Potty Training

[KristinJ]

I'm picking up my baby this weekend, and I know potty training will need to be a consistent thing. He'll be 11 weeks old, so I don't expect it to be automatic or anything at all, but I want it to go as smoothly as possible.

I'll be home with him most of the time, but 2 days a week I have a pretty full day of class. On these days, I don't want him to have to be in a crate all that time, so I was going to set up a pen inside. If I do this, putting in his crate, some toys, and a puppy pad, how much will this screw him up? I don't want to confuse him too much or anything, but I'm not sure what else to do on those days.

[lilybellesmom]

Do you plan on pad training him or outside?
If pad training I don't think it will be a problem when you
have classes, especially if you have a pad for him in his pen.
Do you have someone who can perhaps take
him out to do his business?

I crate trained my little one, but I was able to come home
to take her out to do her thing.

Good luck, I'm sure someone can help you in this forum.

[Morkie4]

Sounds like you might have to pad train him since there will be times you will not be around to take him out! Just remember he is very young and very little and has a small bladder! You are 100% right about the consistancy of potty training. It is really going to take some extra effort when you are with him to watch and take him outside if that is what you want him to do eventually (an outside potty dog). REWARDS (treat and verbal) goes a long way in training. There wil always be accidents so promptly take him to the pad or outside when accidents happen and tell him "potty outside" or "potty here" whichever you plan on doing.

What size pen are you planing on getting???? I know some of the pens will let you actually attach a crate to the outside of the pen ( a little pricey) but this will allow him more room to romp and play and for you to leave pads down for him to use.

Hope all goes well with your new little one!

[KristinJ]

I'd like to eventually train him to go just outside, but I know with him being so small it's unrealistic for him to hold it that long. Even when he's grown!! I'm at college and don't have family here or anything, and my boyfriend doesn't live here, so I don't really have anybody I'm comfortable giving my keys to. Can you pad train and outside train at the same time? Or is that too much?

I bought him two 24" 8 panel x-pens. One for outside, one for inside.

[KristinJ]

Well.. I didn't wanna start a whole new thread on this subject cause I've been askin a million questions lately!! You guys are great help. :)

Stanley's going backward in his potty training!!! When I first got him, he was great about going on the pads. He'd go into his pen when he had to go, and use them. Now, he goes everywhere EXCEPT the pad. :( I say NO when I catch him in the act, and then go put him on the pad. He's so hard to catch because he doesn't even squat or anything. He just stops one second, and goes. Sometimes I can catch him 'cause he's sniffing. When he DOES go on the pad.. I tell him how good he is and all that.

What more should I be doing? I don't expect him to be perfect after a week of course, but my goodness. It's getting a little rediculous over here. haha

[Morkie4]

Well.. I didn't wanna start a whole new thread on this subject cause I've been askin a million questions lately!! You guys are great help. :)

Stanley's going backward in his potty training!!! When I first got him, he was great about going on the pads. He'd go into his pen when he had to go, and use them. Now, he goes everywhere EXCEPT the pad. :( I say NO when I catch him in the act, and then go put him on the pad. He's so hard to catch because he doesn't even squat or anything. He just stops one second, and goes. Sometimes I can catch him 'cause he's sniffing. When he DOES go on the pad.. I tell him how good he is and all that.

What more should I be doing? I don't expect him to be perfect after a week of course, but my goodness. It's getting a little rediculous over here. haha

Patience and persistance............being young and only a week with you, he is still learning the rules. Take him to the pad after 20 minutes from eating or drinking and confine him to an area of the pad until he goes. And of course I am a big believer in "treat and verbal" rewards for good behavior. Sounds like he is just going to take a little extra. Sniffing is an excellent clue to his having to go.........he sniffs, you pick him up and run him to the pad and tell him go potty. He'll get it!!!

[KristinJ]

So.. as I'm typing.. I looked over, saw him sniffing, went to pick him up, and I guess he decided to hurry up and pee before mom could get to him. He took one look at me, and sped up the process. :lol2: Like "Hey, she's coming over here I better hurry up and go so we can play!!
It's hard to be frustrated with him, he's just so dang cute. :hearter:

[Morkie4]

So.. as I'm typing.. I looked over, saw him sniffing, went to pick him up, and I guess he decided to hurry up and pee before mom could get to him. He took one look at me, and sped up the process. :lol2: Like "Hey, she's coming over here I better hurry up and go so we can play!!
It's hard to be frustrated with him, he's just so dang cute. :hearter:

Well, now that you know he is a "sniff and pee" sort of doggie, you have to keep an eye on him and watch for the sign. The more times you can catch him and take him to the pad (repetition) the quicker he will get the hang of what you want him to do.

[Amy Cohen]

I also have a new puppy. he is 4 months and I have had him for 1 month. I dint plan on being home as I work full time but I got sick and I am home. Bud is training on a pad. He has a crate in our den and a pen in our playroom where he sleeps And stays when we go out.He pees 100% on the pad. Poop is 50-60%. Its frustrating. He is such a pleasure and needs LOTS of attention.
We cant take him out yet he hasnt had all his shots.
Ive been told to be patient hes a baby.
I HATE leaving him alone!!!!!!!!!
Keep in touch and we can share what works- maybe we can help each other