Ask Your Dog Question. Dog Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Dog Question?)

We purchased a "rescue" English Bulldog, she had ...
Sent to Dog Experts April 21 01:17 PM

We purchased a "rescue" English Bulldog, she had been abandodned by the owners and was rescued by the state. When the state found them they were litterally wallowing in their own feces. (belly deep). We felt good about doing this, but now we can't get her potty trained, for 6 weeks we have been trying, but she has no problem walking through and "playing" in her own poop. We bought a VERY small Kennel, one she can turn around in but when she is laying down she fills almost the whole crate. This morning we woke up to find her laying in her own urine. We have tried almost everything, how can we break her of this horrible habit she has had since birth (she is currently 16 weeks old)

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
April 21 1:28 PM (10 minutes and 5 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

There is really no way to do this except to take her out of the crate. She has been taught that it's acceptable to have bowel movements in her crate and it was her only option for a long time. So, she's going to continue to do so. I would recommend using an x-pen instead of a crate. It's a six paneled cage that you can use indoors. Put puppy pads down in the cage one side and make the other side a living space. Add a bed, food and water and toys to that one side. I bet you will see her go to the other side if she has the option.

We have rescued a lot of puppy mill dogs and this is one of the only ways to break the habit.

After she gets used to the puppy pads, you can then start training her to go outside during the day.

Let me know if you have more questions. I would be happy to discuss this more.

Picture
Tammy F. -- Dog Care Expert99% Positive Feedback on 2270 Dog Accepts
15+ years -Dog care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior assessment, Rescue
Reply
April 21 1:32 PM (4 minutes and 24 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: We have tried that, we have a large bathroom that curves in an "L" shape, we put the puppy pads on the "short" side and her food and water and bed on the other side. She does poop on the puppy pad, but then wanders through it. Then she goes over and finishes pooping near the exit to the bathroom. We also tried putting a puppy pad there since that was her preference and moving her bed to the other side... Same problem. We come home or wake up and the entire bathroom is covered with poopy-prints (ha! I'll have to remember that one).
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 21 3:03 PM (1 hour and 31 minutes and 26 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Are you leaving food and water out for her all day? If so, I would suggest that you stop. Feed her a small meal in the morning then walk her 30 minutes later. Try to keep her outside until she poops. Then don't leave food for her because, if she doesn't eat, she won't have to go as much.

In the worst situations, you can put her in pet diapers until she gets used to having a clean space and starts to respect it as her own. The problem now is that she doesn't see the poop as a dirty thing because she has lived with it all along.

Picture
Tammy F. -- Dog Care Expert99% Positive Feedback on 2270 Dog Accepts
15+ years -Dog care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior assessment, Rescue
Reply
April 21 3:38 PM (34 minutes and 28 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: That sounds like a good idea, I will try it, should I be worried about the diapers (if we have to take it that far) Will that irritate her skin and give her diaper rash at all?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 21 3:42 PM (4 minutes and 17 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
Not if you keep the diapers changed regularly. It should not be a problem. If you see any urine scald or other problems, discontinue use.
Picture
Tammy F. -- Dog Care Expert99% Positive Feedback on 2270 Dog Accepts
15+ years -Dog care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior assessment, Rescue
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Dog Breed Info and Canine Health Care