[polo]

We recently got a healthy, happy cocker spaniel who had a brief career (few months) in the show dog ring and are surprised that while he does his business on morning and evening walks, he has less control in and around the house throughout day. We'd like him to do in designated area. We've tried the special gravel, pads, crating (at night). We think he was kept in garage kennel with his former original owner who raises lots of show dogs. Not sure how that childhood plays into current situation.

[fldonag]

Check with your closest kennel or ASPCA & ask them when the next class for house training is. Also, question on the highest age a dog can be. My brother got a shepherd & he was from the kennel. He was abused & my brother had to house train him. He was doing his "doo doo" in my house until my parents told him off!

[erehwon]

I think you would train him similar to a puppy. Take him out the same door (on a leash to start) and take him to the same spot everytime. In a corner or something an area about 5ft x 5ft and command them to go potty. When they do reward them by saying their name and how good they are. The bigger fuss you make the reinforcement for the dog. If he does not go in that area than bring him back in and try again in 10-15 minutes. It is gonna take a little time and work, but it can be done. You can also try the Pee Post from Petco. It works on the same principle except that you put a yellow pheromone treated post in the center of your imaginary box.

[Christian T]

Well if you are looking for him to do his business outside then actually what you can do is attache a couple of bells to the door handle of the the door you are going to be taking him out of to go potty.When he needs to go just kind of grab his head and make him poke the bells to make a noise. Make sure you say good boy and give him a nice pet.Then you will have to put him on a leash and escort him where you want him to go.If you want him to go to a specific place indoor, you will just have to do the same thing.But to get him to actually go outside and not do it in your house you will have to either try and catch him right before, in the moment, or directly right after he uses the bathroom and follow the steps each time you let him out. When he gets back in from doing his business again tell him good boy and sometimes, not all the time, give him a treat. I only stress on that for a few times a week becasue then he will be begging for a treat everytime he goes outside.But this is going to take alot of patience and time. Good Luck

[kksmith39@hotmail.com]

I rescued a 6 month-old Golden Retriever/German Shepherd mix named Hunnie. She has had little socialization with people or other animals. She is very affectionate and doing well, except I'm constantly tripping over her. She firmly plants herself in my way when I try to walk around the house, or she stuggles to be in front of me, if I try to continue on my way. From what I've read, this could be an attempt to establish dominance, but it seems to be her only method. What can I do to stop this behavior?