Quote:
Originally Posted by Mom to Hot Rod  Glade that this thread is a bit more civil. I apologize for getting frustrated with the other thread but it seemed as though bits and pieces of information kept surfacing and the story was not what it appeared to be.
Having said that, I am very glad to hear that your gf is willing to shoulder some of the training responsibilities. It does take effort on all those involved to work together for a common goal. You said that she has a roommate, is there anyway that that person could come home in the middle of the day and take Ollie out for a walk? If this is not an option, seriously consider using an expen. In my opionion, it is a better option because this gives them stretching room. I wouldn't want to be confined in a cubicle for hours at a time.
As for the treats, I would give one each time he potty's. If you are concerned with the type of treats, we have been giving pieces of carrots. They go nuts when they hear the crunch of them. I use the baby carrots and will eat one or two-good for me as well.  I also give Zuke's but I break them in half and each get one.
Lil fu fu girl has a great idea for a command for pottying. We use "do your stuff". I have read that you should say it when they are actually in the act so they can associate it with the act and learn it accordingly. Again, whatever you decide, both of you need to use the same command.
I, as the others have, would like to Thank You for your sacrifices in keeping our country safe. My brother and husband are vets from the "conflict" and I say Thank You to them every veteren's day. Stay safe.
Here is a picture of the expen that we use; you can put a clear shower liner underneath it to make easier for cleanups: |
We definitely don't use the same catch phrase. That is something we need to do.
Thankfully her roommate moved out. Her dog is over 10 years old and probably couldn't help some of her accidents. To make matters worse her roommate gave her the full run of the apartment, so who knows who's mostly responsible for the state of the apartment - the cat, the old dog, or Ollie. In any event the rank of all 3 scents can't be helping with the dog - I know he's partially confused because of that (ie... why is/was it ok for the cat and other dog to soil the entire apartment, but not me? Not to mention marking motives...).
As for your pen, he's VERY athletic for his size. It amazes me how high he can jump and it would have to have a top to it. We do have a bathroom that has tile in it, but I'm worried he'd be confused about going inside being ok. What my best bet probably is is having her come home during her break at work to walk the dog. She sure hurries home when she knows I'm working nights. Once I train HER on all the other stuff, I probably need to get HER trained to do that when I can't get there. I know I can't make it, because 1 hour of round trip driving would be way to long for my boss to allow me apart from work. Any house that I'd have would come complete with a doggie door one day.
I talked to her on the phone today and told her that I expected her to set the timer. I'm hoping she'll keep close to the 3 hour rule, for the dog's sake and mine!