Kath adopted a little puppy she found wandering the streets. From his behaviour, she feels as if he has been mistreated in the past, as he is terrified of loud noises and voices. How can she potty train her fearful puppy so that she does not have to raise her voice?

Question

I have a puppy (+-10mths) which was picked up wandering around. I think from his behaviour when I raise my voice that he may have been treated unkindly by previous owners (pox on them). He is an adorable mongrel (X Dachshund/Staffie) loving and affectionate, well fed, warm, cosy, has a companion dog who he plays with all day long. But he still piddles in the house, on my bed - what can I do. If I raise my voice even a little, the poor thing runs for cover under a chair and quakes. I feel so sorry for him but how do I train my fearful puppy without him thinking that I might too be unkind (like his previous owners) ? Thanks

Hi Kath.
Well, for a start don’t raise your voice. Why would it be unkind to potty train him? The formula appears a million times in the archives but here it is again by courtesy of Illze
‘Take the dog out after sleeping, eating, playing as well as every 30 minutes and when you see that it smells the ground as to search for a place to do it. I know this is hard work, but that is the only way to do it. Also always go with your dog and stand watching that he does his thing and praise him if he does it. Always take him to the same place that he has done it before. If you catch him in the house distract him so that he stops and then immediately take him outside to do his thing.’

If the potty training doesn’t work, try smaller, frequent meals and raw meaty bones – if neither works, castration may have to be your next step.
Oh, by the way rubbing noses in it is not only cruel and doesn’t work.
No short cut.
Glynne