I adopted a three year old dashound from I’m assuming a good home. We have had her a week now and she refuses to go to the bathroom outside. She will hold it in the entire 15 we are outside and pee as soon as we walk in the door. Why won’t she pee outside and what can I do about this? Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired) | Female

I recommend crate training. This is usually the easiest way to housebreak a dog. The key is that she must go back in her crate if she does not potty outside. Leave her in the crate for 30 minutes at a time. Then take her back outside for another 15 minutes. If she doesn’t urinate this time, she goes back in the crate. You keep repeating this until she goes outside. Once she urinates outside, then she is free to be in the house. You should carry her each time so she cannot pee on the carpet. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Congratulations on your new dog Angel! Dogs are situational learners so that doesn’t mean that she understands that both pee and poop need to take place outside. It also means that although she may be housebroken in one house, that she will be housebroken in all houses (although she could be fine). I recommend reading up in kennel training as that will generally be the fastest way to housebreak a dog. Be patient and remember to avoid punishing her if you do not catch her in the act. Dogs often act upset when they mess in the house but they don’t make the connection to themselves. They just know you’re upset and that poop or pee is involved. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I recommend restricting her from your bedroom and keeping her in a crate when you are not able to watch her. She needs a refresher in housebreaking. In addition please take her for long walks twice daily and many potty breaks too. Give her a treat and praise when she goes outside. Once she’s settled into the new house this behavior should improve but in the meantime don’t give her a chance to potty in the house. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bailey.

Many housebroken dogs don't necessarily understand that this training applies to other places that they may visit also - so this is a fairly common problem :) I would recommend supervising her very closely when you are visiting your in-laws to prevent accidents, and taking her out frequently for potty breaks. I would also reward her with a treat when she potties outside, just like you would with a new puppy. Over time, with practice, she can learn to be housetrained at your in-laws as well.