Housebreaking an older dog - in an apartment.

Question
Hi Melissa,
This is quite a problem. I just adopted a 6 year old beagle who has been confined most of her life and is not fully housebroken. When she goes out, which I take her every hour, (to get her used to it), she seems to pee like a boy dog and marks everything. She does the same with feces. I say "no" when she marks things in the house and give her a treat when she urinates outside. I am working on getting her into a routine, but what do I do about this peeing problem? Why doesn't she pee like a girl, and how can I get her to do it all at once instead of a small amount several times? Thanks!

Answer
Lauren;
I have previously answered this type of problem, in many different emails...
But, I will tell you, that you have a long haul ahead!
The problem is that the dog does not understand what is expected of her!
She has been confined, BIG PROBLEM!
So, she has done everything in a small area.
Get her outside "MOST OF THE TIME"~~~
That is your best bet~
Telling a dog "NO" gives them "NO INFORMATION", SO, INSTEAD SAY " GO POTTY".

Then Praise is better than treats, but, that is your decision.
You are going to need EXPERT HELP! Ongoing!!!!
So, get yourself into an Obedience class, find a teacher, and get private lessons asap!
Best of luck, but be prepared, it really may be a year before she trusts anyone...as this is the SAD PROBLEM OF RESCUING A DOG!!!
Trust issues first, then training next.
Be patient, and do understand, this is truly a "Labor of Love"!
Regards,
Melissa