Hi & Help

[karengp]

Hi :confused:
I am in desperate need of some advice with my two beautiful bichons.
My first one is two years old and her bad habits are peeing on beds and not wanting to go outside to go to the toilet when its raining, therefore when we get up in the morning she has poo-ed in the kitchen.
My other beauty is about 12 wks old and she is getting there with her toilet training but in the mornings before we wake she has done at least two lots of poos, which we clean up, then when we return to the room 10-15 mins later there is always more. She knows to pee on paper or outside, however shes just not getting it when it comes to numbers 2's!
I am begging for help!!!! Are bichons just lazy??
Any comments would be greatly appreciated as I am at the end of my rope with them - i dont want a smelly house!
Thanks.
Karen:)

[dogma]

You need to establish a potty routine. First thing in the morning go outside, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Pick them up and go outside with them. Run around and play for a few to make it a good fun thing to go outside rain or shine, hell or high water and stay out there until the mission is accomplished. Eventually they figure out that after they go, they can get back inside. Be happy about it and they will be too. Set your alarm to get up early (before the dog has a chance to poop or pee) and carry them outside. The onus is on YOU to figure out how early to get up and let the dog out. Dogs will normally relieve themselves soon after waking up. If YOU wake the dog up they will not have had a chance to relieve themselves in an inappropriate place and you can get up and take them outside. As soon as your pet is through eating - go outside and stay there until business is taken care of, then praise the dog and go back inside. Last thing at night before you turn in - go outside. Every couple of hours inbetween - go outside. At night when you go to bed. put the dog in a crate (or other secure place) so that they cannot relieve themselves on the floor. They normally will not go in the crate if it is also their bed. Establish a feeding routine that gives plenty of time to go out and relieve themselves before bedtime. Watch that dog every second and scoop and run outside at the first hint of an accident. Scold mistakes lightly and praise correct behaviour heavily. Be dilligent and consistent and eventually it'll all work out.