[Chesapeakelady]

My husband and I have gotten a rescue Collie. yyaaayyyy!! She can now join our other 2 gals. However! The rescue foster gal told us that Lizzie hadn't messed in her house. Our Lizzie was a breeder dog in a puppy mill (ggggrrrrrrr - I'd like to strangle those people that did that to her!) I would guess that she was going on a concrete floor and it was hosed down, so it didn't matter where she did her business. We've had Lizzie for a week...she's done nothing but poop and pee in the kitchen. *sigh* I know, better than the carpet. I took her to the Vets. Seems she still had some worms. Got meds. Did bloodwork, everything fine. I'm wondering what's the best way to get an almost-4 year old to do her business outside. Do we start at square one and treat her like a puppy? Are puppy pads really useful?

[opokki]

Yes, start from square one as if she was a new puppy. If you want her to go outdoors only I wouldn't bother with potty pads.

[pjromain]

I myself have gotten a border collie who is about 9 months old who when I got her the owners had only had her for about a month or so. They did make the comment that she needed to learn to go outdoors. I have tried several different things with her and nothing has worked. I tried the puppy pads and no luck. I let her outdoors for an hour or so on a leash and within 5 minutes inside she poops and pees in the living room (yes on the carpet) grrrrrrrrrrr.. she sleeps in my bedroom all night and never has any accidents, even after several morning hours. I have scolded her and told her bad girl and put her outdoors after the accident. What other suggestions would you possibly have.

Thanks,
pjromain

[Woof Woof]

You have done a great thing by taking your dog on, and rescuing her from what must have been one hell of a life.

She will need loving and caring for, and I think you do need to take it back to square one, and treat her like a pup.

She may be slightly set in her ways, but she deserves to enjoy her life with you (you seem very caring people) and you should feel proud of yourselves.

Good luck.

[pjromain]

Thank You Woof Woof. Yes it has definitely been a challenge. It seems she had been mistreated before because she is very skidish. She is a very loving dog and wants attention all the time. I am working very hard on spoiling her. But on the other hand she hasn't had any accidents for four days now. One thing I did that I felt was not very nice (but I think It worked) was I got a Super Odor Neutralizer for the carpet and when she peed on the carpet I rubbed her nose in it, sprayed her nose with the spray, sprayed the carpet and put her outdoors. She has also gotten treats as soon as she pees outside. Thanks for the welcome and word of confidence.