JR Terrier Housebreaking problems

Question
I adopted a 1 year old JR from a young girl who let her pee and poop anywhere for the first year. I trained her on pads unfortunately she now thinks that any rug or clothing on the floor in the house is a pee pad. She will also pee and poop on my bed when left alone while I'm at work, am using baby gates at this time but would like to get rid of them. How do I train her to quit using the house as her bathroom?

Answer
You need to begin a regular potty training routine. Take the dog out first in the AM, then food, then out again.  Praise the dog when it goes outside. Potty the dog every 2 hours for the rest of they day. If there is an evening feed, potty before and after.  The idea is to associate food with going out to potty.  

Get a crate and begin crate traiiung the dog. First let the dog get used to  the crate with the door open, then short period and build up to hours. Keep a toy, blanket or other item in the crate so the dog is busy and has a comfortable area. The dog should learn not to soil its den, where it sleeps. Also, you can feed the dog in the crate, or a water bowl with a small amount of water (1/4 cup).  When the dog drinks or eats, take teh dog out and potty trip. A small reward, tiny treat plus praise will help.  There are several books at the pet stores than expplain this in more detail.


Regards,

Henry Ruhwiedel
Westinwd Ken nels LLC