[marionsilver]

Hello BW!

Here's my dilemma. My beagle, Cooper, was recently attacked by a large, mixed breed on our way back from our daily walk. I was also almost attacked, so I decided not to take him out for walks until we both recover.

The problem is, when I started letting him out to do his business in our backyard, he wouldn't do it. I mean, he'd go out and walk around and smell the grass and whatnot, but he won't do potty. Since we got him out of the vet's clinic two days ago, he has only peed once -- last night -- and hasn't poopied yet. I'm thinking that, since he got so used to doing potty during our walks, he wouldn't potty any where else.

I'm really worried that he's not releasing the wastes as much as he needs to, and I'm not really sure how to train him to do potty in our backyard, except for letting him out several times a day to sniff around and get used to the place. But, again, he hasn't gone to the toilet for quite a long time now. Any tips? I am desperate. Thanks!

~Marion

 

[beagletails]

Put his leash on him and walk around the back yard. As silly as that sounds it might work. Couldn't hurt anyway.

I am so sorry to hear about your recent encounter. I am with you...I would avoid walking for awhile too. What happened to the other dog? Did they pay your vet bills? Just curious.

 

[Brisen]

My son's dog Spinelli is the same way...he won't go pee or poop in the backyard, only on his walks. He gets one long walk in the evening, but in the morning before work there is no time to take him for a walk, so my son puts him on leash and walks around the front yard. That works for us, so you might give it a try!

 

[marionsilver]

Thanks, Donna and Gale! I don't know why I haven't thought of that before. Will try that tonight.

And Donna, I reported the other dog to Humane Society. An officer put a pink slip on the door where the owner lives. The pink slip is still there, it looks like the owner hasn't seen it yet, as the house is for sale and she goes there sporadically. I am also working on the case with a lawyer. Let's all cross our fingers that justice will be served for Cooper, as he went through such a traumatic experience.

 

[kgh]

The leash route works! When we first got Shasta, she was extremely afraid of moderate winds. (We have had 100+mph here in the past.) She would not got out to piddle. No way! I put her leash on and kept enough pressure on it so she knew I was attatched (and not going to let her blow away) and it worked like a charm. She has since gotten a lot better about wind but still does not like really windy or noisy wind, but then again neiher do I!! LOL

 

[kathy5]

Georgia is the same way
she will only poop on a walk which makes it very hard when trying to get kids off to school & us off to work has anyone heard or tried the pee sticks?
do they work?

 

[Brien]

That's too bad. Here's what I would try...

Take a few treats with you when taking him out. Be patient and when he does go (it will happen eventually) give him a treat and lots of praise. Hopefully the positive reenforcement will encourage him to void more freely outside. It might take a few days, but you should see an improvement soon.

Also, we carry dog pepper spray with us on walks. There have been a few times when a stray dog has been loose and I've held it in my hand ready to use. I will firmly yell at the dog No and Leave It. Most of the time being forceful with your commands to the stray dog will get them to stop charging. But if they do, you spray their ass. I'm sorry, but I have no qualms about protecting Bodie and myself if necessary. I also will call the doggie police and report the loose dog. In these parts it's illegal for a dog to be loose.

 

[marionsilver]

The problem with the incident was that the owner was in plain sight when the attack happened, and it took her about 20 seconds before she decided to pull her dog away from Cooper. I believe 20 seconds should give any normal person enough time to take action. The dog was unattended, and it was annoying because it had a leash, but no hand to hold the leash! *shakes head in frustration*

It's really unfortunate because this just proves that there are a lot of irresponsible owners out there. My case is going well so far though. The doggy police was able to track down the owner and have her speak with me, and she has agreed to pay for the damages. I just hope she keeps her word, or I'm gonna have to push this to the lower courts.

Just like Cesar Millan would always say, There is no such thing as bad dogs; only bad owners.

And the doggy pepper spray sounds like a really really neat idea! I also don't mind protecting my dog and myself during similar situations. Walking sticks also work, I hear.

 

[Brien]

The brand we got is called Muzzle and it's specifically for dogs.

Originally I picked up regular pepper spray at a sporting goods store. But when I got home and read the package it said not suitable for animals. That's when I did a little research and discovered there's a different pepper spray for dogs.

I think it'll run you $12-$16. It's a nice piece of mind to have with us on walks.

 

[marionsilver]

I will get one this weekend. Thanks again for the wonderful tip!