# Dog Training

Category: Animal House

## Post 1 by ILoveS33 (my ISP would be out of business if it wasn't for this haven I live at) on Tuesday, 26-May-2009 15:43:13

Wasn't sure what else to title this.
My dog (not a guide dog, was being taken out by myself & my Dad to go potty. Then it switched to just me, then he started taking her out without me. Now there's a rope up around our yard so I can take her out myself.
The only problem is, how do I know when she goes pee/poo? Sometimes after she goes poo she'll scratch (like the cats do. Lol.), but not ALWAYS. She doesn't bark or do anything, so I almost never know whether or not she's gone.
I shouldn't have waited this long to post because now I'm so angry about this situation that I can't think straight.
Any pointers/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I'm trying to gain some more independence/take on some more responsibility for the animals in our home (including my dog), but this is getting me wound up tight to say the least.

## Post 2 by Daenerys Targaryen (Enjoying Life) on Tuesday, 26-May-2009 16:58:44

Get her on a feeding and relieving schedule and always take her on leash to the same spot in your yard.

## Post 3 by ILoveS33 (my ISP would be out of business if it wasn't for this haven I live at) on Tuesday, 26-May-2009 17:26:29

She already is. She gets fed in the morning & taken out at 8AM, 2PM & 8PM. & the rope only goes to the end where the woods are, so I walk her right up to that point, then stand & wait. She walks in circles (sometimes getting me & herself tangled in the leash, & then sometimes doesn't go.

## Post 4 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Tuesday, 26-May-2009 21:42:24

When hte dog is peeing, her back isn't as arched as it gets if she is pooping. It's hard to describe that unless I was actually there showing you what I meant. Female dogs squat down lower when they have to pee, which took me some getting used to at first when I got my second guide dog last June.

## Post 5 by ILoveS33 (my ISP would be out of business if it wasn't for this haven I live at) on Tuesday, 26-May-2009 22:22:25

So you mean I'll need to put my hand on her back in order to tell?
I have no sight at all, not even light perception.

## Post 6 by pebbles (the key to flying is falling and missing the ground.) on Wednesday, 27-May-2009 2:30:24

I also am totally blind and the way to tell if a dog is peeing or pooping is the way the back is. You will have to place your hand on her back to feel weather it is distinctly arched or more sloped like a funny looking sit. If it is really arched then she is pooping and if it is more like the sloped sit she is peeing. Another thing ot keep in mind is that she may not like you touching her back at first. You will want to praise her maybe even give a kibble when she allows you to place your hand on her back while she is doing her business. That way she will associate you touching her as a posative experience and something to be excited about.

## Post 7 by Jesse (Hmm!) on Wednesday, 27-May-2009 10:40:31

Also, you can listen, and pretty much figure out what she's up to. Our dog does not like to be near anyone when she's doing her business, so we can't keep her on a short leash. Just use your ears. If she's walking around in circles, and sniffing, and then she stops for a few minutes, and after a while, walks back to you, there's a pretty good chance she's done what she set out to do. You can definitely hear if she's peeing.

## Post 8 by faithful angel (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Wednesday, 27-May-2009 11:21:49

With my dog, it's hard to tell by her back, but she usually pees first so it's not been a problem yet. Yes, always touch her back. That's what they taught us in guide dog school, otherwise, sometimes it's hard to tell if they're just sniffing.

## Post 9 by faithful angel (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Wednesday, 27-May-2009 11:23:28

There's really nothing to be angry about really. I'd use a leash or something that's shorter. Not too short though. That way you can get to her and tell if she's gone before she gets up.

## Post 10 by ILoveS33 (my ISP would be out of business if it wasn't for this haven I live at) on Thursday, 28-May-2009 12:23:27

Thanks for the suggestion (post 6)
Post 7:
We live in a high traffic area & she loves to run. There's no way to hear her over the traffic & no way to let her off her leash unfortunately.
Thanks anyway though.

## Post 11 by ILoveS33 (my ISP would be out of business if it wasn't for this haven I live at) on Thursday, 28-May-2009 12:25:12

Well I am frustrated, but frustration usually comes out as anger for me, that's just how I am.
Not anger at/directed at her, just angry period.
Anyway though, hopefully all this will help.

## Post 12 by lilo (Generic Zoner) on Saturday, 30-May-2009 15:06:09

You can also listen for when she walks, then stops, and then it will sound like a kind of woddle. As if she is battling to keep her balance.

## Post 13 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Saturday, 30-May-2009 18:47:39

Oh my gall, I had the hardest time getting use to this with my little dog. I'm use to a large labrador, much easier!
First of all, I always have 2 bags with me. Personally, I use the small ziplocks. You know, turn them inside out to pick up the poop, then right side in and zip up.
With my little dog, I've gotten in the habbit of checking everytime she squots during business time. I've have never been able to hear her pee, she is too small.
In my experience, most dogs spin a few times before pooping. This is a good signol to get use to.
If I feel like she has stopped for a second or so, I gently touch her back to feel if she is squotting. Thankfully, this has never bothered her.
A couple things that have helped me with the leesh:
One idea is to have her walk in a circle around you. About arms length. Switch your hands holding the leesh as she comes around, that way you are not spinning.
Second idea, is to walk back and forth. Side to side or up and down a length. Hope that makes sense.
Also, do you have a potty command? Ours is do your business. It is what I was tought at guide dogs and it is what I have stuck with for Gladus.
I'm not fully sure if she knows the command, but I keep on using it. I praise her and every so often keep saying, Gladus do your business, come on girl lets go, do your business, and so on. If I feel like she is getting distracted, I try to refocus her. Pull on the leesh a bit to get her moving, do your business.
When I first went to guide dogs, they had us stay out with our dogs for ten minutes. I've heard they don't do that anymore, but it gives you an idea.
I know how frustrating this can be. It blows me away how far Gladus and I have come. I have a good sense about her now, when she is going, or if it just isn't going to happen this time.
One last thing that may help, is everyone in the family releave her the same way. Consistency.
Hope some of this was helpful. Good luck.

## Post 14 by Jesse (Hmm!) on Saturday, 30-May-2009 22:42:00

No no. I'm not saying let her off her leash...Just lengthen it, but if you can't hear over the traffic, that's not the solution either. Polka dots gave you definitely the best advice so far.

## Post 15 by ILoveS33 (my ISP would be out of business if it wasn't for this haven I live at) on Thursday, 04-Jun-2009 19:21:15

Hi Polkadots,
Thank you for all your advice! I'll definitely just have to keep trying.
Michelle