I have a chihuahua that I've had for over 3 years. I live in an apartment and have always trained my dog to use a "piddle pad" instead of going outside. He has been trained well and always used his piddle pad but for about the past 6 weeks he has been gradually using it less and less and is going to the bathroom on the floor everywhere. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to get him back to using his piddle pad. He will never go to the bathroom on the floor in front of me...I will try to take him in his piddle pad and he won't go and then, for example this morning, he waited until I was in the shower and peed all over the floor. I am so frustrated and in need of any advice to get him trained back to how good he used to be...TIA!
I do take my dog outside to play and I also frequently take him to my in-laws house and he plays outside with another dog. My husband works long hours and, with 2 young children, I am unable to take him outside on a regular enough basis, that is why we use piddle pads.
How often are you changing the pad? I had a chihuahua very small and she also only used a pad, I found that if she pottyed on it more than just once or twice she was continuing to go on the pad rather than if she only a couple times and placing a new one, his scent is there so hopefully he will continue to go. Good luck A.
Does he EVER go outside? Dogs have to be outdoors every single day. Not just a short jaunt, either. Dogs of every size and breed, need strenuous exercise and outdoor time daily. Dogs are not instinctively, by nature...supposed to go on an artificial pad. They are animals, they are supposed to go outside. They WANT and NEED to go outside. You are doing your pet an incredible disservice.
I guarantee you, that your dog is extremely unhappy. It is tired of looking at walls, tired of not being able to do, what it should instinctively be able to. He is trying to tell you something. I don't have suggestions on the piddle pad thing, because he should NOT have to go on one. Take the dog outside!! Let him walk around, sniff some things, do his business. If you can't do that, you shouldn't have a dog. Sorry. That's part of the deal. This is not a DOG issue. It's an OWNER issue.
I don't have any suggestions however it is hard for an animal to pee where they live. I've heard that an animal should always be trained to go outside. I understand being busy but if you don't have three 5- minute sessions for your dog daily are you sure you should have a pet. Sorry this sounds harsh but I would never permit an animal to soil in the house.
I would recommend taking him to the vet. Since this is new behavior, he could have a bladder infection or some other illness. Animals don't just change their pee habits out of the blue. Then, make time for him! Animals need attention, and lots of it. That's why they are always compared to children. He might be upset that you aren't spending time with him. I'm sure it gets quite boring for him living in an apartment and not being able to go outside frequently. Dogs aren't meant to live inside constantly. If you can't make the time for him, I'd suggest finding him a good home with someone who can make the time. If you want an indoor animal, a cat is the way to go. I do hope he doesn't have any bladder problems though, it can be extremely painful. Please, care for the dog the way he deserves.
First take him to the vet and make sure there isn't something medical going on - urinary tract infection, bladder stones, diabetes, etc.
Get him checked out for health issues. If none, then start placing a pad where he tends to go. Get him used to using the pad again, and then try gradually shifting him back to the location you prefer.
I have a 3 lb yorkie and sometimes experience this same frustrating problem. Dogs of this size can't be let outdoors by themselves. They are a target for hawks big time!!! Happened in my backyard!!! You need to go to crate training or confine the dog so you can monitor this problem better. As long as there are no health issues, these little dogs are great indoors and they get plenty of exercise chasing balls indoors and following you around all day!
I would take him to the vet to make sure there is nothing health related going on. They will often let you know they aren't feeling well by changing their pottying habits. Good luck!
