For Shena, seeing trash bags on the side of the highway on her way home is an everyday thing. However, she was driving one day, enjoying the blueberry fields, and spotted an unusual ‘black bag of garbage’, which made her pull over and check it out!
And, good thing she did as it was probably one of the best decisions she ever made!
Her gut told her that instead of a bag of garbage, she could find something really precious, and boi was she right!
“My Gut Told Me I Had To Check It Out”
Deep inside, Shena realized that the distant thing lying curled up in the blueberry field next to a highway could actually be – a dog! When she came a little closer, there she was!
A fearful black Pittie with sad eyes and no one around was lying in the field. She immediately tried to help him, but this doggo girl was just too afraid to let Shena save her. She started running away, but she couldn’t go far as her hind leg was severely injured.
Eventually, after 30 to 40 minutes of convincing, Shena established a connection with the dog, making a leash out of her fanny pack strap and walking the dog to her van.
“Everything in her face was just calling out for help. I was like: ‘Oh, my God! You’re breaking my heart. I need to help you.’,” Shena told The Dodo.
Blueberry Had A Long Way To Recovery
Shena took the dog to RAPS Animal Hospital, where she found out that she had a broken hind leg and needed surgery to recover.
The dog she later named “Blueberry”, in honor of the blueberry field she found her in, was scanned for a microchip, and Shena found out that she had no owners.
She immediately took her in and knew that Blueberry was gonna be her special girl, making into Shena’s big canine and feline family!
She had surgery two days after she was found, and then a four-month-long recovery. The amazing thing was – Blueberry was a star patient, despite her difficult past. She was such a good girl throughout the entire process, making all of her vet visits a piece of cake!
Eventually, her leg fully healed, and she was finally able to walk and run like a normal dog.
“Blueberry runs plays and jumps around like nothing ever even happened to her leg,” Shena wrote in the Instagram post.
“She goes on long walks, hikes, runs, etc. She also loves having crazy, hilarious zoomies in the backyard, going paddleboarding and playing/wrestling with her doggie friends. Blueberry is positively incredible,” Shena says.
Living The Best Life In A New Home
Today, Blueberry is a brand-new Pittie girl living her best life! She adapted to her new family in no time and now she’s everyone’s sweetheart! Aside from her canine siblings, Blueberry has such an amazing relationship with her cat buddy.
“It was crazy to think how far she’s come. She obviously went through some pretty horrible things, and yet she is able to come through that and out of it a really super loving dog,” Shena told The Dodo.
We really hope she keeps on making unforgettable memories with her big family and never stops being the happy, smiling girl she is!
You can find Blueberry on Shena’s Instagram and keep up with her little adventures!
If you’ve ever had the joy of a potty-trained dog suddenly having accidents indoors, you know the frustration it can bring. Your furry friend, who was once a pro at doing their business outside, is now leaving surprises on your carpets. It can be puzzling and exasperating, but there are reasons behind this unexpected behavior shift. Dogs, much like us, can have moments of regression or changes in routine that lead to accidents in the house. As a seasoned dog trainer, I’ve seen this scenario play out countless times, and there are common triggers to consider. So, before you grab the mop again, let’s dig into why your once well-behaved pup might be reverting to old habits.
Understanding the Issue
The Basics of Potty Training in Dogs
When it comes to potty training your dog, consistency is key. Your furry friend needs a regular schedule for bathroom breaks to reinforce good habits. Dogs thrive on routine, so establishing set times for potty breaks can help prevent accidents indoors. Remember, positive reinforcement like treats or praise goes a long way in reinforcing desired behavior.
Signs of Regression
Even a potty-trained dog can regress for various reasons. Changes in your dog’s environment, stress, health issues, or even changes in your schedule can all contribute to regression. Watch out for subtle signs like sniffing around more than usual, pacing, or whining, which could indicate that your dog is struggling to hold it in. Being attentive to these signs can help you address the issue promptly.
Common Triggers for House Soiling
Medical Causes of Inappropriate Urination
When your potty-trained dog starts peeing indoors, it could be due to underlying medical issues. Urinary tract infections, bladder stones, diabetes, or other health problems may lead to accidents in the house. If your furry friend suddenly changes its urination habits, a visit to the vet is crucial to rule out any medical causes.
Behavioral and Emotional Factors
Behavioral and emotional factors can also trigger house soiling in your dog. Anxiety, fear, or even boredom can lead to accidents inside. Changes in routine, new additions to the family, or separation anxiety can all affect your dog’s potty habits. Understanding your dog’s emotions and addressing any behavioral issues can help prevent indoor accidents.
Environmental Changes and Stressors
Environmental changes and stressors play a significant role in your dog’s potty behavior. Moving to a new house, loud noises, or even rearranging furniture can stress out your furry companion, leading to accidents indoors. Dogs are sensitive to their surroundings, so ensuring a stable and comfortable environment is essential for maintaining their potty training consistency.
Approaches to Addressing the Problem
Veterinary Check-Up for Health-Related Issues
Ensure you take your dog to the vet for a thorough check-up. Medical problems like urinary tract infections or diabetes can lead to accidents indoors. Identifying and treating these issues promptly is essential for your dog’s well-being and potty training consistency.
Behavioral Modification and Re-training
Consider implementing behavioral modifications and re-training techniques. Anxiety, boredom, or other emotional triggers might be causing your dog to have accidents. Positive reinforcement, consistency in training, and addressing any underlying behavioral issues can help correct this behavior.
Creating a Stress-Free Environment
Create a stress-free environment for your dog. Moving to a new house or changes in the household can be stressors leading to accidents. Ensure your dog has a comfortable, safe space with familiar routines. Minimize stressors and provide mental stimulation to keep your dog happy and relaxed.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Incidents
Consistent Potty Training Routines
Stick to a set schedule for potty breaks. Take your dog out first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Consistency reinforces good habits.
Monitoring Diet and Water Intake
Watch what your dog eats and drinks. Avoid sudden dietary changes. Ensure access to fresh water. Be mindful of excessive water intake, as it can lead to more frequent accidents.
Regular Exercise and Attention
Provide regular exercise to keep your dog active and mentally stimulated. Playtime and attention help prevent boredom, reducing the likelihood of indoor accidents. A tired dog is a content dog.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – dealing with your potty-trained dog having accidents indoors can be frustrating. Remember, changes in routine or environment can trigger this behavior. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key in potty training. By sticking to a routine, monitoring diet and water intake, and giving your furry friend enough exercise and attention, you can prevent future accidents. These measures not only help maintain your dog’s potty training consistency but also contribute to their overall well-being. Stay patient and committed, and you’ll soon see improvements in your dog’s behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my potty-trained dog having accidents indoors?
Accidents can happen due to triggers like changes in routine or environment. Consistency and positive reinforcement in training can help prevent these accidents.
How can I prevent my dog from having indoor accidents in the future?
Stick to consistent potty training routines, monitor diet and water intake, provide regular exercise, and attention to prevent boredom. These proactive measures can help maintain your dog’s potty training consistency.
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Hey there, I’m Janet Brooks, a dog-loving student from California. I’m all about helping pups in need, especially those without homes. Me and my awesome friends work together to give shelter and love to stray dogs. Oh, and I also write blogs about dogs to share helpful info.