Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, with all the rain we've had this past month, it's been difficult to find a good time to take Katie out when both Katie and I wouldn't come in soaking wet. I hate umbrellas. To keep my kitchen fairly clean where I come in through the garage, I placed some newspaper down to take up some of the dirt. Katie, for some reason all of a sudden, found this to be a nice place to take care of business. LOL I was delighted and think I'll put the newspaper down each day and see if she'll use it. It would be great for the winter months when we have a foot or more of snow on the ground, Do you think it will work at her age of fourteen?

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Mary Lou & Katie

They say you can teach an old dog new tricks. Looks like Katie just waiting for you show her where to learn the new trick.

When I read the Subject Line, Paper Training, I thought you really did teach Katie a new trick, reading the newspaper. LOL

Cheryl

Well, we had a beautiful day here today for a change, Cheryl with lots of walks so she hasn't used the paper. It will be interesting to see if she does the next rainy day...which should arrive in a day or so unless our weather pattern has changed. LOL I'm also going to try putting her on the paper after a long snooze and see what she does in preparation for the winter months. I have been having the gentleman who plows for me in the winter clear a big area on the front lawn. I'll continue to have him do that though since it's worked out very well for many winters.

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Mary Lou & Katie

Yes it can work, half the battle is already won if she has gone there once. You can also purchase the potty pads with the phermones in them that draw them to that spot. Now that you have established the spot, don't move it, put down additional paper and perhaps a potty pad and then praise/treat her lots, keep the area fairly large at first, and if she just urinates cover it and leave some of the soiled paper so she goes back to the same spot until she gets it down. I have heard of many people pad training older dogs that could no longer go outside, and I often re-train show dogs to potty in a specific area as adults. This will be easier on you both in the winter weather.
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Denice
DnD Shih Tzu
http://dndshihtzu0.tripod.com/

I was going to say the same thing Denice. I got these new pads from PetSmart and as soon as I took it out, Ayla was sniffing around, even before I put it down. Once it was down, she sniffed it all over.

I really like not having to worry about taking her out. Wish she had stayed as small as she was suppose to but it is really easier.
She will poop outside but will hold her pee until she comes in unless she is out playing in the snow then she will just suddenly pee and look at me as if to say "oops" but I tell her what a good girl she is but she will still hold it until she gets in other times. (Whew, that was long)

Another thing is she doesn't go down stairs so we would have to carry her down every time she goes out. I guess I got spoiled with my last dog using the doggie door and letting herself out.

Hey Mary Lou, maybe if she starts using the newspaper, she will stop using the rug upstairs.
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Dee and Ayla

Oooo, I had forgotten about the little bath mat in the upstairs bathroom, Dee. She only uses that in the morning if she wakes up before I go upstairs and wake her. Now that she's older, she sleeps much later than I do. In fact, she's upstairs sleeping right now. I always thought that it was cute that she picked the bath rug to use rather than go to a rug in one of the other bedrooms. LOL
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Mary Lou & Katie

Thanks for the added suggestions, Denice. She never really was potty pad trained since I was home when I got her and was able to take her outside often. She still goes for several walks a day but it will be nice to have when the snow starts to fall and our longer walks might be limited.

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Mary Lou & Katie

>>Well, with all the rain we've had this past month, it's been difficult to find a good time to take Katie out when both Katie and I wouldn't come in soaking wet. I hate umbrellas. To keep my kitchen fairly clean where I come in through the garage, I placed some newspaper down to take up some of the dirt. Katie, for some reason all of a sudden, found this to be a nice place to take care of business. LOL I was delighted and think I'll put the newspaper down each day and see if she'll use it. It would be great for the winter months when we have a foot or more of snow on the ground, Do you think it will work at her age of fourteen?
>>
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>>Mary Lou & Katie
>>

Well, how about that? She went on her own. That is one smart Shih Tzu, ML!
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I thought it was rather smart of her too, Phyl. I think I'll pick up some of those potty pads Denice mentioned for the winter months. It will be a lot easier than going out first thing in the morning to clear an area of a foot of snow for Katie to take care of business. LOL

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Mary Lou & Katie

Mary Lou, I got these at PetSmart and really liked them.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3641001
I have since gotten 800 pads from PetEdge because shipping was free for orders over $135. I was waiting for the free shipping deal so I had to get the ones from PetSmart to hold us over. I actually had enough of the old pads but didn't know it at the time. I also liked these PetSmart pads better but the PetEdge were 1/2 the price and since I use a couple a day....

I am wondering if once I get my dining room back together if she is going to use that area again. I have seen her walking around before she poops.
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Dee and Ayla

Thanks for the information, Dee. I have a PetCo near me where a spend all my money for Katie so I think I'll make a visit there this week. I also just got a discount reward mail from them so I'll be able to use that. LOL They also have a much bigger store at the other end of my town. The one I go to is actually in the next town but it's closer to my house.
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Mary Lou & Katie

Katie is a smart girl! Nice to let her go inside when the weather is bad.
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Sally & Trudy

Well, I was hoping we could work something out, Sally before the winter sets in but we'll see. The snow doesn't seem to bother Katie...it bothers me now. LOL

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Mary Lou & Katie

I know I've shared this story before but it came to me again so I want to tell it again. When Ayla first came, she was only 2 pounds. Tiny little fur baby. Anyway, my son was reading the paper at the table and as he finished a section, he would put it on the floor. When he finished the paper, he bent to pick them off the floor and there was a little puddle in the middle of it.

You know, next month she will be 4 so that means I've been on this site for 4 years myself. My, how time flies!!

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Dee and Ayla

Ayla probably thought that your son put the paper down for her to piddle on. Dee. LOL Ayla is still a youngster. Katie is fourteen but still doing very well...thank God.

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Mary Lou & Katie

Well, the paper is still down by the garage door but Katie has yet to use it for a potty pad. Come the snow of winter, I think I'll try the potty pads and see if she likes those. LOL She doesn't mind the snow but it will be nice if she uses the pads first thing in the morning so I don't have to venture out real early.

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Mary Lou & Katie

Well, Katie has used the papers twice already. I'm not really surprised that she hasn't used them more often since I take her out many times during the day and evening. At least I think she knows what they are there for. LOL

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Mary Lou & Katie