Parents want to get rid of our dog because of her indoor peeing/pooping and digging.

The basics: Our dog is a Shih-tzu. She is 9 years old and her name is Bella.
The problem: She randomly pees/poops in the house. She's sooo terrified of thunder/fire works that she shivers uncontrollably the entire time they're occuring and she pees/poops. Sometimes (even when she isn't scared) she tries to dig out under the fence.

The worst part is that she gets so terrified, she pees/poops in her own crate which she's locked in...and will just lay in it. My mom and dad are so fed up with it...its been getting worse and worse and worse since she was a puppy...they keep telling me to look for a home or they'll put her to sleep..

I don't think they really mean either option...but i just dont know what to do!!!


pleasee anyyyy advice... i love my dog...she's my baby..

Have you considered diapers for her? As far as her escaping, what about a tie up? I know some folks will put in some fencing underground for dogs that dig. If it was me, I'd probably just put the dog on a tie up when I couldn't directly attend to it and a drag line if I was there to monitor. If she's fearful though, I definitley wouldn't leave her on a tie up unattended. She could get panicky and tangle herself up.

Have you seen a vet yet? Is your dog kept in a kennel for hours? Is your dog getting enough love and attention or just negative attention? If your parents are not able to accept your puppy's problems and work with them, I would suggest you find a Shih Tzhu rescue group and get this dog to someone who can love and help this dog through her golden years.

no...my dog has never been in a kennel...and she does go to the vet...and she's spoiled rotten...that might be the problem...she never gets yelled at or in trouble....and she gets any treats or any food she wants any time...she has 2 different beds...plus she sleeps on all the furniture...we do love her alot...

and she's 9 she isnt a puppy...

Does she only pee/poop in the house when there are thunderstorms or fireworks happening? Have you tried giving her Rescue Remedy beforehand?

Shih tzu's require a lot of attention, not just cuddles and treats, but correction and reminders. If she's only messing in the house when there are loud noises, she's was probly never socialized to them. And you should work with her about feeling safe. Coddling is the worst thing to do at that time. You may want to consider hiring a trainer to assist you in correcting these behaviours. Also, joining or contacting your local Kennel club, is a good way to get help and support. Many members have delt with similar issues and are willing to assist you. Some are trainers, but most are not, however they are all willing to tell you how they've delt with similar issues.

From your message, the random peeing/pooping is not completely related to fear, in that this happens frequently for no reason. You said this has happend and gotten worse since puppyhood. There could be a medical issue, and it's worth discussing with your vet. However, it sounds to me, like she just needs to be potty trained. Which means waking up in the AM and putting her out first thing (even before you pee), feeding her and taking her straight out side, before you leave for work/school taking her for a lengthy walk 20 - 40 mins, Crating her when your gone. When you get home the first thing anyone does is take her out side. And she should be taken out after her evening meal and evey 2 - 3 hours during the evening and for a walk preferable one when you get home and one before bed, but at least one before bed.

You will need to go out with her each time and reward her when she does her business. Monitor her closely when your home and she's out of her crate and run her out side if she looks like she's going to go.

I really isn't fair to the dog to die because of it. I would encourage you to contact the breeder, or the Shih Tzu Rescue, before you do something like that. 9 is still rather young for a Shih Tzu.

Shih tzu's require a lot of attention, not just cuddles and treats, but correction and reminders. If she's only messing in the house when there are loud noises, she's was probly never socialized to them. And you should work with her about feeling safe. Coddling is the worst thing to do at that time. You may want to consider hiring a trainer to assist you in correcting these behaviours. Also, joining or contacting your local Kennel club, is a good way to get help and support. Many members have delt with similar issues and are willing to assist you. Some are trainers, but most are not, however they are all willing to tell you how they've delt with similar issues.

From your message, the random peeing/pooping is not completely related to fear, in that this happens frequently for no reason. You said this has happend and gotten worse since puppyhood. There could be a medical issue, and it's worth discussing with your vet. However, it sounds to me, like she just needs to be potty trained. Which means waking up in the AM and putting her out first thing (even before you pee), feeding her and taking her straight out side, before you leave for work/school taking her for a lengthy walk 20 - 40 mins, Crating her when your gone. When you get home the first thing anyone does is take her out side. And she should be taken out after her evening meal and evey 2 - 3 hours during the evening and for a walk preferable one when you get home and one before bed, but at least one before bed.

You will need to go out with her each time and reward her when she does her business. Monitor her closely when your home and she's out of her crate and run her out side if she looks like she's going to go.

I really isn't fair to the dog to die because of it. I would encourage you to contact the breeder, or the Shih Tzu Rescue, before you do something like that. 9 is still rather young for a Shih Tzu.

Excellent comment. Also routine, routine, routine. Consult your vet. If she gets a good bill of health then this is absolutely workable.

To love your pet is also to set guidelines and routines, not only cuddles and treats. It is also to explore all options including consulting a trainer. She is young and death is not warrented.

If the family refuses to go the length then please, please consult with a rescue group, either breed or non-breed. I am certain they will put her into foster so that she learns the basics.

It is sad that her fate is in question.

Thanks Ben!

OP - Where are you located? I may be able to find a resuce in your area. You may also want to contact your breeder, as they will most likely want first option to take the dog. They may also be able to assist you in your current issues.