Pet Talk 
The New Dog Has Potty Issues
by Frances Goodman
Q: My daughter just added to her family with the adoption of a 2-year-old dog. He was very calm at the shelter but is now very spunky and happy to be in his new home. The only problem is he is not potty trained or is marking his new territory. He is her only pet.
Do you have any tips on how to break him of piddling in the house? She put in a doggie door the day we brought him home and he knows how to use it. Signed, C. C.
A: It’s not unusual for an adopted pet to become more lively in their new surroundings. Most likely he was depressed in the shelter and is now feeling elated about having a family and a home.
The immediate step on the piddle problem is to be sure there is no medical cause behind it. This means a visit to the veterinarian and a urine sample.
Animals in pet shops or shelters may not get taken out to potty as often as needed, and a bladder infection can result.
If he is newly neutered, as is often the case with shelter pets, he may be having some urinary problems related to the surgery.
Back to Kindergarten
What if there is no medical problem? Then the solution is the same as the basic approach to potty-training a puppy: Whenever an adult dog is having a particular behavior issue, the training principle is “back to kindergarten.”
That means: Supervise closely and take him out for scheduled potty trips. Stay outside with him and praise him for doing it there.
When he’s in the house, watch for “nose-grazing” – sniffing around as if looking for a place to urinate – and immediately tell him “outside, outside,” and follow the above procedure.
If the motive is territory marking, vertical objects especially should be watched.
Our Job
Most dogs naturally want to please us. Our job is let them know what does and doesn’t make us happy. This means paying attention and consistently giving instant correction and praise, with an appropriate tone of voice.
One last thing: If she is leaving him alone with the run of the house, hoping he will use the doggie door, she may be setting him up for failure. Especially if there is any separation anxiety involved.
When she is away, or can’t supervise, confining him to a smaller area of the house — ideally the room where the doggie door is located — can reduce the temptation for piddling.
Also please tell her for me to be extremely patient. Shelter dogs have been through a lot. It can take them up to four months to stabilize and really settle down in a new home.
Best wishes!
Frances Goodman is a professional dog trainer and pet care writer who lives in Royal Palm Beach. Got a question? Email her at [email protected]. Visit her website at www.burkegoodman.com
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