Accidents and Chewing

[Allie'sMom]

I was so proud of Allie. It took her about 2 days to figure out that outside was the potty spot. Of course, there were the occasional accidents, and even those had become less and less frequent. But, she is 7 months old (we have had her since 9 weeks) and those accidents still happen. When we are at home they arent so bad, but at my mother-in-laws house, she does it all the time! Even at home though, its like she just doenst care to tell me she has to go and just goes on the stairs. And, I cant get her to stop chewing things up! This (also) wasnt really a problem until lately. She has always loved chewing up paper, but lately, she has taken to chewing CD's, the window ledge, and anything she can get her paws on! She knows she is not supposed to do this, because she will hide to do it. I make sure that she has a variety of toys and she does play with them. I just dont know what to do. Could these problems be related somehow? Am I expecting to much? Any suggestions- PLEASE?!?

 

[BeckyNC]

Regarding using the bathroom indoors, it is my understanding that dogs will learn the rules at your house, but in the dog's mind, the same rules do not necessarily apply in someone else's home. I have read here on BW that if you move, you must re-establish the "rules" with your dog. While at your mom's house, you probably need to do the same. Take your girl out frequently, so she learns what the rules are there.

I adopted Tae at 13 mos and for the longest time she had trouble letting me know she had to go out. I finally decided to bell train her. It has made a difference. Half the time she rings the bell and half the time she comes to me and lets me know she has to go. I do highly recommend bell training. Go to a place like Michael's or some place that sells bells (should be plenty around b/c of the holidays). Tie a piece of string onto the bell(s) and hang from the door you usually use to take Allie out to potty. Hang the bell(s) low enough for her to hit the string or bell with her nose. Take her to the door, ring the bell and say "potty," "out," or whatever you normally say, then open the door. It took Tae a couple days, but I've heard some doggies get it within hours.

Chewing....does Allie have Nylabones or a sterilized calf shinbone or something safe to chew on when she feels the urge? When you catch her chewing on something she shouldn't, try redirecting her to a bone. I also leave a Nylabone upstairs and one downstairs for Tae. Another thought is to stuff a kong (do a search for kong for suggestions) and freeze it. Give it to Allie to chew on. Maybe she'll get some of her chewing energy out on it!

 

[Allie'sMom]

Thanks! I will try bell training, hopefully, it will help. Since I posted this, she has had two accidents!! I love my girl more than anything, but geez!!! As for chewing... She has both bones and a kong (although she only gets the kong in her crate). She chews on these until they are gone or she gets bored, and then its back to my furniture.
Has anyone had these problems, especially the potty training? I feel like I have failed as a mommy! I want my little girl to get the hang of all this! Anymore advice anyone?

 

[mancin]

Try and get a bitter apple spray (you can pick it up at Petco) to spray on whatever she's chewing on that she's not supposed to be chewing on. Dogs normally don't like the smell/taste of it and won't chew. I apply it daily to things that I want the dogs to leave alone.

 

[kitikarial2]

Dont worry it will get better, Lucy is 10 months and she still has the occasional accident, she was still having regular accidents at 9 months. I want to try the bell training too, but we are in the process of selling the house so I dont want a bell hanging on the door. But I hear it does work. They eventually learn. As for the chewing, lucy doesnt chew on furniture, but she does chew on other stuff though, she is usually in the crate when we are not around and luckily we have another dog so most of the time I know she is torturing him so she isnt getting into too much trouble. Yeah I would try the bitter apple, although some dogs like it. .

 

[Anna Begins]

Has anyone had these problems, especially the potty training? I feel like I have failed as a mommy! I want my little girl to get the hang of all this! Anymore advice anyone?

Luka is 14 weeks old and knows he should go outside, but sometimes has the occasional accident. Some days, we'll go the whole day without an accident, then it seems like all training goes out the door. Allie is older than Luka, but I can tell it will be a day by day process for a long time- can't wait til it's not... but right now I don't have any hope!
I want to try the bell to, but I'm waiting til he gets a bit better. Sometimes I see him sniffing around and we go out and he doesn't have to go (and sometimes, we come in and then he goes ), sometimes we have to walk around a bit to stimualte his blatter.
Anyway, just be assured everyone has these problems, gets to the end of their rope and looses hope! :rolleyes:

 

[Allie'sMom]

Thanks again! Sounds like I better just stick with it. I got bells last night, so we will start that soon! It's just so frustrating sometimes... we can take her out, watch her pee and poop, and then bring her in. Five minutes later, we have an accident! Oh well... I love her anyway!
Unfortunately, bitter apple doesnt work. I have tried bitter end also, and she just licks it off! Silly puppy!

 

[Anna Begins]

It's just so frustrating sometimes... we can take her out, watch her pee and poop, and then bring her in. Five minutes later, we have an accident! Oh well... I love her anyway!

Well, I'm glad we're not the only ones! It's hard to be mad when they are so cute! lovicon Good Luck!