Need help with new behavior

[rcantor]

I've beenin Oregon for a year and we've settled into a routine with work and outings. The dogs alternate going to the off-leash park, swimming and mountains. Isaac has done very well with not pulling so he often gets longer walks than the others.

Then one day... Isaac dug under the fence. He loves to run free and after a while comes back. (when he's thirsty). He hasn't tried that for a year. There are many spots where the fence can be dug under so I got a radio fence and put it on the chain link fence. They can get outside without a warning buzz or shock.

Ever since then Isaac's been pooping and peeing in the house. The back door is open, so it's not a matter of him being unable to hold it. He's still his usual velcro self and waits outside the bathroom and turns upside down for tummy rubs as usual. Appetite and drinking are normal.

I'm renting this house so this has to stop or I have to give him up. Isaac is a Katrina dog and I'm his 5th owner. I wanted to provide a home he never had to leave, but I'm out of ideas. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Thule's Mom]

I'm trying to imagine what I'd do if it were Thule, and the only thing I can think of is to go back to basics; either crate or confine as if you were training a puppy. He seems to have 'unlearned' the proper behaviour at some point during his ordeal!

Best of luck and please, keep us informed!

Deb & Thule

 

[victoria1140]

go completely back to basics , is he neutered as his escape may have to do if there is a bitch in heat somewhere. spray the offending areas with a neutralising agent and also check if he has a uti as this can cause inappropriate toilet problems

 

[Tug]

Make sure he's healthy; could be a tummy issue.

 

[Ivoryudx]

I got a radio fence and put it on the chain link fence. They can get outside without a warning buzz or shock.

Just a thought....I have no idea how you trained the fence, but he may believe he can't go in the back yard without you. It sounds like you have coorelated the timing of his potty problem with the change in the fence, so for whatever reason, he thinks there is a problem. You definitely need to go back to basics of no free time in the house until he potties outside, then he is confined until he can keep that area clean to earn more freedom.

 

[rcantor]

Thank you! These are great ideas. I even have the crate set up in the living room and never thought about using it.

I'd love some ideas about how to convince him there's no shock when I'm not there. The first thing I assumed was he thought he'd get a shock going outside (they have to pass a fence, but it's not wired). I brought him past the fence several times and he didn't seem to mind after the first time. But you're right that he may be afraid to go without me.

Isaac likes to run, explore the neighborhood and play chase. When he gets out he runs up and down the street and pokes his nose into everyone's back yard. He lets people get within a few feet and dashes off. He also likes to show me he's safe around cars. I keep telling him how dangerous they are so he runs right in front of them and as they screech to a halt he looks at me as if to say, see? I'm ok!

 

[Thule's Mom]

I'm not sure, but the fence thing might take care of itself, once you start to re-train him. He may need to go so bad when he goes out, that he won't care that you're not outside with him. Get him potty trained again, then worry about his fear of the fence.

I'd love to meet the big fella - sounds like a hoot!

 

[sara722003]

Wow, I too was going to ask you to re-crate the dog. I'd get very discouraged if someone like you, who seems to be such a devoted Newf person, had to give up on this Katrina rescue.

Dogs really test us. Newfs can be such incredible companions, and it makes me admire someone like you who would take such a giant boy and try to offer him a stable home. I sure do wish you the best. You are a good hearted soul. thank you.

 

[R Taft]

Just a thought....I have no idea how you trained the fence, but he may believe he can't go in the back yard without you. It sounds like you have coorelated the timing of his potty problem with the change in the fence, so for whatever reason, he thinks there is a problem. You definitely need to go back to basics of no free time in the house until he potties outside, then he is confined until he can keep that area clean to earn more freedom.

I would have to agree..........Also with Annabelle who had to be potty trained from scratch at one I used the umbilical system when indoors. She was always attached to me inside. So that I knew what she was up to all the time. I have also used this with most of my puppies. It also teaches good leash manners at the same time as a added benefit Ronnie

 

[Pipelineozzy]

I have a "fence artist" too. we put an electric fencer on top of one of the kennel runs (she goes OVER the fences like a chimp). she went into the kennel, put her head up in the air and scented. She then sat down..in the center of the kennel. She KNOWS, and she has not even had a shock. I don't know if she can smell it or hear it or what, but she KNOWS. Perhaps he's so sensitive to it that it intimidates him.

 

[rcantor]

Well I found out he thinks the leash is what keeps him safe. I got him to go down the stairs with no leash but a lot of resistance. Next I threw treats down there and he galloped after them. Then, next time I let him out of the crate and made him go outside he squeezed through the porch railing and jumped to the ground. Funny, but not good for his joints. Next time he'll go down the stairs. At least there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Thule's Mom]

That's funny..... When we moved into this house, Thule had never seen a flight of stairs before.....and would not climb them. I waited a month for her to come upstairs and no way. Finally, I put the leash on her, and up she went.... what is that??? Their security blanket?

After only a few tries with the leash, she goes up and down the carpeted stairs quite well, but she does have much more trouble going down, and she still hates the wooden basement stairs, but will go down on leash.

Happy he's doing better!

Deb & Thule

 

[sara722003]

Interesting about the leash. Our Newf took several months before he'd join us in our family room downstairs (on carpeted stairs). And even now, after 3+ years, he chooses to wait at the top for us to come rather than join us much downstairs. (Good thing I mostly only go down to run a quick errand, and then rejoin him on the main floor, where all is well again. ;-)