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Old January 29th, 2004, 06:02 PM
canadiangirl canadiangirl is offline
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Old husky needs some training

Hi all,
Hoping to find some good and useful advice here.
I have a 12 year old husky, getting a bit worn down and I want to start having him in the house more often. He is outside about 90% of the time, except when its very cold, then he sleeps in our laundry room. He does not go to the washroom when he's in the laundry room overnight. I would like to be able to have him indoors, with us, when we are home. However, I'm worried about him urinating inside. Whats the right path to take? I had him in today for a while as a trial run, and he wouldn't just sit in the family room with me!?! Has anyone had a similar experience, trying to get an older dog used to being indoors?
Thanks so much!
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  #2  
Old January 29th, 2004, 06:35 PM
Lucky Rescue Lucky Rescue is offline
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Sorry, I'm not really clear on what you are asking....? Your dog is housetrained, right? If he doesn't mess in the house overnight, I don't know why he would start, unless he has a physical problem - maybe related to aging.

After spending 12 yrs alone for 90% of the time,I'm sure he'd be very happy to be inside with his family. Dogs are very social animals, and spending their lives alone outside is not really the best option for them.

My last dog was 14 when I lost him, and was always with us - inside or out.
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  #3  
Old January 29th, 2004, 07:32 PM
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Spoiled Spoiled is offline
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I haven't had too much experience with trying to get a dog used to being inside, but I used to have a cat who would freak out if he was let inside. Maybe you should just let the dog take it at his own speed. I haven't had much experience with Huskys either, but let him try it. If he starts messing in the house, you'll have to houstrain him, but it sounds like he won't, since he sleeps through the night without any accidents.
Good luck
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Old January 29th, 2004, 09:31 PM
canadiangirl canadiangirl is offline
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I am very aware that dogs are social animals and that they like to be with their owners. Thats quite obvious and anyone owning a pet should know that. I actually take offense to the insinuation that my dog is uncared for.
The situation with this dog is very different in that he bit someone when he was young, and on the advice of the vet and animal control, we did not put him down as he was so young. From then on, we could not have him in the house with us all the time, as friends and family members were often with us inside. Thats why he was mainly an outdoor dog.
Let me rephrase my question so that it is clearer - can you re-train older dogs so that they are pleasent to have indoors, i.e. not jumping on furniture, chewing furniture, etc.
Thanks.
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Old January 29th, 2004, 09:40 PM
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LavenderRott LavenderRott is offline
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Husky's are thick coated dogs. Having spent so much time outside, I would imagine that he has quite a winter coat! He may be uncomfortable in the house with you as it is much warmer then outside.

I would also assume that having lived most of the time outside, it wouldn't occur to him to go to the bathroom in the house. He is used to going on grass and dirt, not carpet or tile. Since he has no problems at night, he probably won't during the day, so long as you remember to put him out every few hours.

I would think you should just let him take this change at his own speed. When he is in the room with you, give him a treat and a pat on the head. Don't make a big deal out of it, just let him know he is welcome.

Sooner or later, he will come around, or maybe not.
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Old January 29th, 2004, 10:27 PM
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Luba Luba is offline
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When he is in the house with you where does he normally spend his time?

Does he sleep outside now?

Try to put a blanket, down somewhere thats 'close' to the door so he can still get the scent of outdoors. Give him treats and things there, making it a pleasant experience.

Do you normally brush your dog? I say get to work, gently cause he's older. Husky's can shed a LOT!

Your dog is a senior and won't bother I dont' believe in chewing at anything in the house....he has no need to really.
He may scratch at the door or put his paws on the counter to get a look at the yummies up there!

How long has it been since he was to the vet? At his age, he may be suffering arthritis so you may want to consider adding some natural supplements to his food.
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Old January 29th, 2004, 11:20 PM
Lucky Rescue Lucky Rescue is offline
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Please show me where I said your dog was not cared for, or even insinuated it?

What I said was
Quote:
..spending their lives alone outside is not really the best option for them
I'm confused as how you took that as a personal insult when it was merely an observation.


Anyway, older dogs are easier to train than puppies, and are usually content to have a soft place to lie down on. Since he's used to the laundry room, he can stay there when you aren't around, and come out when you are.

I've housetrained adult greyhounds who have never been in a house in their lives, and it never took longer than a week. And I doubt a 12 yr old dog is going to be chewing things up, but you can give him a meaty bone or stuffed kong if he feels the urge to chew.
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  #8  
Old January 30th, 2004, 09:27 AM
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amaruq amaruq is offline
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See I like a dog to be around me. I see far to often the dog is outside and no communication with the owners.

Husky's do love it outside. Course the fur OY! Gorgeous dogs though!

My one girl had no idea what a house was (when we adopted her) or to play. We had to teach her slowly what stuff was about.
Course now she loves the TV and watches animal shows.

Just have lots of patience with the dog and you'll get along great!
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