Can't get my female house broken. - Page 2

Melissa, The biggest problem you will have is deciding where to put the wee wee pads. They must be centrally located or easy for the puppy to become familiar with. My bedroom was close to a family room that was highly visible to the puppy. I rolled up my oriental in the family room, and on the wood floor in the back section of the room, I, first, placed down a small painter's tarp (the common, bright blue one sold in Home Depot). The slightly rough texture even gave him sure-footing, (no slipping and sliding to hurt his hips). Next, I put down 2 large wee wee pads, side by side. Take him to the pads after each feeding. When he goes on them, plenty of praise. I would constantly say "piddle on your pad" in a very high, happy voice. When he did, I would clap, hug him, and say he was the best puppy. Going on his pad became fun. After awhile, I could even tell him to go "piddle on your pad" whenever I wanted him to go. (He was so cute---After finishing, he would stand there waiting for me to clap my hands. Then he would jump and run to me, very pleased with himself). To this day, when we go out all I have to say is piddle and he's right on cue. OK, where did he sleep? Don't laugh. He was in bed with me, snuggled right into me and the pillows. He wasn't anxious or afraid all night. I brought him home at six weeks, so he would wake up once during the night. For the first week, I would get up and put him directly on the wee wee pad Use a paper towel, already cut and stacked near the pads, to catch the poop, and flush it. Have Lysol next to the paper towels. By the second week, just put him on the floor and he'll go by himself to the pads, but follow and clean up. By the third week he was sleeping through the whole night. By doing it this way, the puppy and you have much more freedom. Your setup can be completely different. Enclose him in the kitchen if you must. Do what works best for you. At this age, puppies always go after they eat. It only takes a couple of days to housebreak permanently. There's no confusion. When his bladder is big enough, the wee wee pads go, floor is sterilized, dog and leash on arm, and no going back. This method has always worked for me. My dogs are very clean, happy, loving dogs who want to be with me. I just can't lock up a dog in a small space. This is my choice. By the way, I have a very strong, confident, affectionate animal that respects and loves me to death. Good luck with Ben.

nso123, please know that I am a strong advocate for the use of the crate, and I own several. The only time that I really use them is when the weather is really cold, and then for only a couple of young bitches who cause trouble if left alone during the night. The puppy must learn to identify the crate as a safe retreat; sort of a den so to speak. Why is the puppy still making poop in the crate? Obviously it has conditioned itself that it is "the place" to do so. It must learn a new place. I second D.H.'s desription of what should be done to correct this behaviour. Yes, I have an adult female who was a "crate soiler" for a short time when she was younger. It was a matter of me becoming accustomed to her body's personal schedule of how soon she made poop after she ate, and scouring the pan of the crate with bleach. She eventually became quite normal as far as her schedule. Bob-O

Oh Brother, I just went on the messageboard and saw what others had to say---well, I might be in the doghouse with all of you, but my dog's not going in one. Sorry guys, my way works, too.

Indeed. I had a GSD growing up and she was never crated. Mine seems to sleep better in his crate. I'm trying to work on my puppy's chewing right now. Have to re-read that section in the book. :) Thanks for the advice!

Dkiah, you win hands down. I did get rid of many of my crates when I stopped showing, but I don't think I ever had 35 even in my hey day.LOL........

I would like to announce that my NINE week old puppy can sit AND platz from ACROSS the room! NO JOKE. I'm so proud I can hardly stand it. Thanks :)

Took the crate away, and no pooping. Also, had her at the vet today (my wife took her to work with her), and one of the vets checked her out. The vet said that the pup seems to have irritable bowel syndrome. Easily fixed with some medication and a diet change. I hope that between these changes we will have her house broken now.

That's great news, nso! Please let us know how it goes