It's Too Cold!

[boonda]

Help I have a one year old, who was pad trained last winter as a puppy. Through the spring and summer he was housetrained and did very well outside . Well winter arrived early and we have an early cold snap and snowfall. Now he has taken to pooping in various spots on the basement carpet! He is very sneaky and is never caught until after the fact. When you discover it, he appears very guilty and knows it's wrong. Any ideas???
Should I try to retrain him on a pad or doggy litter box??

Murphy's Mom

[Romans Mom]

Hi Murphy's Mom. Welcome to club chi. :wave: It sounds like he just needs to have a little retraining. I had just told this to another new member, so I somewhat modified it here for your Chihuahua, and maybe there's something here that will be of help...

If he was doing OK before, he should get it back in no time. You could try a box and see how he likes it. I've only had mine trained with potty pads, so don't know about the litter boxes.

You may have also have to take extra time to undo bad habits he has been doing. I am not saying he is bad, but he just picked up a few bad habits that have to go.

Lets see, some things I can come up with right away to get you started are:

Confine him to a smaller area, say the kitchen, or a room where there in not carpet for a while anyway, until this is back under control. Take him and place him on his pad often. If he is with you in a carpeted area, that should be OK, but make sure you take him out, or to his potty pad area (pad) constantly to show him this is the time and place. Make sure you take him here after he eats. Just get him there before the times he is using these extra pee or poo spots. Something I have done, is move the potty pad to that spot and gradually move it back to where you want him to use it. I also have placed extra potty pads around and day by day, moved them closer to the spot you want him to use the potty pad in.

Change the potty pad after one use. I have two pads next to each other. I also have two different spots for them to go because Chihuahuas are such little dogs, and even running to the back of the house is a very long way for them. That is why they often just run behind a chair or sofa...to them, it is a long way and they think they are going far away. So I have one in the front and one in the back. And I have found that Roman will pee on one in the back, then run to the other, sort of how a male dog will mark his areas outdoors.

In the meantime, shampoo the carpets and use a spray of your choice. Mine is called ''OUT!'', but there are many available.

I crate trained, so if this is possible, or you are in dire need to nip this problem in the bud, I recommend it. But you don't have to. Many train their Chihuahuas with the small confined areas. ie kitchen or bathroom.

I'm sure others can add advice to this as well. The main goal is to get him there and praise him greatly. That's what I have done anyway.

It's been a while since I have had to train or retrain, so if I'm unclear, please ask questions. Please let us know how he is doing With a little help from you, he will catch on again. Barb

PS Your Chihuahua is adorable! :wub:
__________________

[islandbabies]

Just thought I'd join in on the WELCOME to Club Chi!!
Murphy's adorable! Is he part fox terrier? Please don't take that into offense, he reminds me of my chi/fox terrier (RIP), that's why I ask. :D
Good points from Barb! Seems like Murphy needs a "refresher" course in this area, especially if he was doing fine before.
Where is he supposed to go potty now? On a pad? Or is he supposed to hold it and go outside?

[debradaniellee]

Does anyone use the litter boxes?? I use the pads and she is very good with them. I was always hesitant in ever trying the litter boxes, that maybe she would eat the litter stuff...

[boonda]

Yes , Murphys mother had Terrier in her. His Dad was the full Chihuahau. He is a unique looking dog and draws alot of comments. I was told by someone (that's what started the idea) to get a shallow box or tray and use wood shavings. I hate the though of retraining to go in the house, but the winters here can be 4 months long! I am sure it is the snow and cold has has turned him off. We have a German Shorthair, that likes the snow and has no problem going out. He goes with her out, but quickly wants in. He has no problem taking a quick pee. Thanks for the replys!

[2Chiwawa]

Hi Murphy's Mom, Murphy is a beautiful boy. I hope you will post more pictures. They have compressed paper litter for dogs to use a box. You don't have to use shavings. These are paper pellets. I have not used a box for my Sammi Girl. She goes poop and pee on pads indoors only. I wish I had started with the box and dog paper litter when she was a baby. Good luck and welcome to Club Chi.

[Hercules Momma]

I use the litter box with my first chi, Hercules.. he still uses it. My second chi only uses the pee pads... I don't believe he likes the feeling of the litter under his feet.

[debradaniellee]

Has he ever tried to play in it??