housetraining & socialization

Question
QUESTION: I just rescued an 8 y.o. papipoo. He is not housetrained even though I've taken him out 5 or 6 times today. Also, he won't come to me and seems scared of me. He won't take treats so, so far, I can't do luring training. Help.

ANSWER: Was he house trained in his previous home? Wet accidents or solid accidents? Is he neutered? Some toy breeds and mixes are difficult to house train. He needs constant supervision or to be somewhere it doesn't matter if he eliminates (an xpen with a bed and a litter box might be a good start. If he is marking (lifting his leg around the house), a belly band might be helpful, and be sure to clean accident locations with a good enzymatic cleaner. If you JUST adopted him, I wouldn't be asking him for much interaction. Let him make first approaches, and don't be in too big a hurry; this may take a while for both issues. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com

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QUESTION: He's a puppy mill dog & I don't think the rescue facility paid much attention to training. He's having both wet and solid accidents, but in the last day and a half it's only been solid. He is getting more used to me but still won't take treats

Answer
Give him time. When you can supervise, he can drag a line - which may be a less scary way to get him to where you need him to go. You can also tether him to you, so he goes where you go. Give him plenty of leash when you do that. And don't press him yet for a lot of interaction