bell training bichons

Question
Hi I have 2 bichons. One is 4 yrs one is 7 months.  We had the younger one sold, but buyer backed out, so now she may be staying with us.  I would like to bell train.  I read your previous post about waiting until 6 months, so sounds like now would be the time.  We have used our PK (potty kennel) in our garage for our breeding bichon for convience of winter weather.  Can I re-train her and train the younger one with bells?  Our older still will sneak a pee every once in awhile--dont know why?  We have had carpet installers tear up section of closets to re-install over soiled area and even put new pad in, but she returned to that area after a week of freedom.  Now we still gate off that room?  any suggestions for this question ?  

Many thanks
susan

Answer
Hi Susan,

It's certainly possible to retrain a dog at any age. If your puppy is 7 months, and not 6 months, you still can most definitely bell train her. You could even bell train the 4 year old, it's just that you have to be especially diligent and patient in training an adult dog, because it already has a routine. Dogs are all about routines!

I will guess that the "potty kennel" is like a litter box for dogs. Some dogs have a problem with this kind of training. They don't get the concept that it's okay to soil in the house in that one area, but not in other areas of your home. Getting your dog used to going out on daily walks, at regular and specific times of day, would be a really good habit to begin. I think your dogs will find it less confusing.

The routine of peeing in the closet is just that, her routine, or habit! Even though you removed the source of the smell (the carpet padding), the habit of going in the closet is a tough one to break. I'd suggest closing the closet door.

Just as before a puppy is housebroken, it can't have the run of the house, your dog shouldn't have the run of your home until you can trust her too. When you can't be supervising your dog, she should be in a crate. When you let your dog out of her crate, take her outside immediately for a potty break.

If an accident happens don't yell at, or punish your dog. It's really your fault for not supervising her close enough. Clean up the mess without fan-fair (use an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature's Miracle) and chalk it up to experience, hopefully things will be better next time.

No doubt about it, the training is going to be a lot of work. But if you are persistent and consistent, she can be "reprogrammed".


I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti