Potty Training Problems 

Problems Potty Training My Dog

Hi, we're having problems potty training a 3-year old cocker spaniel which we adopted from the cocker rescue in Austin, Texas.

My Mum says I'm having potty training problems!

The original owners returned the dog as an owner surrender because of an inability to potty train the dog for about a year. Unfortunately, the foster parents did not mention this to us. 

The cocker is not abused and has a wonderful temperament.

She's been checked by our vet and passed the exam with flying colors. She's an indoor dog and enjoys our walks three times a day. 

We've had her for about three weeks now and her indoor habits vary, with no definite regularity for either peeing or pooping. 

What things have worked for you to begin to manage the problem? 

Problems Toilet Training A 3-Year Old Cocker Spaniel

Answered by: Pauline (Website Owner)

I'm sorry to hear about your little problem with your rescue dog but I'm confident that you'll have it remedied very soon.

You've had her checked out by the vet so you know she's otherwise healthy - that's good news!

Trauma Of A New Home

As you've only had her for three weeks, the upset and 'trauma' of moving into her new home and having to get used to a new family may be causing your cocker's irregular toilet breaks.

If this is contributing towards the problem, she'll obviously settle down once she becomes more familiar with her new environment and her new family.

A Change In Diet?

Her digestive system may be reacting to a change in diet. Do you know what she was fed at the rescue centre?

They normally give you couple of days' supply to allow you to source the type of food she's been used to.

If you intend to change to another make of dog food, it's best to do it gradually so that it doesn't upset her delicate digestive system.

It's Early Days!

Personally, I believe that once she's familiar with her new environment, new doggie parents,  and settles down to a regular feeding program, twice each day, and regular walks to stimulate her bowels, her toilet patterns will develop and get back to normal.

Potty Training Your Cocker Spaniel

However, from the sound of it, I suspect your Cocker was never really fully house-trained, so I would recommend you begin all over again. 

The trick is to see the signs that she's about to poop or pee and stop her in her tracks by giving her the 'No' command, in a firm voice.

Don't shout as that could frighten her. The firm command will probably have the effect of startling her (not frightening her) into stopping in mid-stream.

Take her outside immediately to the area you have designated for her toilet and allow her to continue. When she's finished, praise her profusely and offer her a treat. 

She'll learn that one type of behaviour gets your disapproval and another gets lots of praise and even a treat! 

I am assuming that you are using a pet urine cleaner to clean up after her.

If you're not, although it will look and smell clean to us humans, your Cocker will be able to smell where she's been which may encourage her to go there again - it's a never ending cycle unless you can remove all smells.

You can buy this type of cleaner at most pet stores. Your vet may also sell it over the counter.

If she continues to do her toilet in your home, it's because you weren't there to stop her. (We can't always be around though, can we?) 

However, until she's fully house-trained, it's important for you to be around to catch her in the act so that she understands what you do and don't want from her.

If you 'scold' her after she's done the deed, she won't link the two together meaning she won't understand what she's done wrong.

If you haven't already, did you know that crate training your dog can help with toilet training? 

If you're not convinced, you can read about the benefits of crate training here.

If you need a refresher on potty training your puppy simply follow the link and it will take you through all the steps to get your dog fully house trained.

I sincerely wish you best of luck and hope you have lots of happy times with your new Cocker Spaniel!

Visitor Comments: Potty Training Problems

Potty Training Problems
By: Anonymous 

Take her outside every hour on the hour and coax her to do her business - that should work. When she pees or poops tell her she's the best dog in the world. Show her how pleased you are with her.

Don't scold her for peeing or pooping in the house because this won't work. It won't stop her.

I have used a dog smell removal spray in the past when I've cleaned up in the house (after my dog) and I recommend you do the same otherwise she's going be encouraged to go in that same spot again when she smells her pee. 

Even though you think it's clean, your dog will still be able to smell it unless you use a special cleaning product.