Then, next time he needs to go out, take him to that same spot and encourage him to poop or pee.
Also, head to your local PetSmart and pick up a Simple Solution Pee Post. If you prefer Drs. Foster & Smith, you can get the Pee Post
from them, too (but it’s a little more expensive). Put it where you want him to pee (ideally right where you put the poop) and repeat the above. With persistence and patience, it will pay off.
I recommend taking him out every 2 hours for the first few days whether he has to go or not, just like you would if you were housebreaking a new puppy. Put him on the leash like a real walk and everything so he gets the picture.
Hope that helps!
Contents Copyright © 2008 Kristen King
