[Shelbyc]

PLEASE HELP!
my border collie is 9 months now and is still having problems with peeing in the house Or right when we’re putting his harness on to take him out. This is becoming VERY frustrating because we know border collies are so smart, and HE KNOWS what he’s doing because he runs right in his “kennel”
(His crate) right after it happens. He stays in his kennel while we’re at work and during the night. We can’t even leave him alone because of this either. PLEASE help! He’s part of the family and I really don’t want it to get to the point where we have to get rid of him.

 

[Knute]

What are you doing for potty training techniques?

 

[Shelbyc]

What are you doing for potty training techniques?

crate training. So keeping in the crate, bringing him outside till he goes, give a treat when he goes and than back in crate. If he pees in the house. Showing him what he does and putting in the the crate.

 

[Knute]

So the dog lives in the crate unless he is outside for potty?

Hmmm......I think you need to access books and videos about potty training. Also, Border Collies are high energy, high intelligent breed needing more than life in a crate unless to relieve.

 

[Shelbyc]

Thank you!

 

[Knute]

When the dog relieves inside, you are teaching him the result is being in the crate. Crates used for punishment is detrimental. Soon the dog will begin the "hide" his release while inside.

When he relives inside.
1.) if you see the precursor, then you should interrupt him and hustle outside. Now, when he relieves, you use the command word, praise and treat.
2.) If you discover the hidden treasure, then you just need to clean it up. NO PUNISHMENT, (meaning no scolding, no yelling, no showing, no crating......) Then take the dog outside using the command word, praise and treat at the release.
3.) You need to establish a regular routine for his relief. After feeding, after sleeping, every 2-3 hours (or more frequent adjust the time as needed). Always use your command word, praise and treat when any success is achieved.
4.) Expect accidents.

My mini-schnauzer is nearly 4 years old. We go out for walks at least 3X/day. He knows the command "Outside". We go out every 6-8 hours. We walk until he has emptied both tanks. The solid tank is about 1 time each walk. The liquid tank is empty when he tries to mark and only generates a drip. Sometimes the tanks are empty in 10 minutes, other times longer. Our walk are minimum 30 minutes.

Yet, occasionally......he will leave a treasure in the house. I just clean up and continue our normal schedule. NEVER any punishment.
In truth, when the dog relieves inside.....its my fault. Either I missed our schedule, had a shift in food, short walk...……..

 

[Shelbyc]

That is EXTREMELY helpful! Thank you so much!!

 

[Shelbyc]

What about rubbing their nose in it ? Is there any good that comes out of that? Or spanking ?

 

[LeoRose]

Has he been to the vet to rule out a UTI?

What about rubbing their nose in it ? Is there any good that comes out of that? Or spanking ?

Well, if you want him to be scared of you, those techniques are wonderful.

Also, dogs (even BCs) live in the moment. If they pee in the house, and you find it an hour later, then drag him over to it and rub his nose in it, he doesn't associate the act of him peeing an hour ago with what you are doing now. All he knows is that his owner went postal on him for no reason.

If he's peeing as you reach for him, it's probably submissive urination, and he really has no control over that. It's purely a reflex reaction. Punishing him for it will just make it worse. You need to ignore it, just calmly put his leash on, and take him outside. Thoroughly clean the spot later with an enzymatic cleaner.

House training 101: If you can't be right on top of him, he needs to be crated or otherwise confined. Take him out after every meal, after he's been playing for a while, after a good long slurp of water, and every so often just because. Praise like crazy and throw a treat party for pottying outside. And make sure you give him the chance to fully empty his bladder and bowels before taking him back in. Lots of dogs like to pee and/or poop more than once in a single outing.

Since he has to be crated for such a long time (at 9 months, he still very young) hiring someone to come in during the day to take him outside to potty and get some exercise would be a good idea.

 

[Shelbyc]

I don’t believe it’s a UTi because it’s been happening for a while, but I do think he’s doing it submissively

 

[Knute]

oh good lord NO, do not rub his nose in it or spank him. Ancient barbaric techniques at best.

Action like this will like lead to other problems.

Leo and I have offered sound advice.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

NEVER rub his nose in it. NEVER EVER EVER. That is simply abusive AND you have a breed that is smart. They are known for NEVER forgetting anything.

Putting the harness on you lean over the dog.. and that is threatening (dogs HATE being leaned over). The dog is submissive peeing (fear response which, if you are rubbing his nose in it does not surprise me).

Dump the harness. Put a collar on the dog. Use a standard leash but DO NOT ATTACH IT IN THE HOUSE. Get a slip lead as well. Stand up and put the slip lead over the dog's head and get the dog out.. Simple, no words.. just quietly do that.. get him out and THEN attach the snap lead to the collar (I suggest a Martingale collar). And for golly sakes take that harness and put it in the garbage.

REWARD when he goes outside. Never have him out of your sight inside and please do NOT get angry or rub his nose in it if he makes a mistake.

EVERY mistake in the house is your fault.