Posted By rattytatty on 09/26/2008 9:54 AM
Whether or not you feed her one a day or twice a day (or 10 times a day) is personal preference. I feed my dogs once a day... around 4:30 in the afternoons, and certainly Oreo is old enough for you to feed only once a day if that's what you wish to do. I would advise against free feeding (leaving food out all the time) though. You will be hard pressed to find a trainer who will advise free feeding. I would definitely advise no food after 7 p.m., and make sure you are giving her a chance to eliminate immediately before you go to bed.
(No water after the final elimination just before bed).

Your comment "I have scolded her and then taken her out and praised like crazy" tells me that Oreo may be confused. You can't scold a dog and immediately praise a dog... it's confusing to them. She may not know what you want, in all honesty. In reality, Oreo may have indeed made an association, but the association has to do with pee or poop being linked to something bad happening to her. So the initial "scolding" you refer to may in fact be over-shadowing any praise you give.

It's important to remember that dogs have a less than two to four second window in which they make associations. In other words, you must catch Oreo in the act...interrupt the behavior as it is happening indoors with an “Uh oh!” or “Oh no!” and quickly escort her out. Once outside, immediately begin to gently encourage her to eliminate. (and don't do any scolding at all)

If Oreo doesn't eliminate within 5 minutes, bring her back in the house and crate her. Try again 10 minutes later and take her to the spot outside. Also, make sure you crate her at night... at least until this issue is resolved.

I'm sorry you're having so many problems. I DO know how to potty train dogs, so I felt so inept with Lil'Bit (my black doxie) during this potty training process. She was 7 months old before she finally got that she was to potty outside. It was very frustrating for me, because I've never owned a dog that I had such issues with. So just know that even though I know WHAT to do... I've had issues with one of my dogs too, so I understand the frustration you are feeling. :=) I highly suspect there are many on this forum who have dealt with similar issues.. .so please don't feel alone.

Keep Oreo on a routine.. a schedule.. and don't let her out of your sight. Don't "relax" with her unless you KNOW she is "empty". She's old enough to be able to "hold it" for several hours at this point. Use the crate... but not as punishment. I'd bet Oreo is sensing your frustration and that too may be part of the issue.

Hang in there please!




That makes a lot of sense, never thought of it that way.  I do crate her if she doesn't go right away and potty her right before bed, I also don't free feed, if she doesn't finish, up it goes until later.  I really feel like I am doing everything I should.  I let her out just about every hour and 1/2, if I am home.  (I'm not away that often).  Oh, and when I take her out, she is always on a leash, same spot each time.  That's what I'm saying, I feel like I'm consistent with each step.  But, she isn't getting something in those steps.  I haven't given up, and feel better knowing that I'm not alone.