Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, we got sadie a 3mnth old pup from the humane society. she's suppose to be a rhodesian ridgeback mix, and I can kind of see it in her. She has yet to alert us in any way when she has to go out, so we try to keep a close eye on her, but this is a big house, and there's LOTS of activity here. At night its no problem with the crate. During the day though, we take her out very frequently, but while she may pee outside, she seems to like to poop in the house.... namely, kind of like the cats do, except, she doesnt use the litter box, she tries to find something like a litter box instead. weather it be a bathroom rug, or the cats bed (they were NOT happy about that one) Now I dont want to keep her crated, then she wouldnt get the interaction she needs. So, does this sound like it could work? If not paying complete attention to her to make sure she's not going potty, she either would be placed in the crate for times needed, but other then that, she would be leashed with someone at all times so that we can watch her. Like i said, its a big house, and she can go to other parts of the house without being noticed since its so busy here. I will not keep her outside, its florida and too hot for that.I work nights, and during the day when its the busiest, my husband is the one that watches her, but sometimes eh's so busy, he cant.
Ive told him to take her out 20min after feeding and to get excited and happy with her when she goes outside, but i cant watch him when im at work. During the day while im here, if i have to go to the bathroom or something i cant watch her, and off she goes to do the same, so im trying anything i can think of. Any other suggestions?

Try the articles alphabetically listed under "Housetraining" in the Table of Contents of articles I have written, link below. Yes, she needs to be either crated or right with a watching person at all times for now. OR you can confine her to a small room area with a baby gate across the door and things she needs in the room.

If you have to leave her more than a maximum of 4 hours at her age, expect that she will need to potty. A small room with papers or dog litter box or whatever in one corner--away from her bed, food, toys, whatever--gives her a back up until she is old enough to hold it.

Full information about housetraining is in the articles. It's actually more complicated than we tend to think!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47