Help with housebreaking 6-12 mo old dog.?

Question

I have adopted a dog from the shelter. Smart, beautiful dog. She is crate trained, and holds until morning, then will go outside. I let her out after every meal, every morning and after drinking water. I spend about 1/2 hour each time and usually don't come in until she urinates, and yet she pees on the rug. She doesn't bark, or "tell" us in any discernable way she has to go out. I have caught her three times, said no harshly, and let her out on the deck until I clean it up. I praise her so over the top when she goes outside that my husband makes fun of me. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Sounds like you're off to a good start. The only thing I would change, rather than just sticking out the deck, go out with her. Praise her when she finishes going.

Give her time, you'll pick up on her signals.

Has she been to the vet yet? You may want to double check and make sure she doesn't have medical condition causing this such as a UTI.

Answer 2

Sounds like you are doing the right thing...it just may take some time to get through to your dog. I'm not sure what the life was before you adopted her...but sometimes the old (bad) habits will need to be reinforced with good behavior like you are doing. It may take some time for her to know what you are trying to teach her. I have had puppies from 8 weeks of age and still have problems with the housebreaking...sometimes it just takes time...probably longer than you want...but with your consistence and determination..your dog will be trained...I swear...it may just take longer than you expected. Just keep up what you are doing...she will get it eventually! Good luck!

Answer 3

That's not her fault you didn't pay attention to her.
When you can't keep a close eye on her put her in her kennel.
If you want her to alert you that she needs out make her speak before you let her out the door...