Help with Older dogs messing in the house!!

[mandy]

My mom has 3 dogs...one is about 14, one is about 7, and the other is about 3...they all go outside numerous times a day, and do their business outside. They know how to call at the door to go outside, and they all do. The problem is...they still mess a lot in the house! It doesn't seem to matter how often they go out. She is at her wits end! She has puppy pee pads, diapers, she has tried praising them when they go outside, being stern with them when they don't...we are at a total loss. HELP!

[adunphy]

My first question would be - have you had them evaluated by a vet? If yes and everything is normal and OK - I would want to know WHEN this is occurring. Is it when they are home alone? If so, you would want to try crating the dogs. Post some more info and I can try to give more specific advice.

amy dunphy cpdt

[mandy]

These dogs are healthy as horses! They go in the house when my mom is home...she will let them out, they will pee outside, then they will come in the house and ten minutes later lift their legs right in front of her...one even peed on my foot when I was there. We are just at a loss as to what to do. She has a big kennel for them that they sleep in at night, and they are in that when no one is home as well...if you need any more info...ask away! Mandy

[adunphy]

Have they had training? Are any of them intact?

I would venture to say these dogs just aren't housebroken. I would start with trying to house train them like they are puppies. We have several articles on the website for that. You could talk to a trainer to learn how to manage them through the process. But I would start at square one like they know nothing - and make sure you clean the house really well to get all the smell out. If there are particular areas they go in, block those off - maybe confine them when possible.

Amy

[mandy]

Thanks for your advice Amy...this is a great site! We'll keep trying!