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Originally Posted by qinvictus  Thank you for your reply, and your great suggestions. I hadn't thought about switching him back to the pads...it's probably been at least a year and a half since we tried that. Will it confuse him if we take a hybrid approach, or should it be always "outside" or "on pads"? |
You can do both outside and pads; I do.
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Originally Posted by qinvictus He is generally only left alone for at most 6 hours a day. We bought him a larger kennel so he's got room to move around in, and a big pillow to sleep on. He loves to go in there, so I think we at least got the kennel introduction correct. It's probably just enough room that he doesn't want to mess in there, but still can move around and be comfortable. |
It's good that he likes his crate, but during the day, I suggest putting him in at least an xpen or small room (no carpeting) -- with the crate in the pen or room, open to him.
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Originally Posted by qinvictus More than anything, I think it's the promixity of eliminations that concerns me. The spots that are on the carpets were created within an hour or so of having been outside and urinating plentifully, and they are relatively small spots. This makes me think that he feels he has to re-mark those areas. Near the front door (prior to the carpet change), and near the bathroom are the only places he ever goes when he's inside. Previously, we tried blanketing those areas with a half dozen pads and he would pull them aside and go on the carpet (really frustrating!!) |
I fully understand your frustration. That does sound like marking. How old was he when he was neutered?
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Originally Posted by qinvictus I've read a number of places that the best way to train him is to catch him in the act, but he does it so quickly that he can be gone and back within a minute, and if you didn't notice him leave, you'd never find the spot. And worse, he won't tell you he needs to go...he'll just go to the spot and do his business. We took him for training a long time ago when we first got him, and the instructor told us to only use a disappointed voice when we see that he's messed inside, which we do...and he definitely looks ashamed when we bring him near where he's gone. It's like he knows what he's doing is wrong, but he does it anyway! |
Catching them is almost impossible, and I'm of the opinion that it doesn't doesn't do any good to bring the dog to the mistake. While you are working on the problems, restrict his freedom to wherever you are (when you are at home). If you do manage to catch him, certainly give him a gentle "uh uh uh", like a "no no no."
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Originally Posted by qinvictus I will certainly try your suggestions for the next month or so and hopefully we'll see some progress. Thank you! |
I really hope some of the suggestions do work for you and your wife, and Harley. Hang in there!