[1boxer]

I know it has only been 5 days, but I really need this dog to get on my schedule!  HA  This isnt really a behavioral issue but one that I need some help with.  Bruce is potty trained and since he is in heartworm treatment he is confined to his kennel.  So my problem is when we let Bruce out all he wants to do is stay close to us (I know this is understandable because who wouldn't ....right?).  So what I am doing is taking him out of his kennel before going to work and letting him bathroom, but the thing is he will pee, but he wont poo.  We had him for a day and a half before he went poo the first time.  I think this will work itself out as we are all getting adjusted, but man at 4:00 in the a.m. I am in no mood to stand outside trying to get him to poo for 20 min.
So tell me if this is right, this is what I am starting today, go outside for 5 min, if no poo back to prison.  If he goes poo then go inside and play, dont associate outside with play esp. in the a.m.
Any suggestions?  Its been so long since I had to do this with Keno and Zu I have taken them going to the bathroom on command for granted.  Also can Bruce(he is 5 y.o.) learn this at a late age?  Or am I wasting time saying go pp/poopoo repeatedly the whole time I am out there?
Much appreciated as always,
Rich

 

[samsonsmom]

Nope you are not wasting your time, believe me..Yes you can teach an old dog new tricks and housebreak as well....Samson was 6 when I rescued him, he had NEVER been inside, he was left outside chained up....When I brought him home, his foster mom suggested basically pretending he was a pup, I took him out every hour...I think after the third time of "let's go potty", Samson looked up at me and I swear I could hear him say "Mom, I really don't need to go, I'll let you know when I'm ready"...I never had one accident inside with him...So yes it can be done...The change in enviroment could have been why he didn't poo for a bit, not surprising....Mine seem to go 3 times a day, right when they get up in the middle of the day and around dinner time...Once he gets himself acclimated, which shouldn't take long and especially after he finishes his treatment, I think things will be much better..I hear ya about the 4 am thing, oh what I have to look forward too

 

[1boxer]

Thanks for the reply, we are just on a holding pattern right now.  I cant wait for these next 2 weeks to pass, then we can really start to get to know Bruce.  He is such a great dog, goes into his kennel without a fuss even though he really doesnt want to.
He also sits for a pet.  its so funny he can be trying to play and I calll him and he stops comes over and sits until he gets a pet.
I love this dog!
-Rich

 

[samsonsmom]

Rich, I think he'a a great addition to your family and can't wait to see Bruce being the Boxer we know is in there