Hard Candy Christmas

Well it did snow here last night and that got me thinking about Christmas and how my pups will be going off to their new homes to celebrate the holidays with their new families. The thought of this makes me really happy but a little melancholy at the same time. I think it may be a bit of a hard Christmas for me this year.

Hey. Guess What?

I received an email from Carole, the woman that recently adopted a six-year old TT, this morning. Do you think she read my blog post from yesterday?

Hi Suddie,
We're having a small problem with Lexie and wondered if you could help. After two great weeks she's started going to the bathroom in the house, mostly at night, which I've been told is not unusual for adopted dogs. My question is, what's the best way to handle this with TTs? We crated her last night, and she was not a happy girl (and we weren't too happy either!).
Thanks,
Carole

And I responded:

Hi Carole.
Did you speak to Joy and ask if this was a problem previously? I would start with that. Did Joy also give you the name of the vet Lexie had been going to? They would probably also know if this has been a problem in the past.

I would start by taking Lexie out every two hours and crate her when you cannot watch her directly. Take her outside immediately when you remove her from her crate. If she crys while in the crate, you will just have to ignore her. I would ask Joy if she did this with her as well. Did Joy crate her when she left her at home alone or was she allowed to roam the house? This information might be useful. Does she cry even if she is crated in the same room as you?

I would also take up her water no later than 7 PM so she is not drinking in the hours before she goes to bed.

She probably just needs to get used to you and her new situation. It is a big change for her after 6 years. Be patient. I know it can be frustrating. It should get better in the next few weeks.
Suddie