Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

I adopted a dog last year from Mexico for my adult son. She has been staying with me since Christmas and still goes poo in the house even when I am home and take her out, offering plenty of time for her to do her business. I didn’t want to invest in a kennel since she is not with me typically. I bought the “no go” spray and take her out every two hours, unless I’m working, then it’s four hours. We have small progress just to regress. I appreciate your advice. – Tara Gann

I know that you do not want to invest in a kennel, but I recommend it, along with taking her out hourly until she starts doing better about not having accidents. You can keep her in the kennel when you are not able to watch her. I also recommend tethering her to you--leash her up and hook the leash to your belt loop so that you can watch her right next to you. When she starts sniffing around, take her outside immediately and reward with treats if she goes and repeat. Consistency is key. Remember progress is progress no matter how small. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Now that it is cold, my little dog refuses to go potty outside. How do I keep him going outside throughout the winter? – Maggie Harrison

This is very common for many dogs and especially for the little ones. They don’t want to be outside in poor weather just like the rest of us. I recommend dressing your dog in warm clothing when it is cold and waterproof clothing like rain booties when it is raining. I personally use a large umbrella when it is raining and stay out with her while she does her business. If this causes extreme anxiety for the animal, you can teach the “Potty” command and have him do his business on newspapers or potty pads in the house. I encourage going potty outside as much as possible though, as going potty inside can cause confusion for some. - Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Why does my dog dig in blankets? – Becca Griffiths

Digging, scratching, and circling in blankets and bedding are what we call pre-sleep habits and nesting behaviors.  These are habits they do before they go to sleep to get comfortable. This also helps them to regulate their temperature in a way that is relaxing for them to sleep. They nestle more if it is cold or they may pull blankets off and make them flatter when it is warm. Dogs’ paws have scent glands that spread their scent in their bed when they are digging at the blankets. This makes the bed smell like themselves which is even more relaxing for them. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202 | (913) 831-7722

www.greatplainsspca.org