We have a 2 year old maltese. I have chosen to litter train her because we live in a tick infested area and both of my daughters have suffered horribly from Lyme Disease. I have tried everything in my power to stop her from going in other areas in our home but she CONSTANTLY pees and poops anywhere she fells like it. We have crate trained her, put gates up so she was contained to only one area but the second she breaks free(meaning sneaks away from us . Kids leave the gate open by mistake etc... ) she goes and does her business in the house. Anyone with children knows how hard it is to keep a dog contained especially a dog of her size. She will pry through the gate that goes to the downstairs just to pee and poop down there, Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to do. Both my husband and I are very frustrated with this and we will try anything to stop this behavior.:eek:

I have never done it, but people I respect have leashed the dog to them. Since all else apparently has failed, I guess try it. Read through the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251809 and note praising the dog when it goes where you want it to, and not punishing it if you don't catch it in the act.