Potty Training

Question
QUESTION: Dear Jack, We have a 10 week old beagle puppy, we've had her since she was 8 weeks. The first week and a half she was doing so well with potty training. We have a little sandbox outside in her designated area for her potty time and she did wonderful; she was sleeping through the night and when ever we took her out day or night she would go potty in her spot, of course we would stay with her to ensure she did go in her spot. Then the beginning of this week she just seemed to have forgotten everything.  Her first week with us wasn't nearly this bad! I have scolded her when she has peed in doors and when she has pooped in the yard or peed in the yard outside of her designated spot. I think I have hurt her feelings. How can we get her back on track with going potty in her spot. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We want to begin to enjoy her again. Just right now I don't trust in doors for the fear of her ruining my Persian and wooden floors. I've used vinegar,cayenne pepper and other over the counter aids. I am at loss of ideas and need some help.  Thank you

ANSWER: Hello Elvia! Beagles are very stubborn dogs when it comes to training. It took a while for mine to perfect it. There are a few things that I am thinking it could be. A lot of the times when beagles or any pet for that matter use the bathroom out of the ordinary then their insides may be a little out of whack. Urinating in random and "wrong" areas indicate a bladder problem, in females its easy to get a urinary tract infection, so it could be that and it is not serious your veterinarian will probably give you antibiotics, and tell you to keep fresh clean cold water out for her so it will clean out the infection. Another thing deals with the scolding. You are not in the wrong in no way to scold when she does something wrong. I would suggest to take scolding to say "NO!" firmly and pointing your finger at her, even when she looks at you with those eyes you have to let her know you are in charge. But going back to the initial scolding it could be giving her some anxiety, making her nervous. If you don't mind me asking, has there been any changes? If so it could be making her nervous. When I moved into a new house, my beagle lost her bathroom schedule for about a month. This is vital if you try this if possible. Move the sandbox in a new area. It will get her wondering why did they move my sandbox and she will stay connected with it and use it. If it isn't a bladder problem I would look into training. She is at a good age to start her. I started my beagle at 6 months and she did great. The younger the better. She is still very young and it may be a momentary laps of judgement. For smell and stain, use arm and hammer pet fresh it is a great product for smell and stain. You sprinkle it on the accident and let it set for about 20-30 minutes and then vacuum it up. It also leaves a wonderful scent. So, check into if she is having in sort of bladder problem, or stool problem. If that is not the case move her sandbox. For the time being until she gets back on track use the puppy training pads and lay them in the accidental area, but don't let her rely on them every time. Also, scolding and praising have the same value. When does something wrong tell her NO, she does something right a pat on the head and a treat. I know this is a lot to soak up, but getting a puppy potty trained is vital and necessary. If you have any more problems, questions, or concerns don't hesitate to e-mail me back. Good luck and I hope for the best!

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QUESTION: In response to your advice. When we scold we do respond with "No" and when she does what we expect of her we do praise her and rub her belly and give an occasional treat. When we first brought her home we used the potty training pads for in door and she got it about ever time then we began to slowly move it out doors to her now spot.  Should I put some of the pads in her litter box? Our schedule since we've had her has been pretty close to consistent. When we leave we place her in her kennel with her favorite pillow and leave the t.v. on for her. Which she now has been peeing on her favorite pillow. So your suggestion of a possible bladder,urinary tract infections do shed some light. Tomorrow I will be taking her in for a quick check. Do you suggest obedience lessons. Your pup responded well? Thank you once again you are giving me some hope back. How long should we keep her in "time out" if she should do an oops. I've been told to send her to her kennel while I clean the mess and ignore her for a while. Is that helpful or just hindering our training?

Answer
It would be a good idea to slowly move the pads to the door and eventually in her sandbox. My dog responded very well to the obedience lessons, she learned to be potty trained, play fetch, tell us when she needs to go outside, and walk without a leash (which I don't use that. I had it done a a petsmart and it was affordable and great for the money. Like I said earlier its better to get them in their at a earlier age, the older they are their tactics and habits they have made for themselves are very hard to break, like when someone is biting their nails and breaks the habit, and same when someone stops smoking it is hard for them to stop. So get in there earlier before they get to accustomed to their own habits. Yes, when she does anything wrong say NO! and point your index finger at her muzzle she will understand she is doing something wrong with your tone,it drives my beagle crazy because she hates the finger, but I don't have to use it because she has learned from it.But praising is just as important, she will eventually learn to understand "oh I got a treat and some extra love by doing this, so I better keep doing this." When I say beagles are stubborn, they are just like a little kid they want it their way. They are very complex and loyal protective dogs, so you of course want the best for her. A lot of people do what you said and keep them in their kennel when being punished. Its hard to ignore them because they are so irresistible, and that is what they need to learn even though you and her will hate it. A lot of people get a corkscrew or a steak to hammer into the ground and get a 20-30 foot attachment to the corkscrew and the dog's collar and put the, on that when they are bad. Some people use lots, or dog houses. Just something that the dog doesn't find entertainment or joy out it. It is very helpful to get her to realize that she has done something wrong by putting her in her kennel while you clean the accident. My cousin has a dashcund and it once ripped a magazine and when my cousin got home and looked at it the dog went into the kennel itself. Its sad, but they have to learn right from wrong. Good idea to make a trip to your veterinarian. I hope everything works out for you and your beagle. They are a joyous, protective,loyal animal. I know you want the best for yours as I do for mine. Good luck, and never hesitate to e-mail me!