gunnergundog
Well-Known Member
Just to say that, normally, I would agree with the approach of using a crate for a young dog that was still messing in the house IF it had been introduced to it and had positive connotations with it.
HOWEVER, this is a dog that for 9 years of its life has been a brood bitch on a puppy farm. It is LIKELY that she has been contained in a small space (crate/stable/kennel whatever) and has been allowed/forced to sleep in amongst her own urine and faeces. Hygiene was probably not at the top of the priority list for the then owner.
She is therefore likely to have negative connotations with confinement.
Consequently, I think we need to think outside the box a bit here.
Firstly, I would get a vet check to ensure no UTI. I may also try a course of Incurin to check that there is no post-spey incontinence......unlikely, I would have thought as she is dry during the day, but worth a shot as it is relatively cheap.
I would also consider 'coupling' her to the other dog as they do with hound puppies. This is assuming that the other dog goes out to perform and that the relationship between the two is okay. (Do not attempt this if she is in any way stressed by your other dog.)
A sand pit has proved useful for me in the past.....a cheap kids paddling pool filled with sand or soil. This soaks up the urine, eliminates splash back and encourages digging, which for some dogs is quite therapeutic. Also, some bitches like to be 'out of sight' when they perform....seeking out the cover of a bush, so maybe some sort of gazebo over it??
Do you take a torch/headtorch with you when you walk her in the dark? Just another thought. If that works, then possibly motion triggered lights in your back yard??
Appreciate these all involve cost though.
Not sure where you got her from.....was it from a rescue and would they be willing to take her back when it comes to it?
Hope these random thoughts help a bit.
HOWEVER, this is a dog that for 9 years of its life has been a brood bitch on a puppy farm. It is LIKELY that she has been contained in a small space (crate/stable/kennel whatever) and has been allowed/forced to sleep in amongst her own urine and faeces. Hygiene was probably not at the top of the priority list for the then owner.
She is therefore likely to have negative connotations with confinement.
Consequently, I think we need to think outside the box a bit here.
Firstly, I would get a vet check to ensure no UTI. I may also try a course of Incurin to check that there is no post-spey incontinence......unlikely, I would have thought as she is dry during the day, but worth a shot as it is relatively cheap.
I would also consider 'coupling' her to the other dog as they do with hound puppies. This is assuming that the other dog goes out to perform and that the relationship between the two is okay. (Do not attempt this if she is in any way stressed by your other dog.)
A sand pit has proved useful for me in the past.....a cheap kids paddling pool filled with sand or soil. This soaks up the urine, eliminates splash back and encourages digging, which for some dogs is quite therapeutic. Also, some bitches like to be 'out of sight' when they perform....seeking out the cover of a bush, so maybe some sort of gazebo over it??
Do you take a torch/headtorch with you when you walk her in the dark? Just another thought. If that works, then possibly motion triggered lights in your back yard??
Appreciate these all involve cost though.
Not sure where you got her from.....was it from a rescue and would they be willing to take her back when it comes to it?
Hope these random thoughts help a bit.
