Kansas City, MO. These reader questions were answered at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Educational Conference, September 13 through 17, at the Downtown Marriott, Kansas City, MO.

   
    Q: We adopted a puppy mill puppy when he was three to four months old. He’s now a year old, and still not housetrained. He will not let us know when he has to go. If we’re gone, he goes inside the house. I can’t put him in the crate because that’s where he was the first three months of his life, and I don’t want to do that to him again. But maybe it’s looking like I will have to. I also heard having a bell the dog can ring when he has to go might help. I am at my wits ends. We don’t want to give up on him; we do love him. This is driving us crazy. L. H., Pahrump, NV

    A: Teoti Anderson, president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and the author of “the Super Simple Guide to Housetraining” (TFH Publications, Neptune City, NJ, 2004; $9.95) says, “Good for you for rescuing this pup who had a rough start in life. Puppy mill dogs learn that sitting in their own waste must be normal because they have no other choice. So, I understand that management using a crate is not a fair option for your dog.”

    Instead, she suggests blocking off a room, such as the kitchen or a basement, or keeping the dog within the confines of an exercise pen (which can be purchased at many pet stores and online) when you’re not at home.

    Meanwhile, what’s most important is that you take your dog out on a leash to the same place, and immediately offer a special cookie and praise when he goes. If he refuses to “perform,” it’s back inside the house and into the exercise pen or tethered by a leash to your waist so he can’t wander off into another room or behind the sofa and have an accident. Then after 15 or 20 minutes, take him back outside for another try.

    Anderson, who is in Lexington, SC, adds, ringing a bell is a good idea to alert you. Smear peanut butter on the bell at a time you think your dog has to go. In the process of licking the bell, he’ll ring it. When he does, take him out – again on a leash to the same place, and be ready with a special cookie.”

       Q: When we put our 9-month old terrier mix Sammy outside, he wreaks havoc on our yard, constantly digging holes. He even chews on my plants. I’ve try catching him in the act and rub his nose in it and swatting him with a rolled up newspaper. Nothing has worked. He does have plenty of toys outside. Either Sammy goes or we give up our beautiful yard. Can you offer a cure?  M. P., San Diego, CA

    A: Sammy doesn’t require a cure. You, however, require understanding what energetic terriers are all about.

    Victoria Schade, host on a DVD called “New Puppy Now What” (www.newpuppynowwhat.com, $24.99) wonders if you want the dog outside, because he’s no better behaved indoors. If that’s the case, see a dog trainer for assistance.

    Try creating a place in the yard (perhaps within fencing) where he can play. Use interactive toys he will be interested in, such as a Buster Cube, Kong toys or Busy Buddy toys (all available at pet stores). The idea is to drop kibble or stuff yummies inside several of these toys. Some people even create a terrier pit to bury the toys.  

    “Remember freedom is a privilege,” says Schade, who is a Washington, D.C. trainer. “There’s nothing wrong with simply not allowing the dog outside without supervision. Instead of worrying about what he does wrong, insure he does right by keeping him otherwise occupied. Dogs don’t connect the crime with the punishment, so swatting him with a newspaper or rubbing his nose in the flowers he’s destroyed teaches him nothing, except to distrust you.”

    Q: We adopted a 3-year old rescued Bichon frise approximately 2 _-months ago. When we leave the house, he cries. We’ve even recorded this constant crying.  We know his previous owners left him in the garage all the time. What can we do?  M. K., Tacoma, WA

    A; Legendary dog trainer and veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar of Berkeley, CA says, “It’s obvious your dog is stressed when he’s left alone. So, teach him that being left alone isn’t so bad by gradually doing it while everyone is at home. Crate him in another room for short periods of time with a special treat stuffed inside a Kong toy or Busy Buddy (toys you can stuff treats inside, available at pet stores).” If he’s not crate trained, just leave him in that other room with the yummies.

    Periodically, casually walk in and out of the room. Never give your dog attention for whining. In fact, when you or your husband arrives home, ignore your dog – that’s until he quiets down and relaxes.

     Also, when you can, play a game with your dog before you leave the house. Tiring him out can’t hurt. Also, ask your vet about D.A.P. – the Dog Appeasing Pheromone. When you plug it into the wall, a replication of a relaxing pheromone wafts through the room. 

    If you don’t observe improvement, ask your veterinarian about taking the next step, finding a certified behavior consultant (at www.iaabc.org) or a certified dog trainer who understands separation anxiety. 

    Q: My daughter’s shih tzu chews on my wood furniture, but he doesn’t do it at home. What’s the problem? V. P. S., Clearwater, FL

    A: Your daughter’s dog is anxious about being at your home – even though he’s a fairly frequent visitor and/or just doesn’t know that the rules are the same as in his own home. Perhaps, he just doesn’t get the same attention he receives at home and/or he gets bored. No matter the cause, Sue Pearson, a dog trainer in Iowa City, IA recommends occupying him with Kong toys (available at pet stores) stuffed with treats. That’ll keep his mouth focused on something appropriate. Of course, you can avoid giving him the chance to chew on the furniture all together. Here’s why it’s handy to appropriately crate any dog. If he doesn’t perceive the crate as a bad place, he can go there when he’s unsupervised.