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Hawthorn

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    House Training Routine

    in Training and Behavior discussion

    Posted

    I think the issue isn't so much that he isn't house-trained, but that he's reluctant to go outside when he has the opportunity, and then just can't hold it. In other words, he may know that he's supposed to go outside, but because he doesn't have the opportunity to go outside when he feels the need, he has no option but to go indoors since they can't hold it forever. I agree that it may help if you can get him to eliminate at 11pm, and again just before you go to work, either by taking him for a short walk round the block, or by going out in the garden with him and encouraging him to stay out there until he's been (but a walk would be much better).

     

    I think it's great that you've arranged for people to visit him during the day to check that he's OK and provide him with some company. Not all greyhounds sleep all day and hopefully in time he will trust these people sufficiently to allow them to take him into the garden or out for a walk. It may also help to put a command to his eliminations so that he will at least have some idea what you want him to do. It's very easy to teach: simply choose your word/s (carefully, since other people may have to use them too!) and say them just as you see him begin to eliminate, then gently praise him. Eventually he'll pick up what he's supposed to do. Obviously he can't go if there's nothing in the tank but it will at least give him a clue as to what you want. I always go out into the garden with mine to check that they've both done everything they're supposed to, but even so sometimes one of them will try to sneak back in the house after just doing a wee. I just ask them if there's anything else they want to do (this is my cue for a number 2!) and they know exactly what I mean and will usually come back to the grass and wander around for a while until they go.

     

    Do you have any idea why he's afraid of the garden? Have you tried any calming supplements, such as Zylkene? I used this with good results with one of mine for about a year when I first got her.

    Mac...5-3-02----5-30-15

    in Remembrance

    Posted

    I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to your special boy. He was one of the lucky ones to be so loved. I hope your many happy memories will bring you peace and comfort in time. Hugs to you in your grief.

     

    Rest in peace, Mac, loved and remembered always.

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