Hurricane Sandy A Housebreaking Dilemma ….?

So you’re (hopefully) stocked up on water, food, flashlights, batteries, extension cords…..

And then you have the thought “How am I going to walk my dog in severe storm conditions?”

Those of you with tiny dogs and puppies are worried about the “Gone with the Wind” effect.

Those of you with electronic fences are worried about losing power (and consequently, your dog).

Those of you with puppies in housetraining mode (and those of you who own dogs who HATE the rain) are wondering if your house is going to be turned into a dog Port O Let.

Fear not – I have a solution:

Create An Indoor Potty Station.

1.  My first choice of locations would be a spot in the garage, although you could use an area close to the house that has an overhang and is protected from the weather.

2. Lay down some plastic trash bags (the size of the bags are relevant to the size of the dog…..you know what I mean) and duct tape them to the floor.  Make sure it’s wide enough to allow your dog to walk back and forth on.

3. Your top layer would be some newspapers, wee pads, dirt from your yard, some leaves, a few chunks of grass….anything that you feel will encourage him to do his thing there.

4.  Have a few poop bags on hand, and paper towels and clean up solution (Fizzion!) on hand if your dog “misses”.

5. When you bring him to the spot, make sure he’s ON LEASH and use the command you always use to get him to go to the bathroom. Initially, most dogs will look at you like you’ve lost your mind.  Adult dogs would prefer to cross their legs rather than go to the bathroom indoors.  Be patient.  If you know that they have to go, after a 10 minute “walk”, put them back in their crate or confined area and try again.
Eventually most dogs will go to the bathroom!  Be sure to praise and reward them when they do.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

Stay safe and I’ll see you soon.  I’m planning on being at the school by 8am tomorrow morning!   😀