My boxer is over a year old and refuses to be potty trained! Help!

[angelina]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, sorry if someone already asked this. I have a spayed, female boxer named Louise. She is the cutest ever and loves me so much. I have had her since November 2000 (I got her when she was 14 wks,) and she is a mini. She is a year and 2 months old, and weighs only 40lbs. She is a lovebug who follows me around, loves our pit bull, loves all of my friends, loves my boyfriend and his son. There are only 2 probs....1. She will not stop peeing and pooping inside! She only does it when we are asleep(she poops), or when we are out (she pees) what is up with that? 2. we live in center city, and when i walk her, she is so scared of buses, some people and has beef w/ other dogs. My other dog is not like this...well she's not into other dogs she doesn't know, she just ignores them.
Please send advice! My carpet and neighbors will be thankful!

angelina

 

[Bumblebee]

If she is going to the bathroom in the house at night time, I would crate her at night. I would crate her anytime you can't keep an eye on her during the day too. Crate training can be a life saver.

 

[GG-CG-AG]

You have one very good option available to you...

CRATE

I totally agree with the above poster. Crating will help with potty training but also will ensure the well-being of the dog when she cannot be supervised. This will give you piece of mind about your dog. I also believe that it makes your relationship better b/c you aren't always mad at the dog for going "Poop" on the rug or peeing on the couch or chewing up the coffee table.

Do a forum search for the word "crate" and you will get TONS of good info.

Good luck and it CAN be fixed!! :D

 

[Jan]

I would also highly recommend the use of a crate at night and when you can't watch her. I gather that you live in an apartment and so do not have a yard and therefore must take her for a walk.

I would work at trying to get her attention forcused on you when you are out for walks. Give her lots of praise and treats when she is relaxed and walking calmly. Try and distract her with treats whenever you see something that is likely to make her nervous. You will need to find some extra yummy treats that she will do anything for. Obedience training would be helpful as well.

As far as the house training goes, I would go back to square one and treat her if she is a young puppy. If you can't watch her you have to confine her. Every accident she has, just delays the house training. Never punish her and don't say a thing unless you catch her in the act and only then a loud ACK should stop her in the tracks and then pick her up and rush her outside. Lots of praise and treats when she goes outside.

A great book to read is "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson. It should be required reading for all puppy owners.

Good luck,