[Pause4Paws]

Hi Friends ~

I adopted a dog from the local shelter on 11/3/05. She is a precious little pup, about 2 years old. She is well behaved with the exception of one thing...she doesn't know how to ASK to go "potty."

If I ask "Molly" if she has to go potty, she will always jump up and head to the back door, do her business and receive her praise. However, about once a day she is having accidents, most likely because she doesn't know how to ask. I am home most days and try to routinely take Molly out, but I can't seem to teach her how to ask to go when it is at a time other than the "routine."

Please, if you have any suggestions, let me know. I love this pup, but I am really getting frustrated about having to clean up about once a day. The accidents occur at various times...not one particular time. Thanks so much for any advice you can share.

Wags & Purrs,

Jeanne

[Ebonyfox]

Most shelter dogs have had some bad memory about when they barked or made noise and they got into trouble.
My dog Sheba would bark and then go hide. and we wanted her to bark when she had to go out.

What we did was. When she barked we praised her gave her a treat and took her outside. (this was after we taught her that when she goes outside she needs to go to the bathroom that is)
Everytime when we would hear her make the smallest noise we would do the same thing. Praise her, give her a treat and take her outside.
Finally she got accustomed to making noises so we took out the treat and just praised her and took her out.
Eventually she got the idea.

If she doesn't make any noises try to prompt it out of her by making some noises yourself. Make her see that its okay to cry and stuff.

Hope that helps!

[!Axel2]

kewl topic guys

[waya1]

You didn't mention if she is going in the same place every time or if it is different places. If she is using the same spot, purchase some stuff at the pet store that removes the urine odor.

K