Pack of dogs

[beardane]

Any one out there with  9 dogs? I have a den of dachsunds and am having problems with coordinating potty time for everyone, especially the younger ones. They either won't go out or go out and play and come in and pee. I have those absorbant pads down but I don't know if that's helping the problem or making it worse. A few of the older ones are using the pads now and playing outside. Those pads are expensive and I'm disabled so I'm not loaded with cash? Any suggestions

[beardane]

Yes, I adore them. They are my family and even though finanses are tight every where, they eat and go to the doctor before I do. A lot of people in the country let their animals run loose every where and I hate that. They have a certain area they know they can go and no further. A lot of neighbors make their dogs live outside even when its 30 below outside. Mine are all under the blankets and each one has its favorite place in the bed.

[margypops]

Just read your story and I have to say you do sound caring and at least they are in the house with you, where I am living I see dogs kept outside in yards no shelter , in the heat and the cold, sometimes tied to trees, animal control are useless round here if you call too often they ignore you. your story sounds like you love them a lot.

[beardane]

Thank you for your suggestions. Actually the whole problem began last summer. I live out in the country, and although I died for a few minutes in Oct-Jan 2009-2010, from H1N1. The dogs were taken care of while I was in a coma for 3 months by my sister. She let the older dogs out and wasn't worried about letting them out because they stay close to the house, potty and come in. But the 2 younger ones, she wasn't confident that they would come in, the dogs obey me better than her, so she started using the pads for them. When I got home I couldn't walk or move and had oxygen, so she had to keep letting them out. By the time I was strong enough to begin letting them out myself, it was around May and I have 2 large koi ponds in the backyard. The first time I let them out, I let one out at a time to see how she would react. The first thing Willow did was to go into a flying run a dive into the koi pond. I couldn't believe it. When I let Lea out, she did the same, a flying dive right into the pond. Dachsunds are not fetchers and have never ever had one even go close to the pond. The fish were terrified and the two dogs were swimming, but couldn't figure out how to get out. I don't know if this experience has had something to do with why they won't go out. Your idea about putting down a potty tarp is really smart. It certainly would make it easier to clean up, but what do you do to keep it down and not blow away. Everyone else is on a set schedule. I can tell the time without looking at the clock. My main question was whether the fact that there are the potty pads down at all times, is that encouraging the behavior to do it inside for others, since some of the older ones will at times use the pads. Spring is terrible here because of all the mud, living in the country is really different than having dogs in the city with all the clean cement. I have a small enclosed area that was put up when my aunt lived here, she had altzheimers and would only move if she had her own house so we were forced to add a house with a connecting room to my old farm house. She had 2 dachsunds on her side. I took care of her and her 2 dogs until she died. I suppose I could put them in that pen until they get it, its just I don't know if leaving the pads down is encouraging its ok to pee inside, but I don't want them peeing on the floor either. I also don't want them taking pond dives either, I don't know what they're thinking. Dachsunds were bred originally to dig for gophers, not take swan dives. I just want everyone to know that there might be alot of dogs, but they are well taken care of. Thanks

[Margot49]

I don't know if I am understanding this exactly. Yes, that is a lot of dogs and can be an issue if they are different ages.  Are the younger ones not going outside due to weather?  Do you have an attached garage or porch? What you may try to do is put shavings or straw down and see if they will use that to potty in.  Get them all on a regular schedule.  If possible, stand there and watch the ones that are not going outside or take them out separately and don't let them in until they go where they are supposed to.

[Misfits4Me]

Actually, "Judging You" was not my intention at all...I oddly, read this as a possible plea for help.....Don't know why other than that's how I interpreted it!

I'm glad all is well with you and yours (Other than potty habits!).  

Sadly, I still don't have a good answer to your question other than, "Pray for Spring".  ;)

We have another big snow storm due in a few hours, so I must get out and lay my potty tarp down for the crew...After the snow, I remove the tarp and they have real grass and ground to potty on....Makes it alot easier....

Stick around and join this group...I'm betting you know alot of answers that can help others.......Take care, Karla

[beardane]

I left a home in the city and moved out to the country to have all my dogs. Being diasabled and not having any kids, my family are my 9 babies. They eat before I do and my vet considers me a good friend because he knows how well my animals are taken care of. Down sizing isn't an option. I would sooner die than give away one of them. It is very busy trying to keep up with them, but its worth it. My problem is just to get the younger 2 insinct with all of the rest. I know a lot of people think bad of people who have a large amount of animals, but I gave up a lot to be able to have them and please know that they are all well taken care of, medically,emotionally and well fed. Thanks for your response however. It will be a lot easier when summer comes, they can play outside longer and everyone might get the schedule. As far as breeding, once I did breed just 1 time a year to get extra money for my babies but stopped 3 years ago. I kept a baby from my 4 older girls so I would have part of them when their mom dies. Please don't judge me, they are what I live for and are VERY well cared for.. Thanks Karla

[lindapalm]

I don't have any suggestions, I just wanted to tell you you are a very patient and brave person to have nine dogs, Good Luck on potty training, I'm sure someone else will give you some good advice.