Pet World: 'Kangaroo pup' just needs a little obedience work

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Nov 4, 2020

I read about the Yorkipoo that was relieving herself in the house even after being outside for a long walk and want to offer two housetraining tips.

First, when there is an accident in the house, wipe it up with a paper towel. Then place the paper towel in the designated relief area with a rock on top of it to keep it from blowing away. This puts the scent right where you want the dog to go, which is extremely helpful in training.

Second, verify your cleaner does not contain ammonia, which mimics the smell in urine. If you are spreading a urine smell on the floor, they won’t understand the concept of peeing elsewhere. Dogs have amazing noses. By using olfactory clues, they can more easily succeed.

–Angie, St. John, Indiana

Dear Angie,

The ammonia tip is spot on. Cleaners with ammonia draw dogs and cats right back to the spot. Always use enzymatic cleaners to completely remove all traces of urine and fecal matter.

The tip on the rock and paper towel is new to me, but I don’t discount anything if it does no harm and works. It seems similar to using a training pee pad, which is used to teach a dog to go in a designated area in the house. If one is training a dog to relieve himself outside though, then removing all accidents with an enzymatic cleaner will help move that process along.

Thanks for sharing your tips.

Dear Cathy,

I saw the query about natural flea remedies. If you’re not familiar with Vet's Best spray, please look into it. It doesn't just kill fleas. I killed a wasp with it! I also spray it on myself against mosquitoes and my clothes against ticks. It smells great too.

–Sharyn, Simsbury, Connecticut

Dear Sharyn,

I actually use Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Spray on a cat (who I walk in the backyard on a leash). It is natural and does require repeat applications to be effective. But it is another way to ensure a pet is free from parasites.

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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.)