So, I need help here with Lopez, the Chihuahua, who has decided that he can do his business in our kitchen--The kitchen has a tiled floor , so it is easy to clean up----but--once again, he is barricaded in the kitchen.--We had him going outside to do all that, but yesterday and to-day, as soon as I bring him in--- he pees and poops on the kitchen floor-- What on earth am I doing wrong?-------WE don't want to open up the main floor as he will do it (the business)-- everywhere and anywhere---I am about ready to give him to Son #3 who I think would take him in a flash--_-(But I don't feel I should not give up on Lopez)---This wee fella is now beginning his 6th month in age--
There is always something going on in this house, it seems-- Lord love a Duck! ------ I wonder if the Queen has problems training her Corgis?---- I sure need ideas on what to do to change Lopez ---- I have raised so many Shepherds and never had this problem--They seem to "get it" ----so much sooner than this little guy------
-Ever onward here-- I must get ready to head to town--- any of you with ideas to help Lopez would be slo appreciated both by Lopez, and Himself and-- "ME"
You know, my Miss Lilly is 10 lbs. She sometimes just does not want to do her business outside . . . in the cold . . . on the snow. **SIGH** I have a peep pad by the back door where we go out. Generally, if she hasn't gone outside, she'll at least use that. It's frustrating, but . . . you're not doing anything wrong.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well w/the oil change and w/Himself!
hugs
barb
1crazydog
Lynda, you have plenty else going on with Himself. If Son #3 is willing, I don't see any shame in letting Señor Lopez go to a home where people (more than just you!) can work with him on his training. I agree that Germans (as in dogs) are quite easy to train compared to many other breeds. Almost a year later I am still working with my Gus on his cat manners and jumping up on people. He's a hound mix and was almost four years old when he came.
ReplyDeleteit seems like a no brainer to get rid of the dog if himself's health is declining...being barricaded in one room of your house is no life for a dog...especially if family is willing to take him.
ReplyDeleteDogs are smart and pick up on the emotions swirling in a household which can leave them upset over the changes in routine. Not sure how much of a connection this may be to his housebreaking but imagine the cold climate also contributes to this. Six months sounds like an eternity to me because each of our three former American Eskimo Spitz's caught on within two weeks (we got each of them around 8 to 12 weeks). Our two rescue Maltipoo's came to us as older dogs that were way past that training stage.
ReplyDeleteGiven all the recent changes in your life placing new demands on you, if your son is willing to take him I would take him up on it. And, you can still monitor Lopez and visit with him!
Hugs.
I would be passing him on to your son. It's not like just giving him to a shelter or strangers. You know he would still be getting good care. Chihuahuas are not an easy dog to take care of especially in the North.
ReplyDeleteYou will know what you need to do when the time comes. It seems you are doing all that you can and I imagine trying to train a little dog is very challenging in the middle of winter. My Daisy is 8 and I'm lucky that she's a very good girl, but she sure doesn't want to go outside when it's as cold as it is today - with snow! Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion if Son#3 would like to take Lopez that would be A good solution.Both my Son and a good friend got their Chihuahuas from different owners that they and the owner didn't quite sync but did better with my son and another one with my friend.Nothing you are doing wrong but you have more than enough on your plate.If Son #3 can help in that way let him.It's not giving up on Lopez its finding a better solution.
ReplyDeleteI would not consider it giving up on Lopez if you decided to "contract out" his training to son #3 for a while. You have enough to deal with given recent changes in Himself's health, perhaps? You could still see Lopez sometimes, and you'd be less stressed without this one extra worry?
ReplyDeleteWhatever you decide, you know your "invisible friends" are on your side, caring. (( hugs ))
What if you asked your son if he could train Lopez for you since you have so much on your plate. If he doesn't want to do that for you then you probably should give Lopez to him. I know it will be hard because you have fallen in love with little Lopez but this way you can still see him.
ReplyDeleteAnimals are very sensitive and little Lopez senses there is something wrong and doesn't know what it is and what to do about it. I have agree with Lopez on one thing I would not want to have to go outside in that cold to do my business when it is nice and warm in the house... lol
This is going to be a very hard decision that you are going to have to make. You are not doing anything wrong with little Lopez but you are getting to a point you don't have the time or energy to train him the way he needs to be trained. If your son would do that for you great if not you might just have to give Lopez to him. I know that will be hard but you will be able to see him every once in awhile - right?
I am praying for all of you. Praying that you have the strength to deal with all that is being thrown at you at the moment. .
Hi Lynda. I would think that Lopez is protesting the cold outdoors. You might try puppy pads to at least get him going in one place, or you might try a treat when he successfully goes potty outdoors giving it to him immediately after he goes, excitedly telling him good boy. When he doesn't go, no treat. If you select the puppy pads then when the weather warms up, move them beside the door and then outside in the grass and after a couple of days, no more pads. I hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteBeth M.
Check out this site: k9ofmine.com. It lists several reasons why accidents happen and suggestions on effective training methods. Many trainers recommend a thorough vet exam to rule out medical issues. Keeping Lopez confined is a good idea actually, until dog is fully trained. Also, it might help to use an enzymatic cleaner on his accident areas.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, the dog can likely still smell the indoor places and think it is ok to go there. Booties may help him not mind the cold and snow as much and enable him to stay out longer so he has proper time to void. It is a lot of work and requires so much vigilence. But I hope you can keep him. Going to a new place like your son's may upset the wee one making him feel strange trying to adjust all over again and further delay his potty training. In the end do what is best for you. Your decision will be the right one!
If you are DETERMINED to keep trying, then I would take him out and not go back inside until he's gone both poop AND pee. You have to make it your job. That is what I did. Make sure you are not free feeding, so that you know his schedule (my Doodle does poo and pee 3 times a day, and I take him out every 5 to 6 hours). If he hasn't gone, confine him to his crate and keep repeating. That's ALL you can do. Give him NO opportunity to go in your house. I've heard that once they think they can, they will. Watch him like a hawk. If you can't watch him, then into the crate he goes. Try doggie diapers, dogs don't like them, particularly the washable kind. Once my former dog got wet, he never went in the house ever again.
ReplyDeleteBUT, I think everyone is correct, and I think that deep down, you know what you need to do. You need to, sadly, give him to your son. You have quite enough on your plate. It is hard enough training a medium to large dog, who typically gets it quickly, let alone a tiny Chihuahua. Toy breeds are known to be hard to housetrain. That is why I have never wanted to own one. Hugs to you as you make this difficult decision.
P.S. Typically walking them where other dogs have done their business brings on a pee and a poop, but I don't think you can do that where you live. I was never very successful just having them go in one place, at least, for pooping. I suppose you could pop in the car, and drive to where that could happen. That is all best done in summer. Winter isn't a good time to try to housetrain a dog, period, big or little.
ReplyDeleteSadly, this was a choice done at the wrong time, and without thoroughly studying the issue, make the best of it by giving him to your son or anyone else with tiny dog experience living in an uncomfortable area. It is not fair to the animal to prolong all the chaos going on in the house at present. Just one of those things in life. Tough on you, but so is what is going on now with Himself. It is too much stress. Be good to your self.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'd give him to your son and let him fix him.
ReplyDeleteChihuahuas are hard to train.
I agree with Beth M. I now nothing about chihuahuas but I do know a lot of dogs don't like to go in the cold and snow. If Lopez really does sense that himself doesn't like him then it would be good to give him to your son and get another shepherd. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI feel your frustration. I have 2 yorkies. One is 6 and one almost 10. The 10 year old was a breeze from a puppy age. The one who is 6 was very difficult to say the least. I was ready to find a new home for her. I started working on it by talking with people and making a plan. Long story short, I COULDN'T DO IT!!! It felt so emotional! She turned around and now is so good in every way. I can't imagine not having her. I really think that in the Spring he will catch on and things will calm down dramatically. Wishing you the best!:) You are a great dog mom no matter what! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteYou'll make the right decision. All of us support you.
ReplyDeleteI think you already know what's best. Seems you've tried many things but Lopez won't consistently do his business outside. If #3 will take him...great. you know Lopez has a good home and you can still visit him. Lopez ADDS stress.
Hugs Lynda. May you have courage to see the best choice in your situation with the dog and follow through.
Be safe, well and warm.
Lynda, I know it is a hard heart breaking decision, but I agree with letting Son#3 have Lopez. You worry about Beau and Fred needing time and care. Sadly it is never easy giving up a pet. Many ((Hugs)) Pat
ReplyDeleteYou're not doing anything wrong but tiny young Lopez does lol I would gladly give Lopez to your son. I gave my last Chihuahua to my DD and promise not to have anymore Chihuahuas ever. Now, we are left with 3 dogs and 4 cats. Another promise is not to bring any new pup or kitty.
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy training that little guy, but you're doing a great job. Hopefully it'll all click with him soon.
ReplyDelete