So I adopted the older dog a couple of days ago.

[TNDemo]

I posted about a week ago about my SIL's 13-year-old border collie that has been confined to a fenced yard with little or sporadic human attention other than feeding. She got a knee replacement last year. I couldn't stand the thought of her enduring another outdoor winter so I offered to take her in. I worried about the housetraining but she has been perfect so far. She is very timid and my dog and cat are having to adjust. My biggest worry is this week when my daughter comes with her dog, who seems pretty determined to be dominant and wanted to poop and pee in my house. I had planned to wait to take in Indy until after that visit but it turned off too cold and I didn't want to think about this skinny, 90-year-old (human years) with a bad leg out in this weather. I opted for physical health over emotional health.

When Margot (the other dog) comes if she decides to use my house as a toilet, do you think that will make Indy start doing it in the house? At that point she will have been an indoor dog for a week.

[NV Whino]

1. Margot

being the healthy, visiting and misbehaving dog is the one who goes outside.

[barb162]

2. Either Margot goes outside if she has no doggie manners or

have your daughter walk Margot a million times a day, or Margot gets confined to the utility room. Don't let your new dog be influenced by Margot's bad behavior...it's your house. I hope it goes well.

[NMDemDist2]

3. Indy will be a joy in your life, my BC was badly abused when I got her

she was timid and shy too. Don't let Margot push her around please. What a sweet thing you've done!

[China_cat]

4. Thank you for taking her in.

I'm sorry but if it was my kid who had a dog like that, I'd say leave the dog home.

Do your best to keep them separated and try not to go too ballistic unless your daughter expects you to clean up after her dog. (Then you can be downright mean if you want)

I think you'll find that Indy will be fine with the house training but don't let her be bullied by Margot. This is a touchy area and I can tell you from experience that the worst fights I've ever seen or had to break up have been between 2 (spayed) bitches jockeying for alpha status.

[TNDemo]

5. I might add that my daughter finds this very frustrating

since Margot does not do this at home or around the dogs at her boyfriend's. She does all the clean-up. She did not have anyone to take care of the dog over the holidays so they opted to drive up instead of fly. Last time she was here Margot would do the peeing and pooping during the night, no matter how much we took her out. I told her to keep her confined to her room at night but she wanted out so bad she opened the door and it happened again. At least we know what to expect this time and can plan around it. She may just have to put up with her in her room.

[China_cat]

7. Then beg, borrow or buy a crate for Margot.

Seriously, dogs will not soil where they sleep and a crate (with a nice blanket, a toy or 2 and a couple of really yummy treats) may just be the answer to allowing everyone to relax.

[Pharlo]

6. Any breed other than a Border Collie,

And I could understand your concern. But since you are dealing with a Border Collie, I wouldn't worry too much.

They are super intelligent and sensitive. If she's house trained, the visitor's inside accidents won't cause her to emulate the bad behavior. My primary concern would be with any aggressive behavior to which the visiting dog may subject her. A response to that may cause her housetraining to revert. But, if it does occur, the problem will clear up once the new 'aggressor' leaves.

That's been my experience.

When dealing with a Border Collie intelligence, don't sweat the small stuff. (Every once in a while, I get a mutt with no BC in its ancestory for the simple fact that, occasionally, it's nice to have a dog in the house I KNOW is dumber than I.)

Good Luck with your new dog..... :) :) :)

[henslee]

8. Good job. We need more folks like you.

[driver8]

9. Hurray for you!!!

I am so happy to hear that you gave this dog a nice, warm, loving home. You are my hero!!

Why do people get dogs and leave them outside like that?? It breaks my heart to think of Indy outside all these years.

All my best to you and Indy.

[Mutley]

10. Yay! I'm so glad you took her in!

:hug: What a wonderful thing to do.

[havocmom]

11. Blessings on you for your kindness.

The dog you saved will be a light for you!

About that visitor who gets bad... A dog in a kennel box for the night will be pretty good about not soiling its confined (and secure) little 'den'.

Havocdad made a kennel box to confine the 90 Pound Hound at night when he was just a little dog tyke. I was appalled at the idea, and yes, we did argue about it. He assured me if the dog didn't like it, he would make other arrangements.

Now, I am a fair hand at working with dogs, but the kennel box experiment really surprised me. He put the box right next to his side of the bed. He let the puppy sniff it. We put in some tee shirts we both had worn for snuggling. He loved it! He felt safe, as it was a natural situation to 'den up'. He could hear us and smell us. If he fussed at all, Havocdad said we just sorta tap the kennel. Only did that once.

The dog never messed in the house and grew very secure. He outgrew the kennel box within a few weeks. He still likes to den up, going under the desk for quiet naps now.

Might consider a kennel for the visitor during the night when no body is keeping an eye on the dog.

My guess is, your new friend will not pick up the bad habit, but no sense in letting the dog soil your home.

Good luck, and a VERY Happy Thanksgiving! So glad that sweet old dog is safe & comfy now. You have made my day.