Housebreaking...Is this a boy dog thing?

[Doodlesmom]

Hello
We have a new poodle puppy who is 3 months old. This is our 1st puppy in 15 years and the 1st time we've crate trained. (Love the crate training - it's so much easier than the papers on the floor) We're doing really well with the house breaking - pooping outside, scratching on the door, etc. But we have one little hang up when the puppy plays he will stop and do a little pee. I don't think it's an excited pee because he will stop what he's doing and squat. It's not a big spot either. This is my first boy dog, so I'm not sure if we're just a little quirky or if he's marking or if we just have one last hurtle in the housebreaking saga. Thanks for your help!

[bubbatd]

I think it's just a 12 week thingy . Like kids , they don't want to go to the potty where they should when having fun . Make sure he potties before play and stop play when stimulated and take to go pottie . When giggling and having fun , they can't grab crotches or cross their legs ........

[StunnedMonkey]

Naw, it's not just a boy dog thing. Darby was queen of the lightning pee. No circling, sniffing, pacing or any of that. She could stop playing, squat, pee, and move on in like one and a half seconds. By the time you got the "n" in "no" out, she'd be done. :)

I'd say just take the pup out more frequently, but even then it's probably still going to happen occasionally. But at 3 months it'll probably be over soon.

[Blondie]

It's definitely a pup thing and will be over soon, especially after you say he's learning to go where he's supposed to. Christie is only 2 months old and I know I'll have to wait a couple of weeks for her to completely stop peeing in the house, but it will happen eventually ;)

[Doodlesmom]

Thanks so much for your comments. I'm glad to know that this too shall pass. I just have to say I love this site. I used come here and read up when our older dog started having health problems. (She passed away in May after 15 wonderful, spoiled rotten years) And as soon as I had puppy questions this is the first place I looked. Can I ask another question? When do puppies reach their full height? I didn't see the parents, so I'm just curious. Thanks again!

[Denaluvscorgis]

I also agree...not a boy thing... a puppy thing.;) This to shall pass!!! Congrats on your puppy!!!:D

[Dog Diggler]

When do puppies reach their full height?

Puppies don't reach mature height or anything. They reach that maturity level of an adult at about 2, but aren't fully developed 'til about 4.. It also depends on the breed of dog. A very small dog reaches maturity quicker than the large breed dogs. So tiny dog 6 months, big dog longer.. :)