[ancientoaks]

We adopted a 3 yr old minpin that we were assured was 'housebroken'. we live on a small farm, secluded, and are busy on the farm and in the house all day (we are retired equine professionals) . We've had animals of all kinds all our lives. Having lost our beloved dog of 17 yrs last summer, we were ready for another. The agency insisted this sweetheart was housebroken, I was clear that she needed to be self disciplined to merely ask to go out, since we are home nearly all the time. I didn't expect her to hold it for 8-9 hours. When we picked her up they 'mentioned' that they would put down 'pee pads' on those occasions when they felt they could not 'take her out for a walk'.
I didn't pay alot of attention since I knew the dog would either be out with us around the farm (which she loves by the way) or IN the house with us..
well, the little thing will NOT 'ask' to go out, at least not the way we are used to..she will get a bit restless, and sometimes SOMETIMES, will come and stare at one of us..We always respond with 'want to go out?" and she gets excited and goes out and potties...We TAKE her out at least every two hours anyway. BUT, at least once a day we find pee in the bathroom, or on a rug in the bathroom, and she poops in the shower..even if she was just out 30 mn prior. We have tried everything. Moving her food bowls to the last spot soiled, correcting her verbally (she seems remorseful at the time), taking her out again. When she does go out and go, we praise her loudly, consistantly, etc. Having trained horses for over 35 yrs, we understand positive re inforcement (and infrequent corrective action when required)..nothing matters.
I hate to return her, but I don't know what else to do. It's exhausting, to be finally sitting for few minutes and yet listening for that collar jangle and wondering where she is and what she's doing. Or having to remember to crate her while I go to the garden or the barn for 30 mn if it's too cold for her...Any advice before I email them to set up a return is deeply appreciated. We really love the little dog and wish we could solve this, but their answer of 'use the pee pads' just isn't going to work for our lifestyle. It's why we insisted on an adult, already housebroken dog. We are too old and too active for the puppy training thing. I hope this doesn't sound harsh, but we are realists, senior citizens, and just want to do things right. thanks!

[stevieg12]

Hi totally agree positive reinforcement is the way to go. Since you already know about it i will not go into it. However one method i have seen used and used before is get an empty can or bottle and fill it with rocks or coins. Now whenever your dog is about to go to the toilet in the house shake the bottle. Dogs react and usually dislike noises so your dog will turn around. When this happens demand that she stops and to go outside. When she is outside and has gone to the toilet give her a treat.

I think most of the time it is just being patient and keep at it.

Hope this helps

[Lara's mom]

This worked for me when I weaned Bailey off using paper. Maybe it will work for you.

Keep the pee pads for now but, keep moving them closer and closer to the door that the dog will use to go outside to "do his thing." When you get to the point where the pad is at the door, put one right outside - you can weigh it down with rocks. When you see the dog heading for the pad, open the door and show him the one outside. Eventually make your way to the grass. Use loads of praise any time the dog actually "goes" outside.

[Yogi]

As a breeder and long time rescuer of Miniature Pinschers it must be noted that in this breed if it is 85% house broken, it is house trained. Rarely will you find a Miniature Pinscher that is totally house trained. You mentioned a rescue, IMPS?
Hopefully she can be taught to use a doggie door where you can provide a penned area for her when she is not out and about with you. Good Luck.

[Birdie_M]

Sounds like you're on the right track. There are a few things to keep in mind though. How long have you had this little dog? If the change of homes happened recently, your new dog might not have adapted yet. So, patience is key. Also, since dogs are situational learners, she may have understood what the wee wee pads meant in her last home, and does not know what they mean now. She may also have learned through a couple repetitions of pottying in the shower and on the rug that those locations are where she is supposed to go.

First rule of thumb in teaching proper potty locations is to prevent her from going where you don't want her to. For the time being you'll have to close doors to rooms where she might run off and pee in. That way at least you won't be wondering what that jingling collar is up to.

The fact that you're using positive feedback is great. My only suggestion might be to cease using the verbal. Some dogs, especially small dogs, are not so keen on loud sounds. Maybe just try giving her a really tasty treat after she goes potty. Bust out the lunch meat or cheese.

Finally, you can try to teach her a direct way to communicate with you. Dogs that aren't prone to whining or barking when they have to go potty can be taught to ring a bell when they want to be let outside.

You may need to crate her every time you leave the house for a while. Dogs are unlikely to soil their crates, so this will help her learn where to potty. As soon as you return inside your house, immediately grab a tasty treat and take her outside.

Good luck!

[labpuppytraining]

You seem to be doing everything right, but you need to keep an eye on her at all times. If you are in a room make sure she is with you and close the door of the room, if you need to leave her put her in her crate.

Always take her outside after meals, sleep and if she starts to sniff in circles.

If she wonders off you need to follow her.

Be consistant, give her praise and a treat when she goes potty outside, ignore her when she has made a mess inside.

I hope this helps