2.11.2014

February 11, 2014

White Dog rolled her eyes. "She is a certifiable nutcase! I love you, momma, but don't expect that kind of loyalty from ME!"

Last week we posted about our Tiny Dancer and the discovery that she has been marking our bed. Steve cleverly bought a plastic sheet that we now use to protect the linens and blankets when we are not in bed. It is a delicate dance since we are still working on gaining Bella's trust but need to break this behavior pattern without trauma. It is not a matter of going out; we have a doggie door and she uses it. Initially the plastic sheet detoured her since she did not like the noise or the feel of it under her paws. But the past two days we have found puddles...but always only on the bed.

The key, we believe, is to understand the pattern of this behavior and why she is choosing to mark the bed as opposed to other possibilities. Today we put together a few more pieces of the puzzle.

My Bella Bee, is my constant companion. She follows me everywhere, including the bathroom. If I am in there for more than a few seconds, she will prance the 10 feet to the bedroom for a drink of water...and as it turns out, a potty break of her own. The closeness allows her to still hear me (and if I even turn on the water to wash my hands, she is right back beside me).

Steve, as we worked together today, noticed that every time I needed a break that Bella saw me into the loo and then jumped up on the bed. After an episode in the afternoon, he put the cleaner away and put his hand on my shoulder.

"I believe that you and Miss Bella E. Premuroso may take the Gold for Urine Elimination, Mixed Species Pairs." He said laughing. "She doesn't want to go out and maybe miss you moving so when you go, she does too...on the bed." I would really rather, if we are to work through this co-dependence, that she relieved herself actually next to me in the bathroom. Cleanup would be much easier and poor White Dog could again nap on the bed in comfort. But the ultimate goal is to get her to return to using the dog door and yard.

The next step is going to take some thought. How to solve this problem without undoing the progress we have made in overcoming her fears is a challenge. I hope I will not have to set up outdoor facilities for myself in order to lure my little girl out to the proper pup pottying ground.

9 comments:

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Oh dear a poser indeed. I remember a few short months ago when we were having the problem of Jasper going out of the box which turned out o be dementia and we put littler trays all over where he could see them. I fear you have a battle on your hands and hope you can come up with a solution . Maybe if when you go to the toilet for your break you close the door to contain and have put some of those puppy training pads down so she goes on those instead. Could that work do you think. Good luck x

24 Paws of Love said...

You'll have to excuse my giggle, but I thought this was so cute. No peeing on the bed, but that she wants to do what you do. She is already beginning to trust and believe you and that is so awesome.

I love these kinds of challenges. And I like your idea of bringing her in with you and angelgingerjasper who suggested the puppy pads because you can slowly move them closer and closer to the door until she feels safe to go outside again.

Just a thought. Let us know what happens.

p.s. sorry I have missed you so much. was having computer problems and lost your blog address. :(

bichonpawz said...

This is a dilemma indeed! And one I understand. It sounds like my LadyBug...she has to be everywhere I am...and I do mean everywhere!! Hope that this new remedy of the training pads works!! xo

Tweedles -- that's me said...

oh yessss , another challenge for sure!
love
tweedles

meowmeowmans said...

Your last sentence sure made me laugh. Surely the WDA will figure something out ... you always do! :)

HUGS!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Tje pee pads should work! Hope does something similar to this to me- so when it is my turn to use the facilities, I pop her in the bathtub just to keep her in the bathroom and to contain her anxiety- as long as I am touching her she stays calm and sometimes pees. She panics if I am not touching her,since she cannot see or hear (thank goodness for the sling!)

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Tje pee pads should work! Hope does something similar to this to me- so when it is my turn to use the facilities, I pop her in the bathtub just to keep her in the bathroom and to contain her anxiety- as long as I am touching her she stays calm and sometimes pees. She panics if I am not touching her,since she cannot see or hear (thank goodness for the sling!)

Little Reufus said...

A wee challenge for certain!

I habbs no doubt yeu whill figure it out, howebber.

wif lubbs (and just a few giggles) from Little Reufus

haopee said...

This is the first time I've heard of paired pottying. It's a rare experience. On the bright side, I am glad that you've found out the routine. Solution... yes, I suppose puppy pads for peeing in the bathroom should do. And once she's accustomed to it (rather than the bed), you could take the training pad outside too!