Potty Problem

[Becky & Sheeba]

Sheeba is 3 yrs old. Recently due to work, we're currently living in two places. I bring Sheeba with us to our new place from 2-4 days. She has only lived in one place on acreage, with plenty of room to run and go potty. Now for a few days during the week we are staying in a condo with a small back yard that isn't fenced. She will not go potty until she absolutely can't hold it any longer, it's even been up to 24 hours. I'll try walking her, take her out on her lease and stay with her trying to make her feel relaxed enough to go potty. Last week I only stayed one night and then brought her back to our main home. She didn't go potty at all until we arrived back home. I take her out several times during the day and tell her to "go potty".  This is our third week of being in the condo. I arrived yesterday afternoon and she still hasn't  gone potty, it's been over 24 hours.

Any suggestions or idea's on how to make her feel more comfortable in her new surroundings?

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

 Does Sheba sniff around and show any interest in the area when you take her outside? When she goes other places with you does she have the same issue? Is there anywhere nearby, other than that little spot that you could take her to? Lot's of questions and no answers, not very helpful.

[BG and Gavin]

Oh boy, I feel your pain.  The first time we took Gavin to the cottage after the winter, he did not go for 36 hours!  Gradually after successive trips he found his spot and the time decreased.  He has been the same when we boarded him - wouldn't go!  A couple of weeks ago we went to vist a friend for the weekend who lives near our cottage.  Gavin would not go at her place either.  We ended up walking into our cottage for a look around and Gavin nearly lost his mind.  He ran straight for his spot and releived himself then zoomed around like a maniac in circles.  He must have felt pretty good.  I was glad he remembered from last year so we won't have another adjustment period this year.

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

That's a rough one and I wish I had answers for you. I've recently experienced similar with Declan - he's extremely "rules oriented" at this stage in his life and it's been a challenge getting him to generalize from "I can pee in the back yard" to "I can pee outside."  He finally had a breakthrough on that one one day leaving puppy class. I could see during class that he was getting uncomfortable with something but didn't know what. I did try to get him to potty a few times, but he just looked at me like I was nuts. On the way back to the car after class he kept stopping, I could see he was distressed about something ... he finally stopped dead, fell over, and rolled onto his back ... peeing straight up. Poor guy! I dropped to my knees and cuddled him telling him how wonderful he was. Now he pees in the park quite happily, but it took several weeks to convince him that it was okay.

[Adina P]

Matching anyone?  teehee

[Jen, Lachlan, and Declan]

Been there, done that, there ought'a be a t-shirt! (Hey, it does work, LOL!)

[F, Calla & Luca]

I thought of that.

[Becky & Sheeba]

Thanks, Everyone! Shortly after I posted this, she finally went potty!  It was over 24 hours of holding everything in. We don't take Sheeba to a park, as she has lots of room to roam around on our property. She does go to the groomers every couple of weeks, but I'm not sure if she has a place to potty there. We're hoping that eventually she'll feel more comfortable with the new area and her new routine. I figure that she can't hold it forever. My worry is that she could possibly get an some type of medical condtion from holding it so long. She does sniff around the entire area when I take her outside.

I've never had a dog do this before, so I'm not sure if it's just something they do with unknown area's. It looks like a few of you have had the same problem with your Doodles. Some amusing stories concerning this. I suppose it'll take time for her to adjust. I never thought that taking her to a new place would have such a reaction from her. Thanks again!

 

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I'm glad she went, Chloe does this also but I don't think it's ever been that long. Good luck!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Ned does not like to go potty 'in public' or on-leash but has learned that eventually he must.  We have an RV and he was even housebroken when we were in it so it isn't something new.  He just needs to find a private spot and that takes time.  As he has gotten older, this has improved a bit.  One of the things that helps is to walk him early in the morning and after dark.  There are less distractions then - but that is a campground thing perhaps.  He also goes more easily when off leash.  Could you possibly set up an ex-pen in the back for him to go?  I know they aren't big, but if it is the leash thing, it might help.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

OMD!  Could you cut out a small patch of grass from your place where she usually goes & lay it down & see if she'll smell that it's familiar & go on it?  I know, probably a crazy idea, but the only thing I can think of.  I sure hope she doesn't end up with an infection from holding it so long.  Poor thing.