Opportunity to undo the damage that has been done

dman535 · Jun 14, 2017

My stepson is the caretaker of two frenchies. He has not done a good job at taking care of their initial housebreaking. He as allowed them to remain in his room for long periods of time where they have gotten used to going to the bathroom in the house. They pee in his room, on his bed; in addition they have other favorite spots in the house that they go to the bathroom. After repeated requests to change his behavior he is just not doing it. The dogs continue to hang out in his room and they are making little progress in house breaking.
He is leaving for five weeks and there is an opportunity to make some progress. Please give me some suggestions on how to untrain and retrain these dogs so that they don't keep going to the bathroom in the house.
A few notes:
- both dogs are female
- the dogs are pretty good in their crate - no messes unless they have been in for a prolonged time.
- they have a designated area outside where they go.
- of the two one of the females seems to make messes in the house more frequently.

Thanks

D

Cbrugs · Jun 14, 2017

I'm a little concerned over them "remaining in his room for long periods of time." Do they go out and play or are they just cooped up in his room all day. What do you mean by caretaker? Are they his dogs?

In any event, here is a good article called Nothing in Life is Free: http://frenchbulldognews.com/training-and-behavioral/1191-life-free-training-technique.html

Alice Kable · Jun 15, 2017

Cbrugs said:
I'm a little concerned over them "remaining in his room for long periods of time." Do they go out and play or are they just cooped up in his room all day. What do you mean by caretaker? Are they his dogs?

In any event, here is a good article called Nothing in Life is Free: http://frenchbulldognews.com/training-and-behavioral/1191-life-free-training-technique.html

I share these concerns. With potty training it is back to square 1. All of the areas in the house where they have been peeing and pooping should be thoroughly cleaned or else they will figure it is okay to go there.

Good luck!

Honeys Owners · Jun 15, 2017

I read this on the net and it makes sense:
The solution is to start over again as if she is an 8 week old puppy and train her.
Do not let her loose in the house, at all right now.This retraining period may take several weeks. During this time, get your carpets cleaned. Do not give her access to the carpets. Confine her in a crate or in a small room with a hard floor. Give her freedom in the house only in small steps.
Other ways:
Watch her intensely for a couple a weeks.You can either try a collar that sprays her with an unpleasant substance with a remote control that you activate if you catch her in the act . Or fill a can with coins and shake it when she starts to pee

dman535 · Jun 15, 2017

Cbrugs said:
I'm a little concerned over them "remaining in his room for long periods of time." Do they go out and play or are they just cooped up in his room all day. What do you mean by caretaker? Are they his dogs?

In any event, here is a good article called Nothing in Life is Free: http://frenchbulldognews.com/training-and-behavioral/1191-life-free-training-technique.html

They are his dogs, and he was the one that was supposed to be responsible.

dman535 · Jun 15, 2017

This all makes sense. I was just curious if there was anything specific to the Frenchies, sounds like its just back to square one.

Cbrugs · Jun 15, 2017

dman535 said:
This all makes sense. I was just curious if there was anything specific to the Frenchies, sounds like its just back to square one.

Frenchies can be stubborn and some are difficult to potty train but consistency is the key. And if they're kept in the bedroom for long periods of time, that isn't going to help.

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2bullymama · Jun 16, 2017

dman535 said:
This all makes sense. I was just curious if there was anything specific to the Frenchies, sounds like its just back to square one.

Yes, back to square one and a very strict schedule for outside potty...

Frenchie can be tough trains but consistency and schedule will win ... it most likely will take more than 5 weeks due to the stubbornness

Good luck

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