97 Tips for Raising Labs

Following are approximately 97 questions readers of BigYellowDog.com submitted in recent years. They were answered by a licensed veterinarian on the site as a general service to all Lab owners. This information is for general reference only. Always consult your veterinarian for any questions about your Lab's health. We hope this information is somewhat helpful. At this time, we are not accepting any more questions.

Question

I just received a 1 year old Lab mix. The previous owners didn't potty train her, so now I really need some advice. My boyfriend and I are really getting frustrated with the fact that we walk her every 2 hours a good 2 miles down the street for an hour and a half. She sniffs around as if she's going to use the bathroom, but never does. She comes in the house, pees on the floor and poops. She's done this about 10 times, and when she does it, I tell her "No! Bad girl!", take her outside and say "good potty" and show her where she needs to use it. I feed her and take her out again the same way. And she's continued to use the bathroom. Now The only time I crate her is when she's not outside or eating. Sometimes I leave her on the long chain outside, hoping she might get the hint. But she whines and stays on the stairs. Im really getting upset with her. I'm at my end..I really need some advice. What should I do?

Answer

Three thoughts:

1. A dog relies on its superior sense of smell to locate areas to go to the bathroom. Although I'm sure you are cleaning the area in your house where the accidents are occuring, I would bet you are not masking the odor to the level your dog can't smell it. Go to the pet store and ask for a pet stain remover that ALSO neutralizes the scent of waste material.
2. Keep after your habits of taking the dog out so often. Praise the dog like there is no tomorrow when it finally goes. It will not take long for your dog to figure it out once you get the idea started. That's because in addition to its sense of smell, a dog likes to feel a familiar substance under the pads of its feet when eliminating. (This might also be why it always picks the same area in your house to go each time now.) After the notion that grass and dirt means potty, you won't have another accident in the house. But again, stay after this - don't give up!
3. And always use the crate when leaving the dog alone in the house.

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