We recently moved in with my in-laws, they have 5 small dogs (chihuahuas and mini poodles) who all routinly pee and poop in the house. It doesn't matter that they've been taken out regularly. They can even do their business outside, then come in and do more business inside! It's becoming almost epidemic-is there anyway to stop these dogs?

Yes, leave them out until they learn their lesson all over again. They sound extremely spoiled and it must be quite a problem for you.

Yes, leave them out until they learn their lesson all over again.
How will leaving them outside train them not to go potty inside? They will reason this out somehow?

Go back to basics, treat them just like they were when they were puppies. As soon as they eat or drink, put them out side, and wait for them to do their business, once they are done, praise like mad. Even offer a small treat to begin with. You may have to wait 5 minutes or half an hour so bring something comfy to sit on ;) . Also if you increase their exercise out doors, such as walks and off leash runs, they will have more chances to use the bathroom outdoors, instead of in your house. Also if they play a lot in doors, put them out as soon as they are done. Any bit of activity can create the urge to go.

Don't use things like puppy pads, as they only lead to confusion. It's like saying it's okay to pee on one soft thing, so why not all over the rest of the house? Don't hit or yell, as that will only make them fearful.

They are extremely spoiled and I'm expecting a little one in 4 months! I don't want to have the baby accidentally crawl into this mess. I'll even take up the task of retraining if mom isn't up to it.

Thanks!

How will leaving them outside train them not to go potty inside? They will reason this out somehow?


I probably should have couched this in a more understandable way. Not to leave them outside, per se, wondergirl, but take them outside until they do their business and then some.

I have never ever had a dog who did business inside, its because, although I love them to pieces and want the best for my pets, I am positively ruthless being the really bad person I am, I train a pup from a very early age, in any weather, to absolutely do its business outside. I get up any time of the night when a pup has to do this and put the blessed little soul outside and wait at the door until it does.

I then have no problem sleeping through the night when that lovely little animal is older and can sleep through the night with me getting up at 5am, follow me through the hallway and go outside. He/she whatever the case maybe goes back to bed without me, but knows deep down, that he/she has done its duty in a snowstorm/rainstorm, having always a warm towel ready to be wiped off.

Getting back to the original question, these little dogs have to be retrained, watched, outside until all their business is done.

Okay.

Thanks, wondergirl, but is the only way I could explain how to do it, and it goes for any number of dogs. If done right, and diligently, never has to be done again. Brookie goes out at 5 am after eating (in our 29 below celsius weather right now in southeastern ontario) and she is quite happy. I am her third mom; she is quite happy keeping me happy before I go to work.

I only have a couple of things to add to the wonderful advice that Tickle and Aurora have given you.

Make certain that the animals are healthy (you don't say how old they are and one incontinent dog can cause all kinds of problems.)

Be certain to have the house cleaned as well as it can be with cleaners that will eliminate the smell instead of covering it up (to our noses).

With their household changing, they could be showing the stress by relieving themselves in the house. Going back to basics with potty training and being consistent with obedience will help them understand their place in the household and should reduce some of their stress.

tickle finds this helpful : yes, all godd pood points, especially the cleaning to eliminate odors

Well that came out weird, sorry, cat, you know what I meant !