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Originally Posted by Princess J  Yesterday I brought home my new yorkie puppy. We have waited weeks and did everything by the book but my little honey seems so miserable. She went for shots before she came home so I thought she was just lethargic but today she is still fearful and not playful at all. Everyone keeps saying how playful and busy they are but she's not like that at all. The breeder, unfortunately, did not teach the litter any potty manner and they would poop in their bedding. She did this last night in her crate here as well. I cleaned everything up but don't want her to think its ok to keep doing it. She won't pee or poop while sitting with me, in her bed, or on the sofa so that good. I may have just gotten to her too late last night but I am not sure. She peed today near her box, but not in it. Because of her size and the weather we decided to litter box train her. Any idea on how to encourage her to go in her box? She has peed in it once and I kept the pellets in there for her scent but everytime I sit her in there she just sits, whines or lays down. Also would love ideas on how to avoid her going in the crate. She doesn't like the crate, but she settles down after some complaining. I don't want to keep her confined in it at all times so I keep her real near and make her visit the box quite often. I just want her to be happy! |
congrats on you new puppy.
That being said, look at what is going on in your pup's world from her perspective. Her whole word has just been turned upside down and around. Everything that she has ever known is gone, mom, siblings, familiar surrounding and familiar smells. We tend to get excited about a new pup but forget that it's all about them.
She is probably very frightened and does not know what is next in her world. My advice, give her lots of soft hugs and strokes, kisses and the room to explore. Let her go at her pace. If she wants to venture out, encourage her but don't force her...she will have to do it when she is comfortable with her new surroundings.
As for the crate, the breeder probably did not have her in there so she may no even realize that it is for her. I would leave a soft blanket in it and let her venture in and out of it so she can become familiar with it. Throw a couple of pieces of dry kibble or treats in there. Make sure she has something that she likes in there, like a toy. She needs to associate something positive while being in there. It will become her safe place. You will need to stay strong if crate training is what you want to do. If she starts whining, you will need to learn the difference in whining to potty or whining for attention. When we first got Hot Rod, he stayed in the crate for a few days but then we got him an expen. I put his crate, potty pad, food and water in it. He was so much happier as was I since I knew he could stretch out.
As for potty, you should make sure to take her to potty right after eating and probably every hour or so. As she is in the act, you should say a phrase so she will learn to associate the phrase with what is expected of her. I always give a small treat after they potty too. Pay close attention to the signs that she needs to potty and grab her and set her in the box or on the pad and say the phrase and just keep gently doing it, treat and highly praise after pottying. Best of luck with your little one. She will become your little shadow once she's feeling a little more secure. Lot's of hugs and cuddles always helps too.