What are ways to stop an adult beagle from using my home for a bathroom?
ByMy beagle I have had for 2 years now. He is almost 7 yrs of age. Prior to me he was with my kids dad and he was an outdoor dog. However when he came home with me and kids permanently he became just an indoor dog. I have had him on scheduled times from morning till night so he can get his walking and bathroom duties taken care of. However I did cut back on the walking due to some personal injuries, but still get about a mile a day in with him. I do live in an apt and there are no backyards for him so when we do go out that is his time to do what he needs. However he seems to still use the inside of my home as a bathroom. Every couple of nights I wake up to #2 and he hikes his leg on areas hidden. My home is very clean except for the smell, I am tired of shampooing my carpets weekly only to still smell the urine. One plan is to fix him need to get a little more money saved other costs for him were more important at the time, like shots, de-wormed etc( I am a single mom so sometimes I can’t afford something that isn’t a definite emergency). That will be done within 2 months however I was told that won’t take care of the problem completely. What else can I do? And one thing I won’t do is give him away, I love this dog like one of my children. So please don’t respond if that is your answer. Thank you…
3 Comments
August 8th, 2011 at 9:10 AM
You need to get him a kennel. Put him in the kennel while he is not outside. I know this sounds cruel, but you should only have to do this for about two to three weeks. Praise him when he goes outside when you let him out of his kennel. If that seems too inhumane to you, then you can try spraying your carpet down with Windex on a daily basis. The smell of it deters dogs from doing their business.
August 8th, 2011 at 9:51 AM
I have a beagle/lab mix I recently adopted and he was trained to go sit at the back door when he has to use it( I live in an apartment as well, and am a single mom too:) I had to pay attention to his signs, he will lie down facing me and stare at me with a sad face, then run to the door where his leash is kept. Pay attention to his signs, like what he does when he’s hungry, or what does he do right before he uses the side of your couch as a bush? He’ll give you clues as to what he’s going to do next. And watch “Dog Whisperer”, if you can.
August 8th, 2011 at 9:58 AM
Being an outdoor dog he was properly never house trained properly.
It’s going to be tough and especially living in an apartment will make it even tougher. You need to take him out after eating and again before bed.
At 7 yo he should be able to hold it for 6 – 8 hours with no problem.
I would also think about a crate for him to sleep in at night. They will not go in the crate unless they have an accident. Animals will not go to the bathroom where they sleep, some internal instinct.
Remember beagles love treats so reward him when his behavior is correct. They’re also smart so he will get the message .
Also if you feel that he shouldn’t be going when he’s going you might want to consider taking him to the vet for a checkup to rule out any disease, bladder infections, etc.
ps: add taking the dog out to the kids chores.
Good Luck, Beagles are great loving dogs and they want to please.