<html><head><style type="text/css"><!-- DIV {margin:0px;} --></style></head><body><div style="font-family:times new roman, new york, times, serif;font-size:12pt"><DIV>It's the clueless momPerson here and I do know something about this, I really do. Too many horrible situations ..... let's not go there but I'll tell you what I've learned (through my mom and also personally) and others can chime in ......</DIV>
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<DIV>It has been my experience with unloved dogs that they don't want to go to the bathroom, period. They have been subjected to living in filth and often (usually) their conditions are tiny such that if (when) they go to the bathroom they will then have to live with the stench and the wetness and the nastiness for a LONG time. Thus, they hold it just as long as they possibly can. This is VERY different from a house dog which learns to relieve itself frequently so that it won't get into a situation where it is inside and has to go and the option to go right then isn't available. These unloved dogs are often fearful to go potty in front of you because they've been abused for going to the bathroom, and have no idea why. And they wonj't go on walks because they don't want to mark in what is not yet their territory, in their mind that too will bring on abuse. I just went through this with Gracie. Within a week she
was doing "ok" and now, 2 months later, she is fairly reliable ..... no mistakes at all for about 10 days now and counting.</DIV>
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<DIV>So I believe that's the why. Now, I have never met a dog I couldn't get past this with. How???</DIV>
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<DIV>Well, first and foremost there has to be other dogs which do this correctly. I take everyone out and praise the ones who relieve themselves on turnout in a big way. Of course the dog in question won't go when they do, and will in fact be frightened, even hide. Then I give all the dogs cookies for turning out. Eventually .... especially if you spend enough time outside, you will turn and see the dog in question hiding behind a bush or a rock peeing. I then make a HUGE deal out of that. I make sure ALL the dogs get a treat if the one I'm working with goes. This creates peer pressure. The other two will herd her outside if I say it's time for turn out. They'll encourage her because they want that cookie. As for the mistakes .... if I catch her in the act I'll grab her collar and run outside holding her collar (with her attached of course) shouting "no, no, no we do that outside." And
once we reach the grass out back I'll tell her "good girl" even if she'd already completely emptied herself on the floor inside. She gets the idea that going outside when you have to pee is inevidable.</DIV>
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<DIV>It takes time, patience, "natures miracle", a carpet shampooer, vinegar and water and lots of towels but they can all learn dignity through love and tolerance is what I've found.</DIV>
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<DIV>Good luck Sally (and everyone else who saves a desparate adult dog and gives them a new life as a beloved pet).</DIV></div></body></html>