Starting Over

[Miss Ellie]

We got a female yorkie from the shelter about four weeks ago. She may be two years old don't know, she joins a five year old pug male which has become his life. She brought him back from a couch potato, I have never seem him play so hard it makes my heart jump for joy. I know we will have house training issues,
but I don't think she was treated very well in her other home. If I correct her on not going to potty on her pee pad, she just goes down like she thinks I'm going to hit her. It breaks my heart, but I know she needs learn our house rules.

So my point is how do I handle this being afraid?? I don't want to make it worse. I only want to give her, her forever home. Anything you can tell me to do will be very helpful.
Thanks
Denise

[Belindtch]

Denise,

First off congratulations on rescuing her from the pound. I am sure you would not want to know what she has been through in her short life. From what you say it sounds like she has been verbally abused. I think first you are going to have to show her love and gain her confidence in you. Then take the high road and praise her when she pee pees in the right place. Get all happy and make a big deal over it. She will go out of her way to please you. You might even offer treats when she is doing the right thing. Just remember potty training is not easy and not fast. It takes consistency and patience. Your little girl sounds like a sweetheart. She just needs to feel comfortable in her new forever family. If she pee pees in the wrong place and you catch her in the act..pick her up and put her on the pad and say "Go pp" or whatever you say. Never scold or punish her for having accidents.

[minngirl79]

Denise, I can't wait to hear the answer. I got Daisy when she was 3 yrs old and she is so very timid. She has come out of her shell in the last 3 yrs, but will do the same thing when you scold.

We have been remodeling our home forever and haven't had any carpet, so she has been so good going on her pee pad or letting us know when she has to go. But now that we have carpet in our living room, she has gone on that instead of her pad. I am afraid to carpet the family room.

So I hope someone has an answer for you. How do you train a timid older dog? Please help.

[SamiNFurbabies]

That is very kind of you to rescue this little one. You are not alone.

My Izze is an 8 y/o abused rescue that I took in this March. She was very much like your baby. I don't raise my voice with her... otherwise she would crouch....
I keep a strict schedule and take them out every 2 hours and immediately after eating. That seems to help. There are still some accidents, but not nearly as many.
She seems to do better with positive reinforcement, such as getting a treat to go out---that motivates her.
In time, you'll gain her trust. Izze no longer cowers---in fact, she is defiant and has a bit of an attitude. It'll come in time!
Glad to know that your pug likes his new yorkie sis!

[Miss Ellie]

Thank You all for your encouragement ... I think before I got Miss Ellie they had her outside a lot......This want happen at our house...We take walks....Have play time....Then Rambo and Miss Ellie have their play time without me...I can't get over how great they are together....I'm hoping that Rambo will give her the talk about going potty on pee padsNo matter I want her and will try everything in my power to give her a happy and normal life.

Thank you again ,
Denise

[SamiNFurbabies]

Denise,

You are a great mom!
And I think that it's great that you have Rambo to help her with the healing process.
I have 2 rescues---both of them benefited immensely from having the other dogs and they both are pretty well adjusted. Just give them lots of love and care---that's all she can ask for, really