Sheltie potty training

Question
My husband and I just picked up a 1 year old sheltie from a lady that could not take care of her anymore. We have had Ashley for 4 days now. She is not potty trained very well. She loves to go outside with the other dogs when we take them all out, but she just plays and jumps, but no going to the bathroom. We have even tried taking her out by herself, and separating her in the house from our other dogs, but every now and then she will poop on the floor. My husband and I are not here during the day so I am worried about how we are going to enforce anything. What is the best place to start and how do we handle it when she's pottied on the floor while we've been away? Can we still scold her?

Thanks

Answer
Bethany,

If you don't punish when the event happens it leaves a gap in communication as to why there is punishment.  Don't punish 4 hours or even 5 minutes after, only right when you catch her in the act.  Even then realize that she can't help it that you didn't know she needed to go out.

There is only one answer: change to the crate training method.  I realize you have a lot of dogs and this is time consuming, however from a sanitary perspective you must do this.  It will take a few weeks to set the schedule and then you both will be fine.  She might even be able to be out in the house after, but you should crate until you are certain she is on the schedule.

Restrict food and water.  Walk her until she goes potty every time.  Walk her first thing in the am, and when you get home.  Walk her before food and after food.  Also about 2 hours after dinner.  I'd only feed once a day because grazing is bad anyway.  Every time she goes potty act like you won the lottery you are so happy.

You other dogs will learn to deal with it too.

I know it works without abusing the dog.  It is the only way I see that works.  Check out my other posts and you will find more detailed info on crate training methods.

Dave