My Pet World: Tips for getting dogs to pee outside and cats to pee inside

Dear Cathy,

During wintery weather, our 14-year-old, 10-pound female Chihuahua mix dog doesn't want to go outside. Normally, we go for walks two to three times daily to take care of her toileting needs. Because of the snow and cold weather, however, she refuses to have bowel movements (BMs) outside and will wait almost the entire day to urinate. Occasionally, when she waits too long, she has accidents in the house. Just today she was outside and did not urinate but did so on the carpet as soon as she ran back into the house.

She wears a pet coat or sweater when she goes outside. We have cleared snow from areas of the lawn to give her a place to go. This has worked some for urination, but not for BMs. Is there anything you can suggest to help her go outdoors? -- Rosalie, Naperville, IL

Dear Rosalie,

Peeing and pooping in frigid temperatures stresses out some dogs. As soon they return to their warm homes, their bodies relax, and they have "accidents" in the home.

It's great that you created a potty space for her by removing a patch of snow in your yard. Make sure the space is at least 6-by-6 feet wide, and in an area protected from the wind to improve the chances she will use the space to pee and poop.

You also could begin training her to "go potty" on command, so she is ready for next winter. Because of her age and because she is a tiny dog, I think it might be easier to put down some pee pads in your house or garage to see if she will use them. The pads are lined, so the urine soaks into the pad and not onto your floor. To clean up, just throw the used pads away and replace with new ones.

Dear Cathy,

We have four miniature dachshunds. We started with a brother and sister. Years later, we bred the sister, and we kept two of her female puppies. After that, the male began to mark in the house. He was always neutered and had never done this before. We used wraps to contain this, and they were only somewhat effective. He then injured his back and was unable to lift his leg for more than a year. Now, he is well-healed, and back to lifting his leg in the house again. In a few weeks, we're expecting new furniture to arrive. Any suggestions? We never see him do it, so it is difficult to react to him. -- Rachel, Northport, NY

Dear Rachel,

He is not marking to relieve himself, but to leave messages around the house, so the other dogs know he's the dominant dog in the home. Dogs like to mark places they have been marked before, so begin by using an enzymatic cleaner to completely remove his scent from the home.

Next, I am not sure why the "wraps" or belly bands didn't work, but I suggest using them again as they were invented for dogs that mark in the house. Even if he lifts his leg, he will wet the band and not your walls or furniture.

It's impossible to correct a behavior without catching the dog in the act, so if you don't use the bands, you will need to supervise him by restricting him to rooms you are in at the time or by putting him in a crate when you can't supervise. When he hikes his leg, interrupt the behavior by saying "no" and clapping your hands to get his attention. Then, take him outside and give him treats when he pees there.

It can take time to correct this behavior, so be consistent with the training.

Dear Cathy,

Regarding Gloria in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, (who was trying to get a feral cat to adapt to a litter box), tell her to cover the regular litter with outside dirt since that is what the feral cat is used to. It is not that difficult to get a feral cat to adapt to a litter box, but it takes patience. I have several cats that have adapted nicely. -- Rita, Hauppauge, NY

Dear Rita,

I received several letters from readers offering the same advice. They phased the dirt out over time, so eventually the cat was just using the litter. Using a Cat Litter Attractant might still be quicker, but I can see the benefits of using dirt to transition a feral cat to cat litter.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)