Housetraining 101 - Please Read this Thread in its Entirety

[Blackie65]

Oh, jeez! Of course she's missing her siblings. She was probably still nursing from the bitch, too! Yes, she would have started weaning them, but just because they are capable of licking up soft food doesn't make them ready to leave the mother. If I had the owner of these dogs in front of me, I'd give him a piece of mind like he'd never heard before!! Irresponsible ass.

That said, your pup is 6 weeks old! He is no more capable of potty training than a six month old human infant. A pup that young I would take into my bed, so I could feel him wake up at night, so I could take him out. He will also gain great comfort sleeping with you, and you get the lovely feeling of nice, warm puppy cuddling up to you!

But off with you, go read!

I was soooo relieved to read this, im on page 11 of 15 and thinking im doing wrong by letting my little guy sleep with me...but it sure does make potty time easier, he wakes up and out we go! Then we go back to sleep. My puppy is 6 weeks old as well, and I am learning so much from this group about how this was way too young to leave Momma and siblings...hoping I am providing the security he needs.

I would like to get him okay with the little crate for when I must leave him, tried twice so far with all his treats and toys, he cried and chewed the crate the first time, second time settled in a little quicker, as soon as he was quiet, I let him out. I didn't leave him once, The crate was on my bed with me beside it the entire time, id keep my fingers dangling in the bars. I just want him to get some experience if I ever HAVE to leave him... for now, I have been taking him everywhere with me, secured under my arm...

I want to learn how to keep him safe and secure if I ever have to leave him...im sure you all will teach me!

...okay, back to reading!

in gratitude,

Jill

[Deerie me]

I've heard putting a ticking clock wrapped in a blanket can help soothe a puppy. It supposed to sound like mum's heartbeat but that bit I'm sceptical about. The constant rythmic noise might help though. Feeding him in his crate might help the positive associations too Jill.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Tracy, that is a great suggestion about the ticking clock! In a previous life, we had the very rare occasion when a Bitch died or became very ill after giving birth and was unable to tend to her (Hound) pups. The ticking clock wrapped in something warm and fuzzy seemed to soothe the puppies.

I don't know if it is the rhythmic white noise, or the similarity to a beating heart, but I do know that it seemed to work. We also had a lovely old Golden girl at the time who was not lactating but allowed the pups (when they were about 2 weeks old) to snuggle up to her and nurse on her. She actually ended up producing a bit of milk, (not enough to nourish them, but enough to soothe them) and would wash and clean them as if they were her own. She hadn't had pups in years by then. Once a "Mum", always a "Mum" I guess, especially with Goldens. ♥

Jill, all these little tidbits might help. I read somewhere else that you live on the third floor of a "walk up", and that Ringo asked to go out and was successful already! Kudos to you!!!! You are doing fantastically well, you "Mum", you!

[Teddysmom6]

I have read the thread in its entirety and don't see anything about a puppy who can hold "it" all night, but won't go first thing when put outside.
A little background...our beloved Cockapoo passed away 2 weeks ago Friday. My 14 year old daughter was totally distraught over losing her first friend. She started school soon, so I knew she couldn't come home to an empty house. We got Teddy and he has filled her with joy, again.
Teddy is a 19 week old Shih-Poo. He is smart, he learned his name in just one night of being home with us. He is used to peeing and pooping any time or anywhere he wants. He holds "it" all night, but when I put him straight out, he looks at me and sits down near the entrance to his potty pen, which is small rocks with no grass. I bring him in anfter 10 minutes and place him in his crate, which he promptly pees in. I then take him back out, but again he just looks at me.
Question 1...what do I do with him when I bring him in? Playing is a reward, but for what? Putting him in the crate doesn't work because he can hold it for over 7 hours, which is what he did today!
My daughter got him to pee in his potty pen for the first time today by playing with him in there, but I have read that you shouldn't play with them while they are doing their business. She made a big deal of it and gave him a special treat, but after 1 hour, he peed inside, again.
Question 2...should we just leave him in the potty pen for hours until he finally goes? I am afraid he will explode!
I have read so many articles, I feel like I am doing Teddy a dis-service because nothing addresses the puppy who can hold it until he feels like he is in the right place to go.
As you can see by his picture, he doesn't like being in "puppy jail!"
I have potty trained dogs before, but it was over 13 years ago and I forget!
My 25 year old daughter has next week off and is going to dedicate it to training Teddy, so any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks, Joan and Teddy

[Teddysmom6]

Quick update...
We woke up at 6:45 and I took him straight to the potty pen. After a few minutes he pooped and I made a huge deal of it with a treat. He didn't pee. After 10 minutes, I brought him inside and put him in his crate feeling like a HUGE hypocrite...he pooped outside and should be rewarded with play time.
We have been doing the 5 minutes in crate and 10 minutes outside and still after over an hour, nothing. I have even tried massaging his belly. He licks himself like he has to go, but he won't.
UGH!
Joan and Teddy

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Joan, the first thing you must do is keep your expectations realistic! You haven't had Teddy for very long, so expecting a 19 week old puppy to pick up on any routine at this stage is hopeful at best.

When you say "potty pen", exactly to what are you referring? Is this an outdoor area or an indoor area? It also sounds a bit limiting when the goal it to have the puppy eliminate OUTSIDE or "not in the house" wherever that may be. I understand and appreciate that one can train a dog to eliminate only in certain areas, but that should come after they are successfully house trained, and shouldn't even start until at least six months of age, to a year.

Since you know Teddy will eliminate once he is put back in his crate if he has not used the "Potty Pen", don't put him back there until he has done his business. He is trying to figure out what you want, but you aren't giving him enough time. Your daughter was right to play with Teddy which did encourage him to be successful. Why would you refute that if it worked? Again, this goes to his age. He is ONLY 19 weeks old. That is less than 4 months. Perhaps if you had Teddy from the time he left his Mother, which should have been after 8 weeks, and before 12, he would have a better idea of where to do his business.

Patience and consistency are key. First work on having Teddy eliminate outside! When he does, throw a giant party and if he doesn't wish to go immediately upon being put outside, that is because he isn't quite ready and he needs time. Take the time!

It does sound like you have the right idea, but you just need confirmation that these things take as long as they do. You know that in the grand scheme of things, it isn't really that long as we tend to forget just how arduous it is/was. If we remembered we would probably be more reluctant to ever get another puppy!

Your daughter sounds lovely and I'm sure if she keeps working with Teddy, it will bond the two of them, make her feel good about herself and Teddy will thrive. I'm sure your older daughter will also be most helpful next week.

I hope I've been helpful. Keep us posted, and do clarify anything I may have misunderstood.

[me123]

Sounds like Teddy is mighty confused and trying REALLY hard to do the right thing. I'm thinking that when your D was playing with him, he couldn't "hear" the tape in his head that said, "don't go". He relaxed and he went. I've also had pups that wouldn't go when I was watching because when they went in the wrong place, they knew we weren't happy. They don't know inside from outside. To them, it is all just going to the bathroom. You teach them inside, outside. Be patient. You said Teddy is smart. Having your D work with him for a week might be just the jumpstart he needs.

I usually keep my dogs leashed to me when I am housetraining, that way they can't sneak into a corner and I get good at reading their signals.

[kian]

and if he is going outside to potty, are you going with him? That is important until he gets it, after losing your dog (my condolences) he may not be confident to out and potty.

[BraveTyphlosion]

I don't know if this has already been asked or maybe this is just a stupid question but...

What do they mean when they say that "this breed is easy(or difficult) to house train."? Are they talking about typically how long it takes? How much work is involved to teach? Simply the fact that their body type makes it harder to hold it in? I'd very much like to know. I'm getting a Doberman puppy and I'm ready for house training no matter how long it takes!(Hopefully sooner rather than later though, wish me luck!)

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Certain breeds are more headstrong, or strong willed than others thereby making some easier or harder to train. Why are you getting a Doberman? Do you know anything about training a dog? I just read the thread you started (which I've locked) and may I respectfully suggest that you do a lot more research into the Breed you like, as well as overall canine care and knowledge.

I certainly wouldn't recommend a Doberman to a first time dog owner who doesn't know the most basic aspects of life with a dog. Dobermans are very smart, and therefore, may present more of challenge than a Golden Retriever for example. Goldens are also smart, but were breed for a different reason. One must know the origin of the Breed to understand its needs.

"BraveTyphlosian" you seem quite out of your depth when it comes to anything to do with dogs. You need to go and visit some Shelters and ask questions about the various dogs there, as well as do some reading. At this time, you are not ready for a pup, of any Breed or mix. Everyone can learn though so I suggest you get cracking and start reading everything you can, as well as talk to Breeders. Are you purchasing your puppy from a Breeder? (I would doubt it or you would have already acquired more basic knowledge from the Breeder, that's if they are reputable.)

I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

[BraveTyphlosion]

I realise how much work a doberman is. I know they are smart and that as puppies they are litteraly hell on little legs.

I've read multiple books on dogs. I've spent hours looking up breeds and researching them(thought that never really seemed to help me pick out the ideal first time breed, I found myself not a bit charmed by them). Originaly, no, I did not intend to get a doberman. I was alway afraid of getting anything more difficult than a docile lab(even though most labs I've met are excessively exhuberant and very poorly behaved), but after talking to some other dog owners I have more confidence and realize people just say that dogs are dangerous(vicious even) and no fun and no one would ever want to own one because they want to make sure people are willing to do the work. I am willing to do the work, I'm sorry if I sound so ill informed. I've read up on socializing and continue to do so, it was a shock to me when I read about that and it didn't make much sense but I wanted to make sure. I understand how VERY important it is to socialize any dog, especially a doberman. I'm asking questions because I want to get as much information as possible(different opinions and experiences make it that much better). I already know where I will be having puppy classes, I've calculated how much a dog costs and extra, I've taken into consideration if for whatever reason I might have to return the dog, I've created a schedual, I've even made a list of people and dogs I'm going to start off socializing my puppy with and have contacted them to let them know of it and asked when they are available. I've been working on the house to get ready for a puppy. I have a vet, someone to call in emergencies to take care of the dog.

Yes I've never owned a dog before and yes a doberman is quite a bold move on my part. I could get a golden, but in all honesty I don't have an interest in goldens, I think it would be quite wrong to get a breed I have little to no interest in. I could get a lab, but the same thing. I have no passion for such dogs. I think the doberman is beautiful and powerful and soooo smart. They're lovely and worth the back breaking work. If I have to stay up all night every night for ten years to train this dog I will.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

"Brave", if I may call you that, thank you for your response!!!

Clearly you have done far more work than that for which I initially gave you credit and do seem quite prepared for a puppy. Sometimes, unfortunately, due to the very nature of Forums and the lack of time, as well as only the written word, the poster and the responder can only go off of what they see. Since I challenged you, in a sense, regarding the work required and you have responded clearly and emphatically, now I feel far more at ease that you do in fact have a good idea of what's in store.

Initially your posts came off as someone who had always wanted a puppy but had no earthly idea about dogs. We do have posts from people like that more often than not unfortunately. Now that we have MORE information from you, it will be far easier to tailor our responses, so THANK YOU for bearing with me!

To address your original question in this thread, may I say that if you follow the steps, remain consistent and positive in your approach, with dedication and consistency, but most importantly, kindness and love, I'm sure your puppy will pick up house training rather quickly. That's all relative when one is living it, as 8 weeks of intense house training feels like a lifetime when one is the throes of it all, but looking back, it really is just a blip on the highway of life. Too many people become discouraged, or lazy and don't follow through. All pups will have set backs, especially in the first six months, and the key is to just look past the mistakes and keep moving forward. Nine times out of ten, the mistakes are really the fault of the humans.

How long will it be before your puppy comes home? Are you acquiring a male or female, or perhaps you don't know just yet? Do you live in a home with immediate access to the outdoors, or are you in an apartment setting?

We are more than happy to help, and again, thank you for bearing with me so we could get to the heart of the matter and understand each other more fully.



P.S. "Brave" is a good name for you!

[BraveTyphlosion]

Hahah, yes you you may call me whatever tickles your fancy ^_^ and sorry I haven't responded right away I've been busy with sorting out and perchasing my puppy supplies

It's okay, I can understand how you really want to make sure that people are ready and willing to commit to a puppy since it is so much work. It isn't merely walking feeding and watering, there is so much more to do a dog than that. Training can be lots of fun too, even house training. I fondly remember my first time helping to train a dog to stop pulling on the leash, it was interesting watch the dog slowly understand what I wanted and the dog seemed really happy that I was training it. After training it would sit infront of me as if asking for more when before it hardly noticed me. It felt so amazing even if she isn't completely trained.

Teddy(Which I have decided to name my puppy) is a male. We will be getting him likely sometime in mid october, that is the very earliest we can obtain him(so 8 weeks of course) however the breeder has agreed that if we like we can leave him with the parents a little longer. The puppies parents are very sweet tempered, very calm, and quiet. Teddy himself is a very calm puppy, he isn't overly friendly but not in the least bit shy, he seems to enjoy just hanging out. He was less mouthy than the other puppies, he would only chew you if you offered your hands and fingers to him. Everyone is happy and healthy although Teddy is a little bit on the small side, nothing too drastic he is just a tid bit smaller and he is perfectly healthy, bright eyed looking, and a strong eater.

I live in a house with access to a fenced off backyard, so yes immediate access. I am still currently deciding on the exact spot I'd like my puppy to make his toilet area. I am using a crate with a divider to use with house training and all the good things a crate can be.

Now that I think about this I do have a question about "material preference" training. Since here where I live we get some impressive seasonal changes and plenty of snow, how would I go about that since it won't simply be grass or dirt all the time? Do I just ignore that kind of training and focus harder on comands and a specific spot in the yard?

Thankyou so much :3 I appreciate the help and encouragement

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Good to hear back from you "Brave"!

I too live in a climate that enjoys all four seasons, although Spring is usually quite fleeting. I would first be concerned mostly with the act of toileting outside rather than inside. As Teddy picks up on this, and as you learn his cues, slowly you can work on having him toilet in a specific area outside.

Because pups usually have literally no warning when they have to go, at least at first, it would be nearly impossible to go outside and then go to a specific area right away. I'm quite sure once he learns that outside is the ONLY place that is acceptable, he will have more control and you can start working on moving to his specific area then. If the area is immediately adjacent to the door (which I highly doubt) then it will be easier still.

As for the changing climate, I wouldn't worry about that too much. My nearly 9 year old dog, Oliver, came home in February so he was housetrained entirely on snow. We found when the thaw started to happen in April, which was only 2 months into it, Oliver felt more comfortable doing his business on the remaining snow. Sometimes it would take a while for him to do "serious" business as he wanted that patch of snow. Eventually there was none to be had, so he learned to roll with it.

I think you'll find it easier for Teddy to go from grass to snow as opposed to the other way around. Something about the cold snow on the wee paws as well as the cold air promotes they're desire and ability to do things quickly. By the time Spring comes, it shouldn't be an issue at all. That's when you will have the most difficulty with the exact spot you wish him to use, but again, I don't think it will be a major issue; just a hiccup or two along the way.

You are exactly right about why we treat newcomers, who offer very little information with some skepticism. We also have to keep in mind that people who don't post or ask questions, also come on here and read things which they may take to heart. We have to be quite specific and ultimately it helps anyway as that's how we get to know one another and communicate better.

Teddy sounds like a lovely little fellow. Some people suggest leaving the puppy until 10 weeks of age, and some even say 12. Both of my dogs came home at 8.5 weeks, but now I think I would push that to 10 weeks, but not 12! One misses out on too much bonding between 10 and 12 weeks IMHO. The 8 to 10 week window is BUSY!

Lastly, another good thing about bringing your puppy home in the Fall is that the Frost will come more quickly so any parasites that might be lurking in the grass will die off and your puppy is far less likely to contract anything. Again, Henry (my now 3 year old baby) contracted Giardia from the woods immediately behind my house within 4 days of his arrival from the wild animals back there, as my older dog did not have it at the time. It was a nightmare summer dealing with that, and both dogs had to be separated completely to do their business. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, and in all my 50+ years of having dogs, not one of them had ever contracted this, even when I lived in the Country and I'm in the City now.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[Nileska]

Beautyfuly done Deb,,,I have nothing to add.

Welcome Brave...One must go with the breed that " turns you on " so to speak. My favorite breed is Siberian Huskys and let me tell you,THEY are a labour love ! Rascally,cantankerous,rock headed escape artists...but beautiful,smart independent,companions as well with a jolly sense of humor ( note,you will need one too ! )

Good luck with your Dobie ,all that I have met were very nice dogs

Richard