[deeda9999]

I read your post and can 100 percent relate to everything you are saying and feeling. I really thought I would lose it with Gilmore who is the love of my life. I could not train him and was really losing my mind. If I wasn't so in love with him I think I would have given up and OMG I can't imagine my life without him.

It was the third trainer I had come that really was the one who turned it around for me. She put it point blank- and said you have to be willing to put in a few months of training to have a lifetime with a wonderful dog. I think I was fighting because it was so draining and exhausting.I had to go outside my comfort zone and although I desperately wanted him to use wee wee pads like my other dog, Gilmore wanted to potty outside. She told me I had to keep him tethered to me 100 percent of the time when he was out of his crate so that he wouldn't have any accidents. I had to keep him in a crate small enough only for him to turn around and give up the pen because he was pooping and peeing all over. I would take him outside (always leashed ) to potty and if he wouldn't go he would go right back in the crate and I would retry in a half an hour and keep trying until he went. I spent a lot of time outside in the cold in the rain crying. I was cold he was cold and it was miserable.

When he would finally go i would give him a little out time where he could run around. But basically we spent 2 months tethered together. Where i went- he went. The trainer had me use storage bins to totally cover all the areas in my house where he was peeing and pooping until we could break the habit. My house looked horrible but I can tell you that it worked.

I was really at the end of my rope and I am so glad everyday that I didn't give up. I believe that it is ok to give up and find a better home for them but I feel that for myself I would have always have felt guilty if I didn't at least give it my all first.

Good luck!!!!