Need HELP and advice on potty training my pup - Page 2 - DogForum.net

tito_huskyx · 02-09-2010, 11:57 PM

How long can a puppy be in a unsupervised crate without having adverse physiological/behavioural effects? Can an eating schedule be manipulated to fit a specific bathroom-schedule??
We both have morning classes with free afternoons (usually our study time) and we could probably work out a schedule for us to take turns coming home early. We could always study in a quiet house...Our children are in daycare and school...we are out of the house @ 7am everyday and done @ noon.
Btw, thanks Nomad. Your info/advice sounds great!

**skunkstripe** · 02-10-2010, 07:39 AM

The usual rule of thumb for housetraining puppies is that thay cannot hold it for longer than their age in months plus one. So they need a potty break at least this often. As far as psychological effects go, I really think it depends on the dog. Some dogs are fine with it and love their crates, some are anxious and will do anything to get out. In fact there is a myth that using a crate will solve separation anxiety and for dogs with severe SA, sticking them in a crate makes it worse.

By the way I didn't have to teach my dog to use a bell to ask to go outside, I did it for fun.

I also don't see how crating a puppy will teach it to ask to go outside if you aren't around while the pup is in the crate. If no one is there to hear the whine, bark whatever, and the pup gives up and pees in the crate then you're worse off than you were before. Crates don't train dogs, people do. But I've never heard anyone say that dogs can't be housebroken until they are 9 months to a year old.

Yikes! At four months they can easily be housetrained unless there is some kind of unaddressed medical condition.

Anyway, as a first step I'd lose the pee pads since that seems to cause no end of confusion for the dog as to where exactly it is ok to mess indoors and the dog almost always guesses wrong. It's a lot easier for them to distinguish between outdoors and indoors than it is between a pee pad and a carpet.

Good luck!

tito_huskyx · 02-10-2010, 10:30 AM

Ok, so if no supervision, then no crate.
What would you suggest for the morning hours then? He's 9 weeks so he can be left for 3 hours but the soonest we can get home falls somewhere within 5+ hours...
And I do want to get rid of the pee pads DEARLY. Not only does it allow him to think he can go piddle anywhere inside, but it also allows him to think he can go ON anything as well

We need solutions ASAP

luvmypup · 02-10-2010, 10:33 AM

Do you have a neighbor you can trust to come over and let him out to pee and give him a 15 minute break? Just an idea.

tito_huskyx · 02-10-2010, 02:12 PM

No we don't...that would have been nice...

n0mad · 02-10-2010, 07:11 PM

Cool, thanks for clarifying.

Vambo · 02-11-2010, 09:34 AM

I think you have set up some difficult hurdles for yourself and Tito. Is there a way to reschedule classes so that one of you is home while the other is at school? At least part of the time? This would reduce the amount of time the pup is left alone. It's only for a few months, then the pup will be better able to control his bladder.

Perhaps a more difficult decision must be made. Are you sure you can keep this dog and provide for him a happy home? It takes some hard work and that you guys are so pressed for time as it is, maybe you should consider finding him a new forever home, and wait until you are in a better position time wise, to get another dog. No offense intended.

If you are set on keeping the dog, then I would say that for the time being some sacrifices are going to have to be made. Can you take a semester off to free up some of your morning?

Cassidy · 02-11-2010, 10:20 AM

As many have stated, it is crucial that someone is there to assist Tito with his housebreaking. I have two friends that got puppies around the same time last year. One has someone home all day and the puppy was completely housebroken by 12 weeks. The other leaves the puppy for 8+ hours a day

and obviously that poor puppy is never going to be housebroken. I know it's too late to say this now but people really need to consider all that is involved in owning a puppy prior to taking one in...otherwise adopt an older dog that is already housebroken. I hope you can work something out but unless you figure out a way to have someone stop in and assist you with this, your dog is not going to be housebroken any time soon.

Monkey · 02-11-2010, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vambo

Luvmypup has got it. Can't ask if no one is there and you're locked in a crate all day.

and to add to Vambo's thinking that IM sure he meant as well crate training takes time, at least 2-3-4 weeks to really make the pup love the crate and dont hate it like he hates the corner now, and he wont be able to hold it for a whole day either right now due to itsy bitsy bladder (and the fact that the bladder isnt fully developed yet). Then he will learn to soil where he sleeps and very likely become a dirty dog instead. (thats a dog that pees and poos everywhere indoors)

However they can start crate training and teach the pup to love it and use it for shorter periods of time instead of the corner confindement and change method so they can ask him to the crate later when they are doing dinners etc. And once he grows older then use the crate for longer periods of time, but doggie daycare would be preferable right now.

I have full grown dogs, they are alone 9 hours a day approx and its even hard for them to hold it sometimes. I have to watch it what time I feed them to make it easier for them. One is more anxious and she has a really hard time. So it is a bit individual but its very important to make all separated training relaxing for the dog that will make it much easier for him to be alone in all situations.

Monkey · 02-11-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tito_huskyx

No we don't...that would have been nice...

Tito, I dont know what you live, but look on craigslist in your area, ask other dog owners. There is usually reliable peole around that holds doggy day cares or don't mind coming over a few times a day taking your puppy out for pee and potty/play break for a small amount every month. That would be an easy workable solution for you

02-10-2010, 07:39 AM	#12
skunkstripe All American Dog Lover Join Date: May 2006 Location: New England USA Posts: 20,571 Blog Entries: 10 Rep: 355 Unique Rep: 141	The usual rule of thumb for housetraining puppies is that thay cannot hold it for longer than their age in months plus one. So they need a potty break at least this often. As far as psychological effects go, I really think it depends on the dog. Some dogs are fine with it and love their crates, some are anxious and will do anything to get out. In fact there is a myth that using a crate will solve separation anxiety and for dogs with severe SA, sticking them in a crate makes it worse. By the way I didn't have to teach my dog to use a bell to ask to go outside, I did it for fun. I also don't see how crating a puppy will teach it to ask to go outside if you aren't around while the pup is in the crate. If no one is there to hear the whine, bark whatever, and the pup gives up and pees in the crate then you're worse off than you were before. Crates don't train dogs, people do. But I've never heard anyone say that dogs can't be housebroken until they are 9 months to a year old. Yikes! At four months they can easily be housetrained unless there is some kind of unaddressed medical condition. Anyway, as a first step I'd lose the pee pads since that seems to cause no end of confusion for the dog as to where exactly it is ok to mess indoors and the dog almost always guesses wrong. It's a lot easier for them to distinguish between outdoors and indoors than it is between a pee pad and a carpet. Good luck! __________________ Help us Help you! Read and understand the Terms of Service, report offensive posts and Forum Reputation. Helpful Tips - in our FAQ Section and Newbie Guide. Connect with DogForum.org members - chat with us! Put yourself on the map. Things to do - Start a blog. Be sure to visit the DogForum.org photo gallery Use your computer to benefit mankind - join the DogForum.org Folding Team. Thanks Fede for the sigpic! I've been fleeced by Draco!

02-11-2010, 09:34 AM	#17
Vambo Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 304 Rep: 16 Unique Rep: 5	I think you have set up some difficult hurdles for yourself and Tito. Is there a way to reschedule classes so that one of you is home while the other is at school? At least part of the time? This would reduce the amount of time the pup is left alone. It's only for a few months, then the pup will be better able to control his bladder. Perhaps a more difficult decision must be made. Are you sure you can keep this dog and provide for him a happy home? It takes some hard work and that you guys are so pressed for time as it is, maybe you should consider finding him a new forever home, and wait until you are in a better position time wise, to get another dog. No offense intended. If you are set on keeping the dog, then I would say that for the time being some sacrifices are going to have to be made. Can you take a semester off to free up some of your morning? Last edited by Vambo; 02-11-2010 at 09:50 AM..

02-11-2010, 10:20 AM	#18
Cassidy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,430 Blog Entries: 3 Rep: 51 Unique Rep: 18	As many have stated, it is crucial that someone is there to assist Tito with his housebreaking. I have two friends that got puppies around the same time last year. One has someone home all day and the puppy was completely housebroken by 12 weeks. The other leaves the puppy for 8+ hours a day and obviously that poor puppy is never going to be housebroken. I know it's too late to say this now but people really need to consider all that is involved in owning a puppy prior to taking one in...otherwise adopt an older dog that is already housebroken. I hope you can work something out but unless you figure out a way to have someone stop in and assist you with this, your dog is not going to be housebroken any time soon. __________________ The top 10 reasons to spay/neuter your dog just died in a shelter.

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Need HELP and advice on potty training my pup

02-09-2010, 11:57 PM	#11
tito_huskyx Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: edmonton Posts: 5 Rep: 10 Unique Rep: 0	How long can a puppy be in a unsupervised crate without having adverse physiological/behavioural effects? Can an eating schedule be manipulated to fit a specific bathroom-schedule?? We both have morning classes with free afternoons (usually our study time) and we could probably work out a schedule for us to take turns coming home early. We could always study in a quiet house...Our children are in daycare and school...we are out of the house @ 7am everyday and done @ noon. Btw, thanks Nomad. Your info/advice sounds great!

02-10-2010, 10:30 AM	#13
tito_huskyx Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: edmonton Posts: 5 Rep: 10 Unique Rep: 0	Ok, so if no supervision, then no crate. What would you suggest for the morning hours then? He's 9 weeks so he can be left for 3 hours but the soonest we can get home falls somewhere within 5+ hours... And I do want to get rid of the pee pads DEARLY. Not only does it allow him to think he can go piddle anywhere inside, but it also allows him to think he can go ON anything as well We need solutions ASAP

02-10-2010, 10:33 AM	#14
luvmypup Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 32 Rep: 11 Unique Rep: 1	Do you have a neighbor you can trust to come over and let him out to pee and give him a 15 minute break? Just an idea.

02-10-2010, 02:12 PM	#15
tito_huskyx Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: edmonton Posts: 5 Rep: 10 Unique Rep: 0	No we don't...that would have been nice...

02-10-2010, 07:11 PM	#16
n0mad Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 129 Rep: 13 Unique Rep: 3	Cool, thanks for clarifying.

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