Quote:
Originally Posted by Mama2Bentley  In my original post I said he will be neutered SOON. I'm 7 months pregnant and on bedrest for preterm labor so I've got a lot to focus on.
I do have some good news! Today we had some progression! I kept him confined to the living room all day (the living room is quite large) but this way I could keep an eye on him. He played ball with my 6 year old (rolling it to him) this afternoon, played with toys and didn't mark once!
We also had an issue with not being able to take him out in the back yard w/o his leash; he'd dart off to the neighbor's yard. Today I held his favorite treat in my hand and walked outside and he stayed right by me without running off. Then when he did go potty outside I gave him a tiny piece of the treat to reward him.
So halfway through the day and no potty issues and he's made progression on going outside w/o his leash. 
ETA: We do use a belly band. We've had issues with him still peeing even though hes wearing the band (YUCK) but no issues today! |
You sure have your hands full with a 6 yr old, one on the way and a 3 yr old marking dog. Are you sure this is really what you want at this time? Trying to housebreak a dog is as difficult as potty training a toddler. Being on bed rest is just further complicating the situation. If you are really serious about committing to his retraining I would suggest a large supply of bellybands to start. Restricting his access to your home was a very good first step in the right direction. I would further restrict his movement by keeping him on a leash at all times and only allow him to move about AFTER he's peed outdoors. You need to take him out minimum once an hour and keep him on the leash when you do. Out for potty and right back in. If he goes potty your son can play with him for about 20 minutes but after you need to go back to restricting him again. I'd also keep the bellyband on him at all times while he's indoors. Just because you had an afternoon without accidents/marking he is by no means trained. This is going to be a LONG HAUL!
As for the bellybands, the ones from the pet stores are horrible. I buy mine from
Washable Belly Bands by T. Bumpkins & Co. and Doggie Pee Pads
They have a liner inside that is also washable and they are fit to size so there are no accidental marking is he does lift a leg.
As for the neutering, I do not understand why this cannot be done immediately. If you can't find a way now I don't know how you will find a way with a newborn baby. Please don't think that I'm trying to be rude but I am a mom as well and know how exhausted having a new baby can be. With a male there really isn't too much recovery and he will be home the same day. I personally would want to be well on my way to stopping his behavior is at all possible by the time the baby get mobile and truthfully it could take months for you to get to that point. Neutering will in the very least prevent future health problems but there have been plenty of dogs that neutering slowed or even stopped marking issues. It's not a magical guarantee but it would be in my top 2 things to do NOW.
Good luck in whatever path/advice you decide.