house training 6 yr. old ex-puppy mill dog

[stark2k]

We have a ex-puppy mill dog that we rescued and sill can not be housebroke. We put in a dog door, praised her when she went potty outside, and other things, but saddly she would still rather go in the house. Help!

[Sarah]

It is very difficult to house train a puppy mill puppy because they are use to being forced to using the bathroom where they sleep. Just be consistent with the puppy and be extremely patient. Eventually the dog may learn, however, don't get upset if she has some mistakes. There is a section here in the forum regarding potty training a puppy, it might be good for you to read that. No matter how old your dog is, consider it puppy training.

What is the breed of the dog you received?

I rescued a mini Schnauzer once she must have been about 2 years old they thought. She was very shy, and stayed in the back of the kennel when I went to go pick her up. She wasn't house broken either, and it took me over a year to actually get her house broken. She was very smart and conniving. She would go out the doggie door and sit on the patio until she thought it was long enough for me to think she went potty, and then come back in.

So be patient with your dog...

[stark2k]

I also have a mini schnauzer and she does the same thing as yours. If it rains or snows, unless you make her, she will not go out. I have been at this for about a year. She too is shy, but very sweet.

[Sarah]

Maggie [My Schnauzer's name] was debarked, so she was very quiet throughout her life with me.. Maggie's best friend was my pet rabbit I had named Petey. Maggie would follow Petey around the house. Petey would use the doggie door to go outside and spend the day.. Well guess who else went.. yep, and I believe that was the beginning of Maggie learning to go outside.

My Maggie wasn't social with human beings, although she liked her walks, and would not be without me, she wasn't a dog who would lay next to you, or sleep with you, lick you or be enthused about life.

You may want to get her some wee pads, that would certainly help.. She can learn she can go on those. Place the wee pads by the door, then in about 2 months or so, place the wee pad outside the door, when you see her at the door let her out. See what happens, not guaranteed though.