New puppy. - Page 2

Mattaichu · #11 02-16-2009, 09:44 AM

Thanks guys, ill post pics sometime this week.

So if I were to remove the puppy pads in our basement living space where we watch tv and spend most of our at home time, how do I handle her if she has an accident. I mean how do I communicate my dissatisfaction. I don't want to inappropriately punish her.

girlbuffalo1 · #12 02-16-2009, 10:13 AM

I would recommend nothing being in the crate--except for some indestructable toys like a kong. Wrigley was 5 lbs when we got him and he could easily hold it 3-4 hours.

lizzybeth727 · #13 02-16-2009, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattaichu

I mean how do I communicate my dissatisfaction. I don't want to inappropriately punish her.

Get a newspaper and roll it up very tightly. Secure the ends if needed. Then very sternly repeatedly hit yourself on the head with the newspaper, while repeating "I WILL supervise my dog better!" with every hit.

Seriously, there's nothing you can do if you don't catch her in the act of pottying in the house. If you do catch her in the act, you can quickly interrupt her and take her outside to finish (rewarding her when she finishes outside!!), but to communicate to her that you are unhappy will probably only confuse her and stress her.

**Zoom** · #14 02-16-2009, 07:49 PM

you live in the same town as I do!

An effective way of training her when you're all home and able to watch her is to tether her to you with a light leash and set a timer for 30 minutes. Take her out each and every time and make a note of when she does anything. Take a sack of hotdog bits or cooked chicken, something that falls in the "OMG BEST THING EVER!" category for her and have a party anytime she goes potty outside where she's supposed to.

If she goes inside, I just go "ohhhhh" in a really disappointed tone and put them up while I"m cleaning. Once out, it's like nothing happened. They can't really draw the connection between you being miffed for an hour and something they did 5 minutes ago. Use an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle too, this will take away that scent marker that says "it's ok to go here".

If you catch her in the act, either clap your hands or pick her up and rush outside to see if she'll finish. If she does, have that party! During the day, either do as Dr2Little suggested with the pan or just take out everything from the crate until she's reliably holding it. How big is her crate right now? Sometimes the crates are too big and they can get away from the mess. Having someone let her out half-way through the day will help as well, she's really young right now.

Need those pics!