Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new 8 week old female...it is the 1st dog I have ever owned. I didn't realize how hard and time consuming it is to housebreak a puppy. Anyone have any advise or just some encouragement that it will happen. I know it takes time, just would like to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Zoe's Mom

Congrats on your new puppy and also for being a first time dog owner.
There is definately a light at the end of the tunnel it just takes time and patience to get there. The key is to be consistant with the training. Being only 8 weeks old and a smaller dog his bladder is even smaller and he won't have complete control of his bowel movments yet. Being such a young pup you would have to take him outside every two hours and especially about a half hour after eating. Of course this could also mean a few sleepless nights but with proper training now it pays dividends for the future.
-----

Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

>>I have a new 8 week old female...it is the 1st dog I have ever owned. I didn't realize how hard and time consuming it is to housebreak a puppy. Anyone have any advise or just some encouragement that it will happen. I know it takes time, just would like to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
>>
>>Zoe's Mom

Hi Zoe's Mom,
First let me congratulate you on your new puppy. Yes, a puppy is a lot of work but it's very rewarding when you see the progress that a pup makes. Sometimes you think that the "light" will never go on as far as housebreaking is concerned and then all of a sudden it will happen. Sometimes smaller breeds are more difficlt to housebreaking since they think that any area outside of their immediate area is an ok place to go. If you can, take the pup out often and take her to the same place. When she goes, give her lots of praise and perhaps even a little treat every now and then. Take her out before you retire for the evening and first thing in the morning. Most dogs will eventually go to the door when they have to go out eventually. My Shih Tzu, Katie never picked up on that so I just take her out when I think she should go out even now at twelve years of age. I'm sure I'm probably forgetting something so perhaps others can add some suggestions as well. Good luck to you and Zoe and hope we'll be seeing some pictures of her soon.
-----
Mary Lou & Katie

When did you first get the puppy? An 8 week old is the minimum age it should leave mom and litter mates.

No puppy of that age has great control of it's ability to eliminate. It's just constant supervision on your part and establishing the routine.

All I can say is hang in there. For a puppy that size and age, piddle pads or a puppy litter box may be an asset to you.
-----
Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles