My Toy Poodle Is No Fun Sometimes

Dear Miss Fifi:

MY toy poodle breaks his house bathroom training when he is left and does not get to go, then gets miffed and raises his leg on something. He might do this when he is bored and not the total center of attention. Any suggestions?

- Betty

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Dear Betty:

We Basset hounds don't have the same "issues" as toy varieties ... hint, hint.

But since Miss Fifi is not in favor of a swift pop to the bottom or any other type of corporeal punishment, I would suggest not giving him a puppy treat or putting him directly back in his crate ... somehow you need to not award the bad behavior. Sometimes, I have heard it spoken at the dog park, some dogs feel like any reaction out of their humans is a reward, even if it seems like a punishment. You might want to give your vet a call.

Then you might want to find a nice older aunt who would be thrilled with a toy poodle, and get yourself a Basset! Woof!