BehavioRx Case of the Month
for February 2007

Housetraining A Yard Dog

A 2-year old male miniature Dachshund was adopted by a lady who wanted to have him as a house-pet. However, he persisted in urinating and defecating in the house, even though he was taken out almost hourly during the days and evenings. During our diagnostics program it became clear that "Skippy" had never learned to control his reflexes to eliminate, which is common with outside dogs.

Fortunately, his new owner worked in her home office and was able to supervise Skippy efficiently. She first followed the BehavioRx Instructions for Obedience Training - A Primer, which is a positive, non-physical, no-punishment and no-food treats Leadership program that establishes the owner as the dog's Leader through movement and the Learn-to-Earn praise and petting for simple commands, such as Sit. Within four days, she reported the Skippy seemed for more at ease than before. She also established a twice a day feeding schedule, as detailed in the Housetraining Instructions.

She moved his bed into her bedroom at night, as per instructions, and Skippy slept through the night, which he did not do when shut into the kitchen alone. Hence, his night time urination and defecation stopped.

She started the "secret clean-up" of his indoor "accidents," which removed another negative in their relationship, as she had been carrying him to his poop or urine and scolding or spanking him on the rump.

After 4-1/2 weeks she phoned to say Skippy had just finished a "perfect" week. We reminded her that about 6 weeks are required for what usually becomes a permanent correction. We reviewed her progress and were impressed with her precision in sticking the programs' instructions.

Ten days later the client called and joyfully reported that Skippy could be left alone all day with no accidents. Further, he was becoming open and friendly with children and strangers during their walks since she had used the Jolly Routine, per the BehavioRx Shyness Instructions, when meeting people outside and within her house. Overall, a most rewarding outcome for all.

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