Housetraining

[Baxter'smybaby]

Ok--I know the basics of housetraining. But I'm about to enter new territory with Wilson coming here. He is not neutered (that will be scheduled some time in the near future). He is a young (adult) male....who likes to mark, and tries to mark inside as well as outside.

I am wondering if using something like a belly band right away to actually prevent any marking from the start would be a good idea?
Who has experience with belly bands...I need guidance!
I would like to pick up a few to be ready, since I think we will need it for awhile, while we are working on house manners.

Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[Brattina88]

I personally think a belly band right away would be a good idea... Since you know that he'll most likely try it, and its impossible to keep an eye on him 100% of the time - I mean, you have to sleep eventually! lol!
Preventing him from marking will make it easier for him to not re-offend, in my opinion. With scents of previously marked places, it'll be easier for him to continue the behavior, even after being neutered.
Neutering will most likely not make the marking go away by itself, but it will help a lot! Starting fresh with a new home, and new rules will be a lot easier than if the dog were marking for months and then try and fix it (I know people who've done this)

I've only tried to help with a belly band once... and I basically took the dog into the store and picked out the one I liked the best, and one that fit the best. I like the ones with replaceable pads... which, I have to admit, I've used human female pads on from the dollar store! Rox!

It will probably be more challenging, because since he's been in a cage/shelter for so long he's probably learned that its "okay" to go in his cage. Not sure if you were going to crate train or not...

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

thanks Brattina....I was thinking prevent right away and it should help. I will need to crate him during the work day, at least until he is deemed reliable on several fronts. so that will likely be awhile.
I have two weeks off from work in Aug. so hope that we will really be able to focus on things then.
What store did you buy the belly bands in? I haven't looked at these before...lol!

 

[lizzybeth727]

You can find belly bands at most big pet stores (petsmart I know has them), and there are lots of places online you can get them from, too, they'll probably be cheaper online than in a store.

I agree with Brattina, I'm a big believer in belly bands, especially if you know he's going to mark.

 

[Brattina88]

Pet supplies plus is the one I actually bought, but I know they have them at petsmart, too.

I know you've probably read them, but this sticky has really good advice. I often print out Mordy and Red's advice for friends at work!