[Firechick]

Hi, I have a 7 month old neutered yorkie who spent the first 6 months of his life in a pet store. We are having a heck of a time house training him. He does not mind voiding or deficating in his own kennel or anywhere for that matter. He will go to the bathroom and then lay in it. I have a new house and white carpet and this cannot continue. I also do not want him living in an enclosure or kennel because he can't be trusted not to make a mess. Please help me know what to do... he is the cutest little thing and I feel bad for his first 6 months of life. I have tried... potty pads and he just shreds them or pushes them to the side and them messes beside them. He just doesn't seem to care. I need your help please... any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Alty]

The main issue is that for all his life he's been allowed to pee and poo where he lives. He's a pet store puppy, a puppymill puppy, and he's never been trained to go outside. He's lived in a cage his entire life.

Toss out the puppy pads, that will only confuse him. Puppy pads teach the dog that it's okay to potty inside. That's sending a mixed message.

This is probably going to take a lot longer than most dogs, but patience, positive reinforcement, and lots of praise will work.

First, set a schedule. Watch your dog. When does he potty? Most dogs need to go out first thing in the morning, shortly after they've eaten or had water, and before bed. If you catch him starting to go take him directly outside. No scolding, no hitting, just a firm no, take him outside, and when he does his thing, go nuts. Tons of praise, a treat, let him know that he's doing what you want him to do.

If you're consistent, patient, he will learn, but keep in mind that for 7 months he's developed the bad habit of pooping inside his enclosure, and because he didn't have a choice, laying in it as well.

This isn't his fault, and he doesn't know any better. He's not doing it on purpose, and it's not a matter of whether he cares or not. He's a dog, not a human, and that's what you have to remember most of all. He doesn't know how to behave as a human. He doesn't know that humans don't like it when you poop on their carpet. All these things have to be taught.

Good luck.