My Daschund.

Question
Ok I got my daschund last month as a birthday present. She was given to us by someone who couldnt handle to have another little dog after her's died. Well Elsie is about 5 or 6. From what we know she is from a puppy mill-she has never been fixed  but she has been paper trained. She was very skidish when she came to us. She has since calmed down-but were still having problems. Elsie may be paper trained but chooses to use the bathroom anywhere in the house that she wants. I got awakened by her this morning and  she was climbing to the top of the couch in my husband and I's bedroom and she peed down the back of the couch. This is an on going thing and just over the last few days she's started to pee on the furniture. I dont know what to do. There are few things we can do to disipline her because she was abused and yelps at everything. I just need some help to know what to do. At the moment the dog is more work then my 2yr old and 5 yr old. Is there anyway to fix this problem?

Answer
Wow do you have your hands full. She needs to feel safe and confident. Pretty tough with an abused dog. First of all let's address the housetraining issues. Don't discipline her at all. In fact, if you can, ignore her accidents completely. Try crating her or securing her in a small area of your house with paper or if you'd prefer put her on an outside schedule rather than paper if you're home and can do it. Feed her twice a day, as much as she can eat in half an hour, and then pick it up. Water should be offered about every two hours, thirty minutes or so after she drinks take her out, or make her paper available to her. Focus on the GOOD things, when she goes where she should, lots of low key praise. Ignore submissive type behavior and try not to even pet her on top of the head Light scratches on her chest and rubbing the sides of her face are great comfort for an abused dog. If you can, walk her, twice a day, you wouldn't believe how much a good walk keeping dog at heel, for at least half an hour briskly, wilL CHANGE their behavior just that simple thing. Go to alpha boot camp on the web and read read read, it'll help you establish yourself as pack leader which will in turn build her confidence. You can also try reading Cesar Milan's Be The Pack Leader. It'll help immensely, This little girl needs lots of patience and retraining. If you feel overwhelmed, call a local doxie rescue and ask them to assist you or to take her if necessary. Don't feel guilty, just do what you can, and if it's too much for you, they can help her and will find her a home after she's rehabilitated.
Blessings,
Cindi