Help me train my animals

[bthyb]

We've had Snacky (a 3-yo chihuahua) for about 2 months, and overall she's a great dog. I do intend to do obedience training with her in the extremely near future to smooth over a few bumps. However, I'm not sure the following problem would be solved by that sort of training, so I'm appealing to your collective wisdom.

We walk her morning and evening so she can do her business, but a few times each week we're finding dog poop in the house. She goes downstairs into little-used rooms to do it. I've tried sticking her nose in it and scolding her but it doesn't seem to help. If she would tell me when she needs to go I'd take her out other than her normal walk times, but she's very passive. I don't know if that's a reasonable expectation anyway.

My other animal issue is my cat Beanie, who chews up plants. I thought we had that solved by putting the plants on top of a tall bookcase, but she figured out how to get up there. What was once a healthy, growing money tree is now raggedy and chewed. I would love to be able to have plants inside!

Any sugguestions on either of these would be greatly appreciated.

[Ryda Wong, EBfCo.]

First, NEVER stick their nose it in and scold them.

NEVER. That borders on cruelty.

Secondly, Chis and other toy breeds are notoriously hard to housebreak. First step is crate training when she's unattended or when you are asleep. Crates are NOT cruel. They give your dog security and structure. You can google to find some resources on crate training. If she's doing it when you are with her, you need to tether her to you at all times. When she does her business outside, praise and treat like mad. Make a big deal out of it.

Also, how often are you taking her out?

[CSGirl]

I would love to hear advice about cats and plants too. They destroyed our last nice plant. They even got on top of the tallest bookcase and destroyed (yes, ate, and then threw up, of course) the *fake* plant. The only one they can't get is the one on the really high floating shelf.

[bthyb]

Originally Posted by Ryda Wong, EBfCo.

First, NEVER stick their nose it in and scold them.

NEVER. That borders on cruelty.

Okay, good to know.

Secondly, Chis and other toy breeds are notoriously hard to housebreak. First step is crate training when she's unattended or when you are asleep. Crates are NOT cruel. They give your dog security and structure. You can google to find some resources on crate training. If she's doing it when you are with her, you need to tether her to you at all times. When she does her business outside, praise and treat like mad. Make a big deal out of it.

Also, how often are you taking her out?

We take her out twice a day, morning and evening. She poops every time we go out (which wasn't always the case the first few weeks).

I'll look into crating. We don't have one yet for her but we could get one.

[Ryda Wong, EBfCo.]

Is there a pattern to the pooping? A particular time when it seems to happen? A particular day?

I suggest crating. Your other option is to purchase a doggie litterbox and see if you can litterbox train her (yes, they do make these).

And, I'm really risking being a total bitch here, but twice a day? That's it? I'm surprised you're not having more problems.

When the Jakers was an apartment dog or didn't have free access to a backyard, he was out a minimum of four times, and that included a long walk/hike/offlead training and play session in the park.

Chis are small, but they are also prone to being obese. Just be careful.

[bthyb]

Originally Posted by Ryda Wong, EBfCo.

Is there a pattern to the pooping? A particular time when it seems to happen? A particular day?

Don't know - we tend to find them when they're already dried out.

I suggest crating. Your other option is to purchase a doggie litterbox and see if you can litterbox train her (yes, they do make these).

And, I'm really risking being a total bitch here, but twice a day? That's it? I'm surprised you're not having more problems.

When the Jakers was an apartment dog or didn't have free access to a backyard, he was out a minimum of four times, and that included a long walk/hike/offlead training and play session in the park.

How do you work and walk a dog more than twice a day? I could try to add another walk in there on days I'm home, but midday won't work - she won't walk when it's too hot. And I don't want to leave an 8 pound dog in a yard, she's too easy to carry off.

Do you have experience with chis?

Chis are small, but they are also prone to being obese. Just be careful.

She's lost weight since she's been with us.

[Ryda Wong, EBfCo.]

Originally Posted by bthyb

How do you work and walk a dog more than twice a day? I could try to add another walk in there on days I'm home, but midday won't work - she won't walk when it's too hot. And I don't want to leave an 8 pound dog in a yard, she's too easy to carry off.

We did one or two in the morning (depending on schedules), one in the noon, the long session right when I got home, and then one later in the evening before bed.

Do you have experience with chis?

Some. Toys aren't my favorite, and I really didn't care for many of the chis that I've had to work with.

She's lost weight since she's been with us.

Well, that's good. She may be just fine. I just can't fathom having a dog who only touches the good earth twice a day. But if those two walks are long enough and involve structured play/exercise, and if you think she's fine with it, then more power to you.