Non pug /rescue/potty training

[jessica]

almost 2 months ago I started fostering a dog ( American eskimo/sptitz), he should be around 2/3 years, has been kept in a cage all his life where he was defecating and urinating .....he was in pretty bad shape ( all types of worms,skiny,dirty, tick,flea and so on general issues). At first I kept him outside in a special area I made up for him and he was doing really well did all his vaccinations, baths, gaining weight, Although he showed aggression toward human males and other dogs, he was OK with my pug and with me.
As he was improving so well I decided to move him indoors.....everything fine so far until 1 week ago when he started pooping and peeing in the house.......... any tought? why suddenly he retrospect on progress? what to do?
I must say I scolded him and he is now cowering from me...I feel so bad!

[tall grass pugs]

Somewhere in the informationals on this board, is the sticky on housebreaking by Viralmd. It really doesn't matter what breed it is to make housebreaking happen. Is the animal neutered, if not can it be neutered. It helps, but the testosterone won't leave the house for perhaps six months. When you leave the house, leave him outside or in a gated hard floor area. At home, make a handful of treats and offer a wonderful treat everytime he does his work outside. Make a big deal about it. And make sure you take him out every hour. Boring yes, but it works. He doesn't understand you scolding him, he has no way to make the connection. Just leash him, watch him, go outside hourly and stay until he does something, then praise and treat. A spitz is a smart animal, shouldn't be a problem once he sees what you want and gets a treat.

[Pugpillow]

Any change of routine is stressful for a dog because they can't understand the reasons for it. So bringing him indoors would set him back on the pottying. Be patient and don't take out your frustration by scolding or punishing. You'll get a lot more by positive reinforcement and patient building up of trust in you.