Dog training question

[mandieg4]

We got a new dog from the rescue society about two months ago. She is a wonderful dog, fully house trained, crate trained, and understands basic commands. The problem is about 3 weeks ago, it was raining so she decided she didn't want to go out in the grass to do her business anymore. Now she goes in the rocks between the vehicles and the steps. Not an ideal spot when I've got to take 4 kids to the bus stop in the dark, inevitably someone is going to step in something. I try to keep in cleaned up but we really need to train her to go somewhere else. I've been taking her on the leash in the morning and at night to the spot where I'd rather she went and she is fine with that, but if she is left outside on her own she goes in the rocks. What should I do? Do you think if I hosed the rocks down with bleach it would help?

 

[jerseygirl1]

Honestly, I think bleach would cause more damage by burning her feet. When my dog tries to go where she's not supposed to, I watch her (and him) and yell NO pretty loud - they just move on to another area

 

[Brindlebtch]

There are products you can buy to make the dog avoid that area and other products you can buy to make a dog want to defecate in an area. Do a google search.

You should use an enzyme odor eater to destroy the bacteria which cause the odor that makes her want to void in that area now. As long as there is an odor she will use the area. Bleach won't kill the odor.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

First off, as others have already said, you must clean the spot of her potty scent. Easier said than done. I would use an enzymatic cleaner and then actually remove and replace the rocks.

--on a good note, that work wont go to waste, I would make another potty spot just for her using the same gravel you removed. Make it her spot only

I have seen this work many times. Though it will take several weeks of training to make sure she is not going to use the other area, you won't regret the work you put into it.

Take her out on leash to her new spot, concentrate on rewards for her every single time. Do this for at least three weeks. Then after she knows where to go let her off leash but you still supervise and discourage the other area with a verbal correction if needed. Good luck