Need help regarding 10 year old cocker spaniel.?

Question

I have taken over the care of my daughter's 10 year old cocker. He had started peeing in the house where he was staying prior to coming to me. But from what I can tell he did not get much attention. He is still doing it, but I also work during the day and am gone for 10-1/2 hours. He has not had any accidents on the weekend when I am home. He seems to only do it once and I am thinking he just is unable to hold it that long. He is deaf but otherwise is in great shape. Had been abused when he was a puppy prior to my daughter getting him. Does not bark and has always been very timid. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Not sure what you are asking help on. 10 hours could be too long for a lot of dogs to hold. I will ask when he was last seen by vet for a checkup? 10 yrs old is a senior dog and older dogs can develope problems with age. Rule out any urinary problems as such.
Would suggest newspapers or pads in front of exit door for those long hours! Certainly not something to punish or scold for.

Some dogs never fully get over abuse when younger. We get some really serious abuse cases. My girl Noonie was abused as pup but have had her since and she is pushing 8 yrs. old. She has remained the more timid of my pack. All you can do is lavish the love. Being deaf you must keep that in mind when petting and loveing and talking to him--face to face. Let him see your facial expressions and eyes. Deaf dogs do well. We just have to remind ourselves to get their attention and direct them with visual cues! Their other senses sharpen to adjust for not hearing.

Thank you for taking the cocker in. Give time to settle and adjust. None of us want to think that someday no one will have time for us if going blind or deaf! We can still be loved and give love back

Answer 2

With his age, I agree. He probably has a problem holding it. I suggest keeping him in a safe room, a bathroom or something and putting down paper as if you were training him. This way, he would go on the paper, but still have some room to walk around. I also suggest giving your vet a phone call. It's free...and he should be able to give you things to look for incase it's not just his age.
(a room with a vinyl or tile floor will do great...it will save your carpet and your nerves if you only have to wipe off tile and not shampoo your carpets)