[Kirska]

We struggled for the better part of the last year trying to housetrain Anabelle. Here is what has worked for us... We use a dog door because she can't make it through the night.
1. When we are gone during the day we put up dog gates around a small area inside of the dog door. All there is space for in this area are the dog beds and a water jug. This forces her to go out during the day. We often do the same thing at night, but not always.
2. When we see her peeing outside, she immediately gets a cookie and praised as if she has hung the moon. This is the most important part of training.
3. If we find pee inside, we just clean it up. Dogs only associate actions to rewards in a very short window (5 seconds or so) so there is no point in getting angry over it.
4. If we catch her peeing inside, we clap loudly to startle her into stopping and push her butt out the dog door.
5. Clean up messes with 50/50 white vinegar/water mix and then with enzyme like Nature's Miracle.

We haven't had an accident in 2 weeks so I can confidently say this is what works for us, at least until we get too complacent.

 

[Kirska]

Try the 50/50 white vinegar/water mix I suggested above. You can try pure vinegar too. I buy the big jugs at the grocery, a gallon or so for about $3. You can try adding baking soda as well. I've found this works as well or better than any commercial cleaner out there. Vinegar is acidic and breaks down the crystals.

 

[Kirska]

Usually I can smell the vinegar for a little while then it fades away. Unlike the pee smell which just fades but lingers for... ever.

 

[Kirska]

I forgot the other most important part of her training. Becomes so routine you forget about it... We give her these pills. 2 a day. She's gone from peeing once every 30 mins to hour to a normal schedule of every 5 or 6 hours. Takes a couple weeks to kick in but it's a miracle once it's done. Heck of a lot cheaper than vet meds too: NaturVet Senior Bladder Support Time Release Tablets for Dogs at PETCO

 

[Kirska]

Can you give those tablets to any age of dog or just 'seniors'?

I don't know for sure but the ingredients are all natural. There aren't any actual drugs or medications:
Active Ingredients: Pumpkin Seed 125 mg, Rehmannia 125 mg, Wild Yam Root 125 mg, Oregon Grape Root 25 mg, Marshmallow Root 25 mg, Cranberry Extract 25 mg, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 25 mg.

Probably a question a vet could answer but I wouldn't think it'd be a problem.