Hi,

To get to the point, I have a roomate with 2 dachshunds. The previous year we split on another one, a female. I'm afraid my roomate is a bad owner. I've brought it up with him numerous times that he needs to housetrain his dogs (mostly this one who marks his territory on the rugs and furniture). We started crate training the new puppy, and he even started crating the one who marks his territory during the day. All 3 dogs go #2 in the house when they can. I can understand with the puppy since she is still training however.
Now the big problem is, I took a look at my roomate's room today (all dog's sleep in there). It's disgusting. Pee/poop everywhere. I don't want my little puppy to end up with such bad habits. At one point during the kennel training, I noticed he stopped kennelling her at night. I knew this couldn't be good.
I really feel it's my duty to take over her training 100%. Does anyone have any advice??
My plan is to have her in my room now. I don't think my roomate should be watching her when it's reasonable for me to. My biggest concern is kennelling her at night and during the day when Im at work. Is that too much?? I know that if the training goes well, it could reach a point where she will perhaps not need to be kenneled. I would've done this earlier, but to be honest, I enjoyed my solitude and I have a very slight allergy and found my room to be a clean environment.

So here are my questions I guess:

1. Do you agree it's my responsibilty to take over her training. Not just because I paid half, but to ensure she grows up right?
2. Is it okay to kennel at night and during work?
3. How can I make up for her being away from her other wiener friends when she's in my room? Toys? Playtime?
4. What is the importance of catching a dog in the act? Should I give her opportunity to have an accident? If so, are there any effective discipline methods when having an accident?

Thanks for any help you can provide. I really care for the puppy and want her to grow into a good dog. She's already so good in her kennel, I think she enjoys it in there.

Thanks!

HI,
I am not sure if this problem is on going but it does sound like you have a room mate who loves dogs but hates the work that has to go into them to make them a true companion and a joy to have around.

With your first question, I am not sure about your situation, only you could answer that but if you feel that the problem is out of hand you and you must step in try not upset your housemate and do so with their feelings in mind.

It depends on how large the kennel is that you are talking about, the length of time and if you exercise, play and bond with the dog. You can't put it in there so it doesnt pee on things and not care about its other needs. If it is in its kennel at night and you get it out as soon as you wake, bring it out to pee and take it for a walk (length depending on breed) and maybe do some basic training with it.

If you help her by giving her some basic training so that she can interact positively with you and play games so that you strengthen the bond between you both, she will be fine. Chew toys and the like can help pass the time.

The most important thing with toilet training is bringing the dog out regularly to urinate and deficate and when it does give it heaps of positive reinforcements so that the dog gets to understand what you want.
If you do bust the dog peeing in the house do not punish the dog. Use a low tone of voice (so that it is like a dog growl type tone) and bring the dog outside or to the place you want it to pee. Rewarding good behaviour works better then punishing bad.

Maybe you could look in your local area for a dog training club. They are often quite cheap and can help you better then a forum can because they can see you and the dog.

Good luck
Deanna

HI,
I am not sure if this problem is on going but it does sound like you have a room mate who loves dogs but hates the work that has to go into them to make them a true companion and a joy to have around.

With your first question, I am not sure about your situation, only you could answer that but if you feel that the problem is out of hand you and you must step in try not upset your housemate and do so with their feelings in mind.

It depends on how large the kennel is that you are talking about, the length of time and if you exercise, play and bond with the dog. You can't put it in there so it doesnt pee on things and not care about its other needs. If it is in its kennel at night and you get it out as soon as you wake, bring it out to pee and take it for a walk (length depending on breed) and maybe do some basic training with it.

If you help her by giving her some basic training so that she can interact positively with you and play games so that you strengthen the bond between you both, she will be fine. Chew toys and the like can help pass the time.

The most important thing with toilet training is bringing the dog out regularly to urinate and deficate and when it does give it heaps of positive reinforcements so that the dog gets to understand what you want.
If you do bust the dog peeing in the house do not punish the dog. Use a low tone of voice (so that it is like a dog growl type tone) and bring the dog outside or to the place you want it to pee. Rewarding good behaviour works better then punishing bad.

Maybe you could look in your local area for a dog training club. They are often quite cheap and can help you better then a forum can because they can see you and the dog.

Good luck
Deanna