We got our 2 year old Chiweenie last year from a high kill shelter that didn't know what he had previously been through. He's proven to be very attached to my mother and I, but scared of my stepfather and younger brother.
When we first got him, he was trained to bark when he had to go, and to go on a pad, when we we're not home or at night when we're asleep and can't let him out. The last month or so, after getting a job with my mother and working at the same time always, we've been coming home to pee and poop on the floor and him hiding under the couch because he knows it was bad.
Generally, we put his nose close to the pee and put him on his leash outside for a while to show that he's done wrong. He does this every night, and we have no idea how to solve this problem. My mother and stepfather get very upset when he does it. I believe it is either a medical problem or that he is hiding under the couch from being afraid of my stepfather and brother. and when he comes out he can't hold it and just goes, even if there is a puppy pad out, which there always is. Even if he isn't hiding, he won't let my stepfather or brother close enough to get him to let him out and he most definitely won't go to the door so they can let him out.
He's hardly ever left alone, but he only does it when my mother and I are not here. Is there any way we can solve this problem without having to change our schedules? I really can't afford changing my schedule considering we really need the money right now. They're talking about getting rid of him because they're sick of him doing it. I really love this dog and I don't want to have to get rid of him. What can I do?
By Briana B.
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Well one reason the dog is afraid of your step dad and brother or whoever is because they are males and maybe the dog was abused by males so he has a hard time trusting them. Now with the peeing, how long have you had this dog?
I feel for you. Shelter dogs often need extra help. Sounds like he has had difficulty with men. Look for posts on this site about crate training and training in general. There are many new methods that work well. Rubbing the dogs nose in it is one of the old ones that do not work. It may be triggering memories of abuse for your dog...thus the hiding under the couch. With better methods of training and some patience you should be able to improve his behavior.
The dog needs to be crated when you aren't home to watch him. Then take him outside, and run around the yard with him. Praise when he relieves himself. Don't punish for accidents in the house, if you do this after the fact, the poor dog has no idea why he is getting punished.
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