Poop deterrent?

[LoveMySadie]

(Can we say POOP in a title??)

Anyway, here's my problem...we're in the middle of a re-do to freshen our 15 year old landscape. We have put in several crushed gravel walkways with granite stepping stones. They are beautiful and just what I wanted, but guess who has decided that they were installed as pristine outdoor toilets?!? :SWOON:

Is there anything that I can spray around the areas that won't discolor the gravel but that will discourage the dogs from adopting the new areas as their own? I want to stop this behavior before it becomes a habit!

Thanks!
Leslie

[Bobbie]

I'd go the other way- pick where you DO want the dogs to go, take them there, and reward their efforts.

[Jespah]

Yes, I agree with Bobbie. Is there somewhere else they should go and that you could toss a few of the stones? You may have to walk them on leash to that area for a while until they get it. :SMILE:

Oddly, when I got Jemma she was used to using stone area to tinkle on. When the breeder sent me home with her, she gave me a few of the stones and I put them out on the grass where I wanted her to go. It did work.

(Oh, by the way "Poop" is a perfectly legal word - sort of inevitable really. :LAUGH:)

Deb

[CorgiMum]

I agree as well, Sadie & Hank need their own special spot. You've most likely heard me describe the boys' potty area before. Dug down 1.5 ft, soil removed, filled with clean sand, then topped with stones, that are washed regularly in the dry season, and replaced yearly. Very much worth the effort.

Since we have 2 boys, we have two upright 'things' for them to choose from.:WINK:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e254/CorgiMum/100_0426-1.jpg

[Jaxerspal]

And do they always go in that same little area? Do they ever regress or "make statements" elsewhere?

[CorgiMum]

I saw Dylan once in 10 years go pop at the very back of the yard as he was walking there & a big eagle swooped down.:SHOCKED: That was understandable.

Danny, when we have had 'company corgis' he has followed their lead as an excuse and peed where he shouldn't have, while they are visiting. But when the boys are playing in the yard, I see them run up to their potty area, do their business and then return to the lawn to play.

I think part of the pattern that works is to let the dogs out from the door that leads to the potty area, and ask them if they need to go before they run to play. It serves as a constant reminder to them where the proper potty place is.

[LoveMySadie]

Oh my! Hank and Sadie have always had the run of the yard...we've never tried to restrict them to one spot! I'm thinking we've goofed pretty badly. :SWOON:

However, I'm not sure that we can change them now - especially since they are outside by themselves for several brief periods a day. I'm not always out with them when they go out to play.

This is sounding grim!!!

Leslie

[CorgiMum]

Leslie, it's not too late.

In fact since you are in the process of getting the yard redone it is a good time to train the dogs.

As I said: "I think part of the pattern that works is to let the dogs out from the door that leads to the potty area, and ask them if they need to go before they run to play. It serves as a constant reminder to them where the proper potty place is." You could do this each time they go out. IMO it would really help with establishing a pattern.

You could do this each time they are let out to play. Also, do the dogs go at regular times during the day? Mine are always let out to go right after they eat, at noon and at bedtime. Also anytime we are going out in the van, this helps a great deal when they have a pattern that you can work with.

I know that this can work, because the dogs are show a new place to potty every time we go camping and set up for a few days. Also having two dogs helps, they always like to go where the other one just went, right?:WINK:

[midgesmom]

Danny, when we have had 'company corgis' he has followed their lead as an excuse and peed where he shouldn't have, while they are visiting. But when the boys are playing in the yard, I see them run up to their potty area, do their business and then return to the lawn to play.


I don't remember if Danny did that when we visited, but I do remember that when Midge did her business on the grass, Dylan had this particular look on his face as if he was thinking, "Oh, she doesn't know..."

[CorgiMum]

I don't remember if Danny did that when we visited, but I do remember that when Midge did her business on the grass, Dylan had this particular look on his face as if he was thinking, "Oh, she doesn't know...":LAUGH:

Yes, and Dylan knew that he wasn't to say anything to Midge, guests are to be made to feel welcome at all times, and may pee where they wish to in the garden. Well the dogs anyways! :TWITCHY:


Jane, I caught Danny's eye as he watched Midge, and shook my head. He also is old enough now to know that he is a host, and not a guest:WINK:

[Jaxerspal]

Well I'm impressed. And thanks for providing me with yet another reason to get another corgi! :TWITCHY:

[CorgiMum]

You are very welcome.:WINK::LAUGH: