potty train foster dog

[Anonymous]

This is the second dog that I am fostering. Both are just total sweethearts. The first one has already been adopted. My question is that since both had terrible early lives, they don't get the correlation between walking on a leash and pooping or even pooping in the backyard. They would have a long walk on a leash and never poop. They would end up pooping in the house. I'm not a trainer, so not sure how to redirect this behavior. Any tips would be appreciated!

[Anonymous]

This is what crate training is good for. Use the crate whenever you can't directly supervise, keep tethered in the house and allow the dog loose in the (fenced) yard to pee/poop. Apply whatever rewards work for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is what crate training is good for. Use the crate whenever you can't directly supervise, keep tethered in the house and allow the dog loose in the (fenced) yard to pee/poop. Apply whatever rewards work for her.

This. Crate the dog overnight (keeping in mind that "overnight" varies by age, and is as short as a few hours for very young pups) in a crate that is just big enough for them to lay down/turn around. You don't want them to be able to soil their space and then move to another side. First thing in the day, take dog straight outside. If they're little, carry them the first few times. Don't let them stop in the house; they'll imprint on where their mess smells. Take them straight out to wherever you're gonna have them go, and give them a cue ("Pee on it!"). If they go, treat/praise. If not, give them time to sniff. If they squat to drop bombs, give that a command, too ("bombs away!"). If they do what you're asking you can praise/give command/praise to help them associate the command with the action.

That's all training is: giving behaviors the animal already does a name so they'll do them on request.

So every time your dog pees, "Pee on it! Good dog! Pee on it! Good dog" and a treat. You'll sound ridiculous, and this approach does work.

Once you've given the dog a chance to do their business, take them inside, give them breakfast and a chance to drink water ("drink up!" yes, they'll eventually do this on invitation, too), and then crate the dog. Give them some time to digest (adjust for age), and when it's time to go out, go straight outside to your toileting spot and repeat.

It has never taken me more than a month to teach a foster this approach, and I've taught dogs as young as a few weeks to dogs in their teens. If they're able to control their bodily functions, they can be taught where/when it's appropriate.

[Anonymous]

addendum: puppies and fosters should never be out of your sight unattended. No tethers, no safe rooms. They're either somewhere you're watching them, or in their crate.

Crate is not a punishment, it's their safe den. Don't use the crate as a time out, and never put your dog in there when you're upset.

If the dog messes inside, and you catch them in the act, big noises (clap hands) and then take the dog straight outside and give your toileting command(s). Praise dog outside for trying, then back to crate while you clean up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:addendum: puppies and fosters should never be out of your sight unattended. No tethers, no safe rooms. They're either somewhere you're watching them, or in their crate.

Crate is not a punishment, it's their safe den. Don't use the crate as a time out, and never put your dog in there when you're upset.

If the dog messes inside, and you catch them in the act, big noises (clap hands) and then take the dog straight outside and give your toileting command(s). Praise dog outside for trying, then back to crate while you clean up.

PP. Sorry, I was not clear. Tether meant tether to you. Not to an object.