female marking territory ...

[Martina]

Well, I fear that I may not be the Alpha in my own home ... Gigi's marking my house! As the girlies have gotten older, I've been letting them roam around the house more and more - and less supervised. Not for long amounts of time, though. We potty, play for an hour and then go out to potty again. I'm starting to find half dollar size piddles in the living room from Gigi. The vet has confirmed that it is marking behavior, but not given any helpful advise.

Is this a bad thing? Is Gigi just marking territory between her and Lola? Is this a phase? Or should I start crackin' down on these two again? I thought that I had established myself as alpha, but since we've returned from our trip, I can honestly say that I haven't been as dilligent in my own behavior toward them.

I guess the question is: Is this a behavior I can change? Am I causing it, or is it simply instinctual? Lord knows that I don't want to be worrying about piddles her whole life!!

I need advise ...
Martina

[Carolyn]

Hi Martina. I can't remember how old your two are...but I think they are pretty young. I believe you answered your own question...you need to continue working with them. It is a well known fact that these Frenchies can be difficult to potty train. They are stubborn little friends and I had to watch Abby constantly until she was nearly a year. Ferris was a wee bit easier to train but I had major chewing issues with this boy. :eek: There's no agueing that these dogs are a handful....but well worth the effort. appicon Carolyn

[fran]

Yup, housebreaking , I agree. Are you crate training? If you are , then it is back to the crate.You also might want to attach her leash to your belt so you can keep track of her at all times. This also makes the area around you her territory so she will not go.
There is a wonderful set of books by the Monks of New Skete describing this training method.I do not remember the title but you can look on Amazon.They use the leash method.

[GigiMcKeehan]

Just one other thought, did you have her checked on a bladder infection?

Roosje

I agree with Roosje on checking for a medical reason for this behavior, my friend was all but ready to euthenize her older Silky Terrier when she found out he had a terrible bladder infection causing his problems.

My Frenchie, Gigi is almost 8 months old now and I have had some troubles too. Just when I was sure she was housebroken, between 5 and 6 months, she would piddle in the floor. I would have to start over. We have been piddle free in the house for several weeks now but I know there could still be a setback at any time. I find hese dogs are a bit more challenging to housebreak and they would much rather use the comfort of the house than go out in the yard , wouldn't you? I just clean it up and reinforce what I will and will not accept. My female wants to be the boss here so we butt heads alot right now. It is almost like having a teenage daughter, I know she loves me and we are together 24/7, sleep together and she can not stand to be in another room from me, but there is still an attitude like she almost wants to be independant. My husband comes home and she is all over him like a kissing machine and laying on his lap all evening, begging for his food and snacks, something she never does to me.

I believe that if there is no medical reason for this, you can rest assured that she will eventually be reliable. I share your frustration, just when you think they have got it down they mess up. I do that alot too.
Best Wishes
Deborah