Question: Dear Luise: We have a small dog that is a breed well known for not responding to standard training methods. We live in an apartment complex and have to watch him like a hawk. We take him on way too many walks trying to keep him from seriously damaging the carpets. We have paid a pet deposit but still feel uncomfortable about his random piles and puddles. Our little guy is “family” to us and we will never part with him. We called a trainer and he said it’s a lost cause to try to reform him. Apparently, they are very smart and know what you want…they just won’t comply. Any ideas? Thanks so much, Irma C.
Answer: Dear Irma: Well, heck. He has you right under his paw, doesn’t he?
It sounds to me like you are doing about all you can to co-exist with His Royal Smallness in a rental. If you haven’t already done so, I’d like to suggest that you shop for the best pet spot remover available and keep it handy in case you catch him in the act. Also, how about hiring a private carpet cleaning service to come in once a year to remove any residual, visual evidence…along with any odor build-up, if that’s a problem.
Probably the apartment manager knows that all of the pets in the complex aren’t little angels all of the time. That’s what the pet deposit is for, right?
Are you feeling like you might get caught and asked to leave? If so, it may be time to talk with the manager about the “rare” incidents that occur at your house and how you are dealing with them. That way he will know that you know that he knows that you know…
And by the way, it’s refreshing to hear from a pet owner who really wants to do the best she can in a sticky, (oops), situation! Blessings, Luise
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