Multiple Troubles with ShihTzu
I have been in training for obedience school to be able to train dogs. But I have a problem with my shitzu. He is 5 years old. I bought him from a breeder at 8 weeks have done my homework on this and cannot find the answer. My problem is I have to gate him when I go out or he will lift his leg on my furniture. I have taken him with me in car, bring him back, leave him loose and he will do it again.
Sometimes I leave him loose to go out in yard for one minute, and he won't. But that doesn't happen too often. My other little shitz is fine, she is a girl. So he does have her in house so he is not alone. Another problem when I return and he hears my car in the carport he barks very bad until I come and let him free. What kind of information can you give me? I am a nurse and have my clients to see. I can not take him with me all the time. This has been going for 5 years and I have done everything I could think of to solve the problem.
PS. I forgot to tell you he is neutered. He goes on diaper pads on the bathroom floor. They both do it well and never have an accident when I am home. They go right in the bathroom. I live in a condo with no yard of my own. Taking him out on the lawn I cannot do because it has fire ants, ticks fleas, you name it. So I am forced to do this kind of training which is no problem for when I go out.
Also I cannot talk with other people. Eddie gets very jealous. I cannot show love to my other shitz as he also gets very jealous about that. He cries when other people come to my house until he sits next to me and then still cries quietly.
Audrey
Hi Audrey,
Your problems are pretty serious since they have been going on for 5 years and are now a habit. Sounds like your little guy gets his way a lot. First, when he's barking, do not let him out or give him what he wants. He has learned that his barking will get you to do what he wants. You might need to use a bark collar, there is a citronella collar that works well. Also when you show affection to your female, use your obedience training and have him sit and stay. Use a leash if you have to but be firm.
The marking in the house is a tough one. You need to treat him like a puppy. He doesn't get freedom in the house until he earns the reward. Meaning, if you can't watch him, he should be confined to a kitchen type area. Leave your potty pads there for him. Monitor his water intake, and take him to potty pads and watch him until he goes. This is tough because most dogs trained on pads won't go outside, so you will have to take pads with you when you go out or to someone's home.
There's a great book out call The dog listener by Jan Fennell. It deals with leadership, and might be of help.
Good luck,
Lisa Lombardo
Bark & Browse
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