First of all, I am really no expert, but can maybe pass along some tips since I've recent gone through the housebreaking thing. It can be difficult and takes a lot of patience. My pup was pretty well paper trained from day one but after a while that got sort of frustrating when he starting dragging pee pads and chewing them and then peeing in the spot where the pee pad used to be. I find that after 5-1/2 months he is really just starting to be more dependable now and getting the hang of peeing only outside. But, I read that pugs can be more difficult to house train. He now seems to have better control to hold it longer, such as when we are gone from the house to go to work. He still has some accidents, but sometimes it's our fault if we're home because we don't realize that he's asking to go out. As he's aged and his fur has become thicker, he seems to be able to spend more times outdoors. That and milder weather really help. I still go outside with him, I'm just protective of him. He gets treats whenever he pees, but only a crumbled bit of his biscuit. One thing too, if you take him outside and he just runs back to the door to go in, pick him up and take him back to the area where you want him to pee. It doesn't always work, but often he might decide to pee the second time. Also, you will find they are easily distracted so if he's about to pee outside and the neighbor comes out of his/her door, puppy might start barking instead of peeing. My pup definitely has to go whenever he wakes up from a nap. In fact, sometimes if it's before bed I'll wake him up to take him out, or if I get up at 3 a.m. I might take him out as well. I sort of keep track and drag him outside if it's been too long. I figure the more he goes to the washroom outside the more it becomes habit and is engrained in him. Today we visited his Grandparents and he did go by the back door to go outside, which is great because I worry about him having accidents inside others peoples homes. Plus I started thinking maybe he's really starting to realize not to pee inside anyone's house. Good luck, hang in there,it will get better, Glen

Okay, good information. And Kudos to you for adopting and what a regal dog !!! My first concern would be a physical problem and the vet NEEDS to check out your dogs back and back end to make certain there is nothing wrong physically. Nerve problems in the back can make it so your dog has NO IDEA of when it is time to go. You wrote: "~ We never yell or hit him when he has an accident. We just show him and tell him, "NO . . . bad dog! Kennel!" Pick up the poop and take it and him to the kennel where we put it down and say, "Kennel . . . good dog, kennel" We then meticulously clean the rug using a good quality dog accident cleaner & deodorizer. " This connect negativity with bathroom works and you should really stop doing it. THIS "Ronin has an accident perhaps once or twice a week, although never peeing. All the other times, we/I just take him out to the kennel and lock him in until he goes, when we let him right back in, praising him, "Good dog, kennel!"." Is also not a good idea. Next I would call the foster person and ask if they had the same problem. If all that turns out to be normal and this is a new behavioral problem I suggest a couple of things - First you have had the dog 3 weeks and he is going through a period of transition - so you are bound to have something come up. You wrote that he is okay with other dogs and people and he gets kennelled on a rgular basis. All okay *BUT* you have failed to write ANYTHING about his daily walking routine!!! This dog should be taken out on a leash walk at least 3 times a day. For at least 15 minutes a day. NO LESS. Im not tqlaking just a quickie around the block where the dog sniffs a couple of bushes. Im talking find a good fire road or an area where your dog can really get in a good pant. DONT let him stop and sniff the bushes or rocks or anything else JUST a good walk at a good clip. Just when you are heading back to the car - let your dog stop and sniff the bushes. Hopefully the regualr walks will help alot - they usually do. Be careful not to go to the same place for his walks. I suspect your new charge is bored, and not stimulated enough. But that is just based on what you wrote....When your dog does do its duty. It is important to first give your dog a command to poop - it should be unemotional. Just a fact - go make a meadow muffin....when the dog does, praise him highly. As if he has just brought you a bag with a thousand dollars in it. If your dog likes privacy (mine does) just make certain you bring a longer leash so he can hide behind a bush or tree for his duties. Another part of the training is to take his present and take it outside to a place where you will walk your dog daily. Be certain to stop and let him sniff his stuff, give the unemotional command and praise him....good luck - let us know how it goes.

This is gonna sound silly but the dog has a true case of claustrophobia. Sounds crazy, but Japanese Chin was this way. If she got locked in anywhere she would s*$# herself. I've kennel trained dogs, and my little Chin was pretty much treated like a big dog with the rest of my big dogs (you know, each around 100 lbs. She was 9 lbs when wet.) Another potential problem, his kennel is not being respected by 'young' family members. All dogs need a place to retreat and the kennel training should be reinforced that way. Even as far as keeping a sheet over it that covers the top and two sides to give it a den feel. Make sure young family members respect the space to ensure doggie feels secure and will use it naturally instead of feeling stressed from being locked in. Another potential problem is instead of a open bowl of water have a water bottle. Also put up water bowl 45 mins. prior to kenneling to help with bladder control. If all else fails consult a vet. Sometimes, wetting the bed is a sign of serious underlying issue

I am no expert, but I have dealt with this before. This is my very humble opinion:) I think you are having an issue of jealousy. Did this start after the puppy became the center of attention? I know it sounds crazy, but I have had two friends and myself deal with this years ago. They are trying to get your, and your daughter's attention. It may not even be the younger dog that is initiating the jealousy. Do you leave them during the day? Are they alone maybe? One of my friends had a dog that started doing this and other horrible acts when he married. This dog had been his owners (alone) for many years, with no evil wife around:) The dog would tear up anything that was left down that smelled like the new wife. Kinda funny if you think about it, but not if you are experiencing it. This dog died of old age, but was never trained to stop the behavior. It was actually very sad.