Doggie Door Dilemma

The Problem: I have an issue with my mini poodle that I would love some advice on... For the first three years of his life he lived in a house with free access to a doggie door, so he went out whenever he wanted. In our new home, which we've been in over a year now, he still hasn't learned how to ask to go out. I just let him out frequently when I'm home and that seems to work (though we are making progess with a bell tied to the back door for him to jingle if he wants out - he catches on quick to most any trick). The problem is at night... he does not tell us he has to go out and he does not hold it through the night. He slinks off (mostly to one specific empty room), and does his business in the house. He knows he's not supposed to, he acts guilty anytime I discover his mess, but he does it anyway over and over again. I know he CAN hold it, cause he does all day when we're at work, while he stays in the bathroom... Apart from locking him up at night, what can I do!?

The Solution:

I would go back to basic housetraining with your dog. Continue to work with the bell. If he rings the bell himself, praise him enthusiastically and let him out. Go with him and praise him for going. If you want to use treats, great -- just make sure that you're treating him in the yard. He needs to know exactly what you're rewarding. When he hasn't rung the bell, but you're letting him out anyway, ring the bell yourself.

He also needs to be contained at night. If he's doing it over and over again, it has become a habit. Because you haven't been in the room to give him feedback while he's going, that room has become a safe place to potty. Dogs need to get good or negative feedback within seconds of a behavior to understand the connection. He may look "sorry" or "guilty" because of your behavior in the morning.

It sounds like he's successful during the day because you've contained him in a small space. Again, go back to basics with him. Lots of supervision when you're home, feeding on schedule with no food left down between mealtimes. Use a babygate, crate, or shut doors at night so that he cannot roam the house -- and especially shut the door to the room where he has had accidents. Last, clean the soiled areas with a product like Nature's Miracle that will remove the odor completely.

If you have a question for Susan Marett of Purely Positive Dog Training, email your question to leah@lowcountrydog.com using the subject line: Ask A Trainer.

Susan Marett has 14 years of full time dog training experience. She has appeared on local radio show Pet Docs, the South Carolina Public Radio Business Review, and local TV Channels 4 and 5 to present training methods and answer questions on dog behavior. Susan has also authored numerous articles for local publications on training and behavioral issues, and spoken to Charleston area shelter and veterinary staff on behavioral problems.

Susan is also a Canine Good Citizenship Evaluator for the American Kennel Club and a trainer mentor for Animal Behavior College. Her dogs have titled in Agility and Rally Obedience, and earned Therapy Dog Certifications. Susan is an Honors College graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Film.

Learn more at www.purelypositive.com