Mon, 09/07/2009 - 14:14
I have 3 rescue dogs & 1 absolutely will not use the doggie door when it's too hot (Phoenix in the summer...) or wet from rain. The other two are (were) perfectly doggie door trained but Gina has started going inside throughout the house. I thought I had the problem solved...I put a potty pad in the spot where she most likes to go & she's been using it. However, now the other 2 are starting to urinate in that room as well .... not on the potty pad. I'll have to take her back if I can't resolve the problem. I can't have 3 dogs urinating on the carpet indoors. I'll appreciate any ideas/help you can provide. Thanks.
Taking her back may not solve the problem either. Once they've all started using that area as a "potty station" the other two may not stop just because one is gone. So, let's try to fix the problem with all three. First, you need to clean the area good with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the urge to go on the same area again. Then you need to restrict all of them from that area when you're not watching them. You can either use crates, a pen or a baby gate. Take them all out and watch them use the potty. Do not depend on the doggie door. When everyone uses the potty then there's lots of praise and maybe even a treat. Pay special attention to your "problem pup". Do this repeatedly and regularly and it should eventually resolve itself. Unfortunately, dogs are just like kids because they never copy good behaviors, just pick up all the bad ones :-) Put the "potty pad" in a safe area (maybe the kitchen or other not carpeted area) and you can buy a spray that entices the dogs to use that spot. I wish you well.