The Dog Chick
Posted : 7/5/2010 11:40:08 PM
Hi, I hope you don't mind me responding to your posting. I am a NYS Certified Dog Behaviorist/Trainer. Please do not use the match stick advice - very dangerous! My suggestions to you are to first keep track of her normal eating times, poop times, pee times, etc. Much like we do when housebreaking a puppy. Make a daily schedule sheet so you can accurately pinpoint everything. Start now by taking her on a "bathroom" walk outside of her comfort zone. The more you get to know her digestion system the better you will be able to pinpoint the time she really has to go. I have had people say that they take their puppy out every half hour but she only goes sometimes - the answer is that she goes when she has to.
If you arent seeing results in a day or so on the walks, take a piece of poop or a dab of pee on a paper towel and place it outside of your home to get her started. You can even take the same from the other dog. sounds gross but I have done this on many occasions and have been successful. Make this as much a part of your daily routine as showering, brushing your teeth, etc is to you. If you are consistent with this then you can teach her to go elsewhere. Also, even though the day of the move is going to be stressful and emotional for you, it will be for her as well. Take her (and the other dog) for a long, calm walk before putting them in the car - this will help tremendously, please make the time for this. Also, as you take your driving breaks make sure to walk them for about 10-15 minutes if you can and remember to keep track of her bathroom schedule. Another very important thing, before you go into your new home with the dogs walk them for at least 30 minutes. When you take them inside keep them on leash, do not let them go exploring through the house by themselves. For the first week keep them confined to one room if possible and gradually introduce them to each room. Change can effect a dog as much as it can us. I had a case where a couple moved to a new home and the previously well balanced dog began biting (really biting) everyone that came into the home, including the owners. The dog wasn't properly "introduced" into the new home and was very frightened by the new situation.
I wish you the best of luck on this endeavor and hope my advice helps!