15 month old STILL won't potty train!!! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

AtlasNerd · 04-10-2006, 05:12 PM

This seems to be a common problem as I have read...

I have 2 yorkies and my 2 year old (Asia) does great. She uses a litter box and goes outside. My problem is with my 15 month old male, Bristol. They stay in a 10 by 10 tiled room together during the day, and when I get home he has gone potty several times! I finally got a belly band which he soils every day (all day long). He sleeps through the night about 5 out of 7 days a week so I know he can hold it. What can I do??? Asia learned how to hold it all day, but Bristol wont do it! I even got him back from the vet and they said he had several accidents in his crate!

Is it true that some of the smaller yorkies never get out of their "puppy brain". I heard that from a friend who has a 3 lb like Bristol.

I have tried everything from crate training to limiting water and puppy diapers! I know I probably didnt crate train long enough, but with two dogs its tough. I don't want to leave Bristol in a crate to bark all day b/c Asia isnt in one! And am I doing harm by having a belly band (b/c he isnt aware he is going)?

HELP!!! Your suggestions are appreciated!

txshopper73 · 04-10-2006, 06:46 PM

I'd go back to the crate training. Eventually, they'll get sick of soiling in their living area and will learn to hold it. Yorkies are very frustrating to train. Is he neutered?

AtlasNerd · 04-10-2006, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txshopper73

I'd go back to the crate training. Eventually, they'll get sick of soiling in their living area and will learn to hold it. Yorkies are very frustrating to train. Is he neutered?

He was neutered at 5 months which was great since now he squats instead of lifting his leg.

Do you suggest I put them both in separate crates or just Bristol (since Asia can hold it). And should I not keep his belly band on?

I swear he is a Houdini b/c the last time I put him in a crate he scratched so much he undid the pegs and got out!

Ok..last question...since he is 3 lbs should I put him in the small size crate (like the ones for cats)? I have a bigger one but I heard they arent good since they can sleep on one side and mess on the other.

Thanks so much for your imput!!!

kitty · 04-10-2006, 06:59 PM

I've found that it is harder to potty train the little ones. I had one that was only 3lbs. and I never did get her potty trained. I had to sell her due to her size and me having small kids. It wasn't safe for her. (She was suppose to be a 6-7lb one. Her parents were 7 and 5 lbs.) She was about 20 mos. old when I sold her. I still see her and she still isn't 100 percent potty trained. She is 3 now.

kitty · 04-10-2006, 07:00 PM

The smaller crate would be best for crate training.

AtlasNerd · 04-10-2006, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitty

I've found that it is harder to potty train the little ones. I had one that was only 3lbs. and I never did get her potty trained. I had to sell her due to her size and me having small kids. It wasn't safe for her. (She was suppose to be a 6-7lb one. Her parents were 7 and 5 lbs.) She was about 20 mos. old when I sold her. I still see her and she still isn't 100 percent potty trained. She is 3 now.

My best friend has a 3lb that is 5 yrs old and she has to put diapers on her. I am fine with using a belly band, but I just want to teach him to hold it a bit longer. I know its possible to train them...since another friend has 3 lb yorkies that hold it for 8 hours...so i'm gonna keep trying.

kitty · 04-10-2006, 07:20 PM

Keep up the good work. I am sure you will be able to train your little one to go in the approprate places. It is hard work. It takes time and consistancy.

AtlasNerd · 04-10-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitty

Keep up the good work. I am sure you will be able to train your little one to go in the approprate places. It is hard work. It takes time and consistancy.

Thanks for the encouragement! I need it after a year of getting frustrated! I figured by age one he would pick up what he is supposed to do! Oh well...my next house will have tile floor instead of carpet for sure!!!!!!

Shanatink · 04-10-2006, 08:59 PM

My best friend used belly bands as an aid in potty training her yorkie. She got him at about 4 years of age and he was never potty trained so you can imagine the frustration.
Well he learned to hold his potty by wearing the belly bands because he didnt like being wet. Im not sure why this isnt working for you. How long have you been having him wear a belly band?
My yorkie is a little over a year old and 2.5 lbs and she potty trained alright but it might be different for girls so Im not really sure about that. SHe actually did take longer than my other 2 dogs though.

Is it possible he has a medical problem? I really hope thats not the case but have you told the vet about his potty problem? My mother-in-laws snauzer is a year old and potties everywhere and it turns out he has a kidney disease

I hope you can get him trained soon. I know how frustrating potty training was for my 3 dogs. Good Luck

AtlasNerd · 04-10-2006, 09:11 PM

He has been wearing the belly bands for probably a good 6 months. My female did just fine so it might be a "male" thing even though he is neutered.

I have researched and asked the vet about this but other then going a lot during the time that I am at work, he doesnt have symptoms. He doesnt seem in pain and can hold it for 6-7 hours at night which makes me believe its not an infection.

What kinds of signs did your mother in law's dog have?

And now I am weighing whether I should continue w/ the belly bands or start putting him in a crate (which seems soooo cruel since my other dog is not in one).

FirstYorkie · 04-10-2006, 11:49 PM

AtlasNerd,

A couple of suggestions...

One, can you get someone to come in during the day to let Bristol out to go potty?

Second, this is what I would do. I'd cover the whole room in newspaper. That way, he'll get used to the feel of newpaper under his feet when he potties. After a while, I'd gradually reduce the area that is covered in paper until you are just using a small amount of paper for him. It won't get rid of the daytime pottying, but it will make for easier/more tolerable cleanup.

PS. Many people make the assumption that you've made with regards to dogs being able to hold it because they hold it at night. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Their bladders "go to sleep" at night just like ours do which always them to hold it longer then. Don't you go longer at night without peeing than you do in the daytime?

AtlasNerd · 04-11-2006, 02:41 PM

Unfortunately I dont have anyone to let them out which is why I have a litter box. And the area they are in is like 10 x 10 so that would be a lot of newspaper every day. I have tried it before and they more play with it and tear it up then potty on it.

He will go in the litter box when I put him in there so I know he knows what its for. Its mainly a problem during the day.

I will try the crate thing for a while. I know its all about time and consistency, but how long should I wait until I know hes never going to be able to hold it for 8 hours?

And good point about the bladder at night!

Deeni · 04-11-2006, 03:32 PM

I am having the exact same problem with my 14 month old male. Not a day goes by that I don't have to clean up pee. Thankfully, he has stopped going #2 in the house. I keep him in the laundry room during the day b/c I hate crating him for so long (up to 6 hours) and I don't want him to pee on himself. So now I am at a loss for what to do. He can't hold it all night either. I have to get up around 4 a.m. every night otherwise he will just soil in his crate. Needless to say, I am so exhausted. I just don't know what else to do.

Anyway, thanks for posting. At least I am not alone.

MaxiesMom · 04-11-2006, 04:42 PM

I keep Max in a playpen when I'm not home. He's 5 months and doesn't soil/wet the playpen anymore. But, I am only gone from him 4 hours at most. I dont know if he'd hold it if I went longer.

His playpen is his "den". He has toys and baby blankets in there. He used to wet it but hasn't done that for the last 3 weeks.

MyTrixie143 · 04-12-2006, 09:46 PM

I would go back to crate training. Other than checking to see if he is crying because he has to go, don't give into his cries, otherwise he always whimper and bark because he knows you will give in. Try to feed him and give him treats inside of his crate, alot of dogs will soil their crate even where they sleep, but if they have to eat there, that is a different story. Always remember that when he does go wherever you want him to go, to give him a special treat. This has to be a treat that he likes the most, and should be given to him only when he does his business where you want him to. Hope this helps.

04-10-2006, 05:12 PM	#1
AtlasNerd Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Carrollton Posts: 36	15 month old STILL won't potty train!!! This seems to be a common problem as I have read... I have 2 yorkies and my 2 year old (Asia) does great. She uses a litter box and goes outside. My problem is with my 15 month old male, Bristol. They stay in a 10 by 10 tiled room together during the day, and when I get home he has gone potty several times! I finally got a belly band which he soils every day (all day long). He sleeps through the night about 5 out of 7 days a week so I know he can hold it. What can I do??? Asia learned how to hold it all day, but Bristol wont do it! I even got him back from the vet and they said he had several accidents in his crate! Is it true that some of the smaller yorkies never get out of their "puppy brain". I heard that from a friend who has a 3 lb like Bristol. I have tried everything from crate training to limiting water and puppy diapers! I know I probably didnt crate train long enough, but with two dogs its tough. I don't want to leave Bristol in a crate to bark all day b/c Asia isnt in one! And am I doing harm by having a belly band (b/c he isnt aware he is going)? HELP!!! Your suggestions are appreciated!

04-10-2006, 08:59 PM	#9
Shanatink Mommy to 3 Princesses Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 10,747 Blog Entries: 1	My best friend used belly bands as an aid in potty training her yorkie. She got him at about 4 years of age and he was never potty trained so you can imagine the frustration. Well he learned to hold his potty by wearing the belly bands because he didnt like being wet. Im not sure why this isnt working for you. How long have you been having him wear a belly band? My yorkie is a little over a year old and 2.5 lbs and she potty trained alright but it might be different for girls so Im not really sure about that. SHe actually did take longer than my other 2 dogs though. Is it possible he has a medical problem? I really hope thats not the case but have you told the vet about his potty problem? My mother-in-laws snauzer is a year old and potties everywhere and it turns out he has a kidney disease I hope you can get him trained soon. I know how frustrating potty training was for my 3 dogs. Good Luck __________________ Shana- mommy to 3 of the HOTTEST pooches in TEXAS and SkinBaby Tess! [COLOR="Magenta"]

04-10-2006, 11:49 PM	#11
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	AtlasNerd, A couple of suggestions... One, can you get someone to come in during the day to let Bristol out to go potty? Second, this is what I would do. I'd cover the whole room in newspaper. That way, he'll get used to the feel of newpaper under his feet when he potties. After a while, I'd gradually reduce the area that is covered in paper until you are just using a small amount of paper for him. It won't get rid of the daytime pottying, but it will make for easier/more tolerable cleanup. PS. Many people make the assumption that you've made with regards to dogs being able to hold it because they hold it at night. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. Their bladders "go to sleep" at night just like ours do which always them to hold it longer then. Don't you go longer at night without peeing than you do in the daytime? __________________ FirstYorkie We Love Clicker-Training!

04-11-2006, 03:32 PM	#13
Deeni Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 77	I am having the exact same problem with my 14 month old male. Not a day goes by that I don't have to clean up pee. Thankfully, he has stopped going #2 in the house. I keep him in the laundry room during the day b/c I hate crating him for so long (up to 6 hours) and I don't want him to pee on himself. So now I am at a loss for what to do. He can't hold it all night either. I have to get up around 4 a.m. every night otherwise he will just soil in his crate. Needless to say, I am so exhausted. I just don't know what else to do. Anyway, thanks for posting. At least I am not alone. __________________ Deeni

04-10-2006, 06:46 PM	#2
txshopper73 Donating YT 14K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Victoria, Texas Posts: 14,224 Blog Entries: 1	I'd go back to the crate training. Eventually, they'll get sick of soiling in their living area and will learn to hold it. Yorkies are very frustrating to train. Is he neutered? __________________ As always...JMO (Just My Opinion) Kimberley Gracie, London and Dallas

04-10-2006, 06:59 PM	#4
kitty My Best Friend Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 2,251	I've found that it is harder to potty train the little ones. I had one that was only 3lbs. and I never did get her potty trained. I had to sell her due to her size and me having small kids. It wasn't safe for her. (She was suppose to be a 6-7lb one. Her parents were 7 and 5 lbs.) She was about 20 mos. old when I sold her. I still see her and she still isn't 100 percent potty trained. She is 3 now.

04-10-2006, 07:00 PM	#5
kitty My Best Friend Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 2,251	The smaller crate would be best for crate training.

04-10-2006, 07:20 PM	#7
kitty My Best Friend Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 2,251	Keep up the good work. I am sure you will be able to train your little one to go in the approprate places. It is hard work. It takes time and consistancy.

04-10-2006, 09:11 PM	#10
AtlasNerd Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Carrollton Posts: 36	He has been wearing the belly bands for probably a good 6 months. My female did just fine so it might be a "male" thing even though he is neutered. I have researched and asked the vet about this but other then going a lot during the time that I am at work, he doesnt have symptoms. He doesnt seem in pain and can hold it for 6-7 hours at night which makes me believe its not an infection. What kinds of signs did your mother in law's dog have? And now I am weighing whether I should continue w/ the belly bands or start putting him in a crate (which seems soooo cruel since my other dog is not in one).

04-11-2006, 02:41 PM	#12
AtlasNerd Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Carrollton Posts: 36	Unfortunately I dont have anyone to let them out which is why I have a litter box. And the area they are in is like 10 x 10 so that would be a lot of newspaper every day. I have tried it before and they more play with it and tear it up then potty on it. He will go in the litter box when I put him in there so I know he knows what its for. Its mainly a problem during the day. I will try the crate thing for a while. I know its all about time and consistency, but how long should I wait until I know hes never going to be able to hold it for 8 hours? And good point about the bladder at night!

04-11-2006, 04:42 PM	#14
MaxiesMom Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Connecticut Posts: 94	I keep Max in a playpen when I'm not home. He's 5 months and doesn't soil/wet the playpen anymore. But, I am only gone from him 4 hours at most. I dont know if he'd hold it if I went longer. His playpen is his "den". He has toys and baby blankets in there. He used to wet it but hasn't done that for the last 3 weeks.

04-12-2006, 09:46 PM	#15
MyTrixie143 Mom to 6 Beautiful Furkids Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 4,486	I would go back to crate training. Other than checking to see if he is crying because he has to go, don't give into his cries, otherwise he always whimper and bark because he knows you will give in. Try to feed him and give him treats inside of his crate, alot of dogs will soil their crate even where they sleep, but if they have to eat there, that is a different story. Always remember that when he does go wherever you want him to go, to give him a special treat. This has to be a treat that he likes the most, and should be given to him only when he does his business where you want him to. Hope this helps.