Mother's dog- what should I do with it?

I wouldn’t necessarily assume the rescue organization lied when they said the dog was potty trained.

Dogs from and in unstable environments- even changes in routine can cause a dog to regress or act out. Kinda like small children in that way.

If you are interested in keeping Katy and making her an indoor dog, try starting from scratch with potty training. Personally, I’ve potty trained seven dogs and never had much luck with pee pads. Feeding on a schedule always worked better as far as pooping went and for peeing, just trying to take them out on a schedule if possible. I also would cut off water as bedtime neared. I’m also a big fan of crate training but it’s important to not crate them too much - that’s just cruel.

With a dog that’s been abused it’s so very important to never hit or be to harsh when scolding - love and rewards yield so much better results.

Btw- I had to giggle at your description of a “traveler”. Sorry - probably not funny to you. I have one dog who does that to the extreme. We take her out in our dog run and scoop right after. My husband says taking her potty is like an Easter egg hunt. Her name is Katie too.

Pee pad is in one central place. On linoleum floor. She is a traveler when she poops so it’s everyw she walks. I don’t trust rescue cus they lied when we rescued her saying she was potty trained and good with cats. Wasn’t true. Thanks again for your answers. They help a lot

My mom doesn’t want to visit the dog.

Please return the dog back to the shelter. They usually require that as part of the contract when you adopt them. I have rescued 5 dogs. The rescue organization is about "rescue" not the alternative. Someone who loves dogs and has the time to train it will get endless years of joy. If they are local, they may be willing to bring the dog to visit your Mom.

Jetcitygirl, thank you for this post explaining what’s going on. My own dog, Brodie, is trained to newspapers in the bedroom (vinyl flooring) and she goes nowhere else in the house. Have you tried consolidating the pads slowly to one area? Leave one wet pad on top of the dry pads. You’re right. Timid dogs don’t do well in shelters. Brodie is anti-social and unless she wound up in the right shelter with the right workers, she’d be euthanized for aggressiveness.

I’m afraid leaving Katy outside is not safe. We have a real coyote problem here and every day we read about attacks on people’s pets. They’re bad all over the nation.

I wish you all the luck in the world with Katy. I hope everything works out.

Thank you everyone. When my mom cared for this little dog she put pee pads all over the house so Katy the dog could pee where ever she wanted. And the door was never closed but Katy enjoyed peeing in the house of course. My mom fell over Katy in 2013 and that helped send her to assisted living. Prior to.. I was the only enjoyment Katy got as I would come take her to dog park and for walks because my mom couldn’t. Katy was abused because she ducks if you try to pet her. We knew that when my mom adopted her. I never wanted a backyard dog I think it’s cruel. Alone for 9-10 hours a day. Yet it’s knowing she might not do well in shelters because she is timid has brought me to have a backyard dog with bad bathroom habits. I just tired of cleaning up pee and poop. I appreciate everyone’s feedback you gave me a lot to consider.
Have a great evening everyone.

First of all did the dog mess all over Mom's house? How old is he?
Try keeping it in a roomy cage most of the time, take it out frequently and give lots of praise when it performs and include a treat. Use the same language each time, like "Go pee". Also give a treat when you use the cage. it may take a few weeks but it can be done. if you really hate the animal ot just the behavior return to the shelter ASAP.

[Covering my dog's ears].

Yes, appeal to the original shelter for help with this. The dog's messing is likely to be a sign of stress. And don't feel bad - it's not your fault you don't like him.

Have you been taking the dog to visit your mother? Is she going to miss him?

I start by saying I love dogs. In fact, I prefer most dogs to most people.

That said, please look at returning the poor thing to the rescue organization that he came from.

The dog is likely upset at having been separated from his human and is also acting out because he knows you don’t like him.

It’s not right to keep him in a home where he is unwanted and unloved - he deserves better.

Dogs are loyal and dedicated to their humans - most wanting nothing more than to please their human and receive a word of praise along with a scratch behind the ear or a belly rub in return. 

Please don’t blame the dog - he’s likely had a tough life with human after human letting him down. Placeing him back at the rescue center will at least give him another shot at finding a human to love him - and one he’ll love back.

My daughter volunters for a no kill shelter. Their adoption papers specify that if the person adopting dies or can no longer care for the animal its to be returned to the shelter.

If you decide to keep it awhile; you can make sure it stays on lino floors, also some of the time, especially when you're not home, it can go in a wire dog crate/kennel; my dog is in hers for several hours now and then and she still likes it and will go in it by herself and sleep. Walk it or let it out pretty often at first so it won't get a chance to pee in the house; it won't be long before it will settle into a routine (which you can establish for your convenience). Pay it some attention, even though you aren't fond of it; if you do, it should help the dog, and you may get to like it better. Dog's life just went upside down, too, you know. (By the way, if it ever suddenly begins to mess in the house, especially near where you sit (trying to tell you), it is probably a UTI - makes dogs crazy, too.... ) We had this happen with our dog, and as soon as she was treated, no more messes.  You CAN give it away, but may not have to.

Jetcitygirl, any other family members who would love to train a dog? What kind of dog is it, and how old is the dog?

Did the dog act out when the dog was living with your mother, or is this a new thing? If new, then the dog is heartbroken that your Mom isn't around so the dog is very nervous. See if the Vet can give the dog something to calm him/her down.

It takes time when a pet comes into a home that has been owned by someone else. I recently adopted a 12 year old cat, it's a huge adjustment not only for me, but for the cat. She has a new dwelling to learn, new noises to get use to, new food and food dishes, and finding a perfect place to sleep.

Give the dog a chance.

I agree with calling the rescue the dog came from. I believe most rescues have the adopter sign a form that the dog must be returned and not given to another family or shelter. This way you'll have done your duty to the dog and it'll be cared for and, hopefully, get a new home.

I vote for contacting the rescue organization that the dog is from and explaining the dog's owner had to go into care and is no longer able to care for it. I love dogs but.... I'm sure you have enough on your plate already.

Do a little research for the poor dog’s sake and find a reputable shelter. The dog knows it’s not loved or welcomed and is acting out. You can also call any vet in your area and ask them if they know of a good shelter.

send it to a shelter -

Can you find a no kill shelter? or a trainer?