ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

After we adopted our 12-year-old dachshund mix three years ago, we realized he had been only partially housetrained. He had been removed from an abusive owner who had often kept him outside for days on end in bad weather.

He was also disciplined not to bark, kiss, or willingly get on people's laps. We established a routine with regular feeding, walks, playtime, and lots of love. He is now a happy dog. He knows when he’s let out into the backyard, that’s where he's to pee or poop.

But we still have to schedule potty calls every three hours. Even then if he pees, he won’t poop on the same visit. No amount of effort has gotten him to bark at the door or give any signal when he needs to do his business (including bells). He also absolutely refuses to go out to relieve himself if the weather is rainy, snowy, or extremely cold. That led to nine accidents in January and February (although none in milder March).

We were thinking of getting pee pads, but worried he would start using them exclusively and never go out again. Ironically, the few times we’ve had to leave him for up to eight hours, he’s never gone in the house. What do we do?

— Barbara in Chicago, Illinois

Dear Barbara,

It’s heartbreaking to think of the life he endured before coming to you, and truly inspiring to hear how far he’s come. Older dogs, who were discouraged from barking or showing normal behaviors, may never develop the habit of signaling when they need to go outside. It sounds like he’s doing his best within the limits of his past experiences. The fact that he now understands that the yard is his potty spot is a huge success, and while you’re having to stick to a tight schedule, it’s helping him succeed.

If your current routine is working well but you would like to gently stretch the time between potty breaks, start by adding 10-minute increments to his three hour in-between potty schedule. Watch for any signs of discomfort (whining or pacing) and be sure to offer praise if he makes it through the extra few minutes without an accident.

During each outing, encourage movement and use a consistent cue like “go potty” to help him associate the command with both peeing and pooping. This may eventually help him complete both tasks in one trip, reducing the need for a second outing shortly after.

As for the weather-related accidents, many dogs dislike going out in the rain, snow, or extreme cold. A possible solution is to create a covered outdoor potty space where he can stay dry while doing his business. Even a small shelter over part of the yard, or a patch of fake grass under an awning, might help him feel more comfortable going out in bad weather.

In addition, using pee pads on difficult days isn’t a bad idea, just be mindful about how and when they’re used. You might try using them only during extreme weather, placing them in a low-traffic area, and using the same command you use outdoors, followed by praise if he uses it. This way, he may better understand it's a backup option, and not a replacement for going outside.

You have done an amazing job helping this dog feel safe and loved, and even though you’re still facing challenges, your commitment has given him a life he likely never imagined. Sometimes, progress doesn’t look perfect, but it’s still progress. Keep going. You’re making a difference for him.

Dear Cathy,

I'm trying to find a reputable outlet to find an adoption dog in Nassau County, New York. Do you have any suggestions on where I begin?

— Frank, Freeport, New York

Dear Frank,

Start by checking with local humane societies and SPCAs. These are typically nonprofit organizations dedicated to animal welfare. You can also look for rescues that are registered as 501(c)(3) nonprofits. To verify their nonprofit status and get a better idea of how they operate, visit GuideStar.org and search their name to view their 990 tax forms.

Don’t forget about municipal animal shelters or animal control services in your area. These are often run by the city or county and have many adoptable dogs looking for homes.

You can also search online at Petfinder.com, where you can filter by ZIP code to find dogs available through shelters and rescue groups near you. Since you’re in Freeport, start with the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh and the Nassau County SPCA. Both are well known in the area and worth a visit.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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