Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The wife and I were pretty consistent with Lou when he was young (the first 2 years), developing consistent schedules, spots and commands. In our new house we moved into 4 years ago, we typically let Lou out on his own in the mornings to go to the bathroom (especially when its so cold!!!). This is a change from when we were in the apartment when we had to go outside with Lou. The difference of opinion comes from the change in routine.

The two perspectives:
- We need to watch Lou, prompting him until he does a 2. If he doesn't go in the morning, then someone needs to come home @ lunch to give Lou the opportunity to go.
- The regimen we followed when he was younger has built-in the knowledge that when he goes out in the morning he is supposed to go to the bathroom. So less of a need to always monitor (especially when its cold) and not a requirement to come home mid day if he skips the morning bathroom run.

Lou's schedule is: M,F Doggie Daycare, T-Th home alone while we are at work (7:15 - 4:30). It's probably also worth noting Lou has never had an accident in the house.

We are curious what y'all do, and would like to know which approach you'd recommend as a general guideline.

Thanks,
Lou's owner

I think either option can work. If Lou skips a morning and has to wait until you get home from work, he might be quicker to go on his own in the morning. I'm a little uptight with my dog and will walk with her until she does #2 just because I worry if she doesn't (I'm sure it bothers me more than it bothers her!). But it really depends on what will bother you more--monitering or worrying that Lou might be uncomfortable during the day. It might also depend on whether Lou goes #2 at night. If he does and hasn't eaten since then, he might not have to go right away in the morning.