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Karrie · 02-27-2009, 09:24 PM

Potty training is about giving the dog your complete attention - which can be difficult if you have a young family - as you mentioned. I feel for you, I really do. Here's my suggestions - I hope they help you:

I don't know if you work or not - but either way, the dog should have a small area to call her own (I use a 4x4 ex pen in the basement with a small piece of vinyl underneath it) - include a crate, small throw rug (or blanket), water and safe toys. This area gives both you and the dog a break from any and all rules. Let her pee, chew pee pads and do what ever she wants in there guilt free (excpet eat poop - but you have that under control now - yay!). Expect to clean the area daily - and swap out the rug with a clean one daily. It takes 5 minutes to clean and gives you back your sanity. Eventualy, as the dog learns bladder control, she will not soil her area - but we're not there yet, so don't sweat it.

When she's not in her small area, she should be in potty training mode - which means all attention on the dog. So, I suggest doing the potty training when the kids are either napping or being supervised by someone else - so that someone is watching and training the dog. Her area in the house should be small - so block off the family room, lay down some blankets (to swap out as they are soiled - to save the carpet and to remove the odor). Don't allow the puppy to run down the hallway or find quiet places. If at any time, the dog can't be supervised while in potty training mode, then put her in her crate. The golden rule is don't try to do two things at once.

Going outside with the puppy is important so that you 1) know she went outside and 2) so you can mark the good behavior. And while your at it, get a service bell. When you scoop up the dog as she has an accident, take her paw, hit the bell and say "outside".

Some undivided attention right now will give you years of stress free enjoyment. Bailey was trained in 2 mos - reliable in 4 mos. It wasn't easy trying to live my life and potty train - but it was sooooo worth it!!

Good luck!!

02-27-2009, 09:24 PM	#7
Karrie Donating YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 903	Potty training is about giving the dog your complete attention - which can be difficult if you have a young family - as you mentioned. I feel for you, I really do. Here's my suggestions - I hope they help you: I don't know if you work or not - but either way, the dog should have a small area to call her own (I use a 4x4 ex pen in the basement with a small piece of vinyl underneath it) - include a crate, small throw rug (or blanket), water and safe toys. This area gives both you and the dog a break from any and all rules. Let her pee, chew pee pads and do what ever she wants in there guilt free (excpet eat poop - but you have that under control now - yay!). Expect to clean the area daily - and swap out the rug with a clean one daily. It takes 5 minutes to clean and gives you back your sanity. Eventualy, as the dog learns bladder control, she will not soil her area - but we're not there yet, so don't sweat it. When she's not in her small area, she should be in potty training mode - which means all attention on the dog. So, I suggest doing the potty training when the kids are either napping or being supervised by someone else - so that someone is watching and training the dog. Her area in the house should be small - so block off the family room, lay down some blankets (to swap out as they are soiled - to save the carpet and to remove the odor). Don't allow the puppy to run down the hallway or find quiet places. If at any time, the dog can't be supervised while in potty training mode, then put her in her crate. The golden rule is don't try to do two things at once. Going outside with the puppy is important so that you 1) know she went outside and 2) so you can mark the good behavior. And while your at it, get a service bell. When you scoop up the dog as she has an accident, take her paw, hit the bell and say "outside". Some undivided attention right now will give you years of stress free enjoyment. Bailey was trained in 2 mos - reliable in 4 mos. It wasn't easy trying to live my life and potty train - but it was sooooo worth it!! Good luck!! __________________ This is Bailey's world and we just live in it!