Our 1.5 year-old border terrier, formerly potty-trained, has now started pooping and peeing in the house. Two weeks ago, my work hours increased from 20 a week to 40 a week and I have a feeling this is why he's doing it now. He is not otherwise ill, no food changes, etc. He is also, when he gets angry with us, peeing in the house, too. My husband closes him out of our daughter's room at night while we're doing the bedtime routine (because otherwise he jumps all over the bed, trying to grab toys and make a disturbance while story time is underway). The dog got angry, and lifted his leg and peed on the wall and floor. Or if we've put him in his crate and he doesn't like it, when he gets out he'll pee or poop in the house (no, we don't leave him in the crate for long periods of time)
Last Friday, he pooped and peed all over my daughter's carpeted room as my husband was trying to get our daughter out the door for school. It was so bad, we had to immediately have carpet cleaners over. This morning I advised my husband to keep her room closed completely, but it apparently was left open for a bit and the dog again went in and went poop, even though we had physically gone out into the back yard this morning with him, where he pooped and peed right before our eyes.
A little background: he's in an enclosed room during the day with a doggie door that leads to an outside dog run where he can go potty. We get home around 6 p.m. each evening. We do our very best to walk him each night, but this depends on how tired my husband is when he gets home around 7-8 p.m. I'm busy w/ our daughter and dinner/homework/shower/bedtime and am exhausted by 8 p.m. and frankly don't want to walk him in the dark. I know it's no excuse and he needs exercise, but I want to lay it all out there. We bought him a kong treat ball yesterday to keep him busy during the day and he had it figured out in 20 minutes, then proceeded to chew up the kong toy completely, so that is done. He is provided w/ chew toys, bones, loveys, etc. when he's alone.
Short of trying to find him another home, I'm just not sure what to do and am looking for any advice you can give me. I don't work close to home so cannot go and visit on my lunch hour. We love this dog and want to know if this is a temporary issue that will settle down once the routine is in place. I'm not a throw-away-animal type of person, but neither am I a put up w/ my house getting crapped on person, either. We're willing to hire a one-on-one trainer, but only if the money spent will bring results. Frankly, we don't want to shell out hundreds of dollars and have no results.
And crating him for 9-10 hours M-F seems cruel, esp. when we have a doggie door, which we installed for that very reason.
Thanks for all your input. Yes, the dog is clearly frustrated and lonely. I already get up at 5 a.m.; it's dark and I'm definitely not getting up any earlier than that for a walk in the dark. We live in a safe neighborhood, but really, I don't like to invite trouble if you know what I mean! We do play ball inside the house at night and he loves it and hubby has been doing his best to walk him at night.
We do love this dog and want to try all that we can to make it work, so....
I've already contacted a dog walker to come during the day 2-3 times during the work week and we'll see how it goes from there. Boy, they aren't cheap! I could hire a much-needed cleaning lady or gardener for what we'll be paying monthly for the dog walker. Ad on top of that the pet insurance we pay monthly for the pooch -- and yes, we do purchase high-quality dog food for him, too (someone asked...) *sigh*
You might want to look for a doggie daycare. Seriously.
I've never heard of any dog that could destroy a Kong! LOL
You have two children one with 2 and one with 4 legs. Each wants and needs daily attention. Perhaps the doggie day care is the answer since you can't come home at lunch. Consider the difference of the carpet cleaners every week or the day care.
Even when we are tired we still have to do things we don't want to do. So look at wherether you really want the dog or not and let him have a happy life. Wait a while for another animal when you (hubby and you) will have time to devote to the animal.
My best wishes to all of you.
The other S.
My husband and I had a dog when we first got married. He was great until my husband started travelling out of town for 3-4 days at a time. Then the dog chewed and tore up everything. He was lonely. They do get lonely. Maybe you could hire someone to come in during the day and walk him or play with him for an hour or so. They get bored---dogs are pack animals--they don't like to be alone. I hope you can find a mom or someone who stays at home during the day and would like to make some extra money pet sitting. Good luck.
The dog is mad at being left alone. I have friends who take their dog to doggie daycare. You could do this a few times a week or all week. We have a service that comes and picks up our two labs and takes them to a ranch with other dogs. They get to run around all day. They come home exhausted. I found out about this place by calling the animal rescue people. Where I live there is an ordnance that dogs can't bark for more than 5 minutes. To my neighbor any dog who barks in the neighborhood is mine. So we have had problems. The rescue people suggested this service and it certainly makes for happy dogs. Just wish I could make the neighbor go for a run as well. Lol.
Maybe it's not anger. Maybe it's separation anxiety. All of a sudden you're away twice as long.
Look at him as if he were a kid (I know he's a dog, but do this just for a minute). He's been given more responsibility (taking care of the home, without anyone there to take care of him), he is lonely while you're gone (dogs like packs and leaders), and he has much less attention when you're there (you all are too tired right now to walk him or play with him much). A dog that age still has a great deal of puppy in him. So part of it could be seeking attention - "Look at me, too!" - and part of it could be simply stress-related. The chewing could be a stress thing, too - it's one of the ways dogs show anxiety.
Border Terriers - besides having a stubborn streak - like activity, if I recall correctly. They need things to do, and if they don't have things to do, they find things to do on their own, and those things may not be people-approved.
If he were mine, I think I would talk to a reputable trainer, particularly one familiar with the breed. I would ask the trainer how to help the dog adjust to the new family schedule, and how to meet his needs so that he can better meet mine.
As part of this, you might think about hiring a dependable neighbor or high-school student - someone you know and trust - who would be willing to walk and play with your dog every day without fail while you're away. But ask your training pro first.
The dog is mad at you. He is not getting any positive attention. He is left alone all day.
I believe in the responsibility and committment it takes to have a pet.
He needs some positive interaction. If you can't or won't walk him, hire someone to come in during the day and do it.
He is lonely.
We have 3 dogs and we have our house sectioned off with gold gates. If we are not home for 5+ hours straight, our sitter comes in to let them out and give them some attention until we can get home.
Don't give your beloved dog away. Trust me you can get him trained.
When I met my hubby, he had his dog for 6 years and you can't believe what she learned.
You can teach an old dog new tricks.
Not sure why he's peeing in your daughter's room but keep closing that door like you were doing but make sure it's latched.
-Take the dog out for frequent potty/poop breaks.
-The smaller the dog....the more often they need to pee. I take my teeny dog out every hour or two when I'm home.
I'm always out there but I tell you......my dogs never have accidents.
- There's a reason why he's acting out.
You just need to find out what it is. Could be boredom, anger at you for leaving him for hours during the day (He will just have to get over that one. :)
- You say you have a doggie door he can use during the day? Work with him to really use that. Lure him from outside and give him a treat.
- Can you have a family memeber stop by while you're at work?
If not, do you have a garage where you can leave his bed and the side garage door (locking the one to the house)?
- Lastly look for a trainer in your area. Worth the $...don't give away your beloved pet. Trust me he can learn if you gently leach him.
it sounds to me like your family really does not have time for this dog. We have a shepheard/ lab who will be 3 in March and a 3 month old poodle/ dauchound and they want and need to be where ever the family is, especially our lab all day long long your dog see's nobody. When we would go to AZ for the weekend we had my friend come in and feed and play with our dog, but she still chewed something up cause we left her, they need to be around people, or at least not closed up. J.
Sorry I did not read all of you message, it sounds like your dog is pissed at you for not spending time with him anymore and is showing you he is made by having made a mess where it matters, crate him.
Ok I went back and read it all, I understand he hates the crate but who rules the house you or him? I would make sure you put him outside everytime you let himout of the crate. If he continues to have accidents and the weather permits it let him out and leave himout for a while. The let him in and repeat if necessary.
If it continues I would take to a dog trainer.
Hi- I didn't read all of the other responses, so if this was already suggested sorry, but perhaps you could find a neighborhood kid looking for a "job" to come after school to play with him and walk him and just wear him out so it isn't just another chore for you the second you walk in the door when you have so many other things to do. That way it would be more affordable for you and the dog would get a nice break in the middle of the day every day. Also, on the weekends try to make plans that really include the dog- like hiking or going to play at the dog park... that way he can let out some of the built up stress. I also find for us that a few minutes every day of reinforcing behaviors helps a lot (just a quick training session of "sit" etc for treats- it works their brain a little and reinforces your roles with each other) It's so tough when we have animals we love and they don't get what they need from us- I know how stressful it can be! Good luck- I'm sure you can find something that works :)
He could be lonely. Dogs need companionship, and 9-10 hours a day is a long time to be alone. It does not even have to be another dog. We have had cats, and even a rabbit, as a companion for our dog.
are you giving him generic dog food if so that may be causing it. when you are putting him out in the morning leave him out longer give him an hour if possible.the moving around stirs things up. crate him while at work if it contuniues they wont go in thier bed. or put him outside while at work and make sure the doggy door is covered so he cant get back in.
if at all possible keep him outside while at work. dog kennels are $200 if necessary which is what I had to do with mine. he is either doing it out of lonliness and rebellion or its the dog food your giving him and I would bet on the later. always rub his nose in it and swat him with a newspaper. always good luck and keep trying.
You mentioned not wanting to walk him at night in the dark, but what about in the mornings? If you could get up 30 minutes earlier and take him out then? Do you jog, this could be a good way to get some exercise for both of you. Or do you have a yard or a park near by and does your dog play fetch? Get up earlier, throw the fetch toy around and drink your coffee. If fetch is an option, you can do that at night too, 10+ minutes could make a huge difference. Like the others who posted, your dog misses you, is lonely, bored, and is letting you know it. He's still a puppy and has a lot of extra energy that he needs to let out. Is there any stay at home people in your neighborhood that you're friendly with and that you trust? Perhaps they can come during the day to play with your dog or take him for a walk?
Keep the dog crated while you are gone, and have someone come in to walk him and give him some attention once in the middle of the day, for an hour or so. This can be a stay-at-home mom or maybe a teen who is experienced with dogs. Cheaper than a professional dog-walker. Do hire a trainer - your vet can recommend a good one.
You owe it to your dog to try everything you can to solve this problem, before even considering getting rid of him. But then again, if you cannot find the time to walk him, maybe a new home is the right answer.
Find responsible child in the neighborhood to take the dog out. My children do it for dogs in our area. The going rate is $5 for an 1 hour walk. You may find enthusiast who will just do it for tips.
Good luck!
If he can't behave while you are doing bedtime routines, crate him. If you can't trust him in your daughter's room, put a gate across the door so he can't go in.
It sounds like he is pissed that you aren't home, but you need to establish yourself as the lead dog, and now. You should definitely take him to training to learn how to do this.
Also, for exercise, you can toss a ball in your backyard as well. Maybe have your daughter throw the ball while you make dinner?
As a dog trainer (I only do my own dogs now, BTW, I have a border too!) I can tell you that the only way you will see results is if you change your behavior. I appreciate that you don't want to dump him but it sounds like your family is not in a place to have a young terrier now, and he's resentful and angry. He is bored to bits, and frankly, I would expect his destructive behavior to accelerate. If you really love him find him a home where he'll be happier, you guys will be also!
I personally don't think dogs feel anger. His routine is being disrupted and he is looking for attention because he is alone so much. Even if he does have a doggy door and freedom, he is alone. And for a dog of his breed, that is boring.
I think the first thing you should do is take him to training. I have never met anybody who regretted taking their dog to training classes. You need to establish who is the alpha dog -- you. You can't really do that without a qualified trainer. I second the moms who say take him to doggie daycare. He will run and play until he's tired there. It's good for dogs to be with other dogs/people during the day.
Also, if he is pooping that much, perhaps you're feeding him too much. I feed my dog (about the same size as yours) a quarter cup of food twice a day. It makes two good poops a day (sorry for being graphic).
