[NuckingFutz]

I have 2 rescue dogs from pound. Neither is housetrained. I have started working with them on crate training and potty training. I am showing signs of a depression coming on with me and need emotional support and help from you all.

I have had 1 rescue that was partially potty trained and have had him for a year. When I got a new puppy 2 weeks ago, my older dog has reverted back to his old non-housebreaking ways.

Both puppy and dog go out 5 times a day no matter what...even if that means arranging for someone else to help me. I have a friend I can call if things get to hard for me to handle (this is rare, but with my bipolar, sometimes I need a break for a day or two).

I have a crate both animals like to share sometimes (unlocked). They go in there on their own sometimes as it is their hangout spot. The other night, I put them in their crate with the door shut, put on some dog relaxing music for them (yes, they have tons of the music on youtube). My new puppy screamed so loud to be let out (really, really loud chichuchu screams). He stopped after 15 minutes. They were in there over night (from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am). They did not mess in the crate. I was so happy!

Last night, I was so depressed, I could not deal with puppy screaming so I let them sleep in bed with me (I know I need to be consistent with puppy crate training, but didn't feel strong enough). Today, I feel strong enough, but tonight when I crate train, I hope I am strong enough to go through the whining. The whining, like I said is loud (sounds like I am torturing the animal in the worst way). I put them in the crate one day to go up to the apartment office to pay the rent and the puppy was so loud, I could here him about 200 steps away from my apartment.

Last night I took the dogs out before bed, both peed and pooped outside and let them romp on the leashes a bit. Went to bed...5 minutes later, puppy jumps off bed and goes and poops again in the corner. I was so frustrated because a feel a depressive episode coming on. I just wanted to let them out the door and run away or take them to the pound the next day (I know I would never do this).

I have spent hours watching puppy/dog training videos on youtube (they have a lot of stuff on youtube from different trainers). The ideas are great. I have found everything from an inexpensive way to remove the urine odors from carpets (vinegar & water, let dry, then hydrogen peroxside & a bit of diswashing liquid, let dry, then vaccumme). I know the urine smell will just attract them to continue to pee in the house. I did that and they just peed over the cleaned carpet.

During the day, I keep the dogs in the same room with me so I can watch for accidents.

The dog and puppy are cute, loving, sweet and attentive. I don't want to rehome them. I love them so much and they do help with my blood pressure and have helped keep my depressive episodes at bay for the most part.

I am on disability and rely on SSI so funds are too limited for obedience school. I do have the time to train them, but my depression messes with the consistency part of the training.

I'm not lazy, but my mood swings affect my ability to train them.

How do I stay calm and strong and consistent until they are housebroken? I have to knowledge to do it (thanks again to you tube). The trainers on there make it look like it's so easy during the demonstrations and instructions.

How do I stick it out with the whining in the crate (afraid neighbors will complain)?

With my pets and my depression, I am feeling desperate, sometimes angry (but never take it out on them), I know to go cool off until I am calmer for a bit.

What do I do?

Please help me. I know both puppy and dog had housebreaking issues (can tell they were abused and or neglected, so they are kind of "problem children".

Please help!

[TheWell]

When I had a dog that was difficult to house train I put a small container of treats by the door so I could grab them whenever we went outside. The ONLY time the dog got a treat was immediately after they peed or pooped while we were still outside. No treats in the house at all. Ignore inside accidents. Pretty soon they will want to go out for every one just for the treats.

It will work. Trust me and good luck.

[lizardlady]

{*{*{*{*NuckingFutz*}*}*}*}

I don't have any words of wisdom about training, but wanted to offer support.

[bluemuse]

I have a little chihuahua who sounds just like your dogs. She would scream if I crate her, pee and poop on the floor if I don't. My son kept telling me I had to get rid of her. She was a stray and I don't know how she was living before me. I tried potty pads but that just kept her going in the house. I am now taking her out as soon as she wakes up and right after feeding her. She stays on a leash until she does her "business." Then she can play and get a treat outside. It seems to be working.

Don't give up. I know it is hard. But I know my dogs are so important in keeping me stable.

[Travelinglady]

((((Nucking Futz)))) I am not an expert on housebreaking, but I am here to support you, too.

[NuckingFutz]

Thank you for all your feedback!

I learned that my older dog might have been trained on pee pads next to the bed (that is where he always goes).

Creative ways to potty training during the night: tie the dogs to you while you sleep (one of the reasons I got them was for the snuggling at night)!

They haven't made a mess in 2 days. I am still watching them like a hawk or crating them for short periods of time during the day when I need to be away from them.

Thank you so much again for your support and ideas.