Agree with everyone about reading books and looking at articles on the internet. I also read that because of their size and their fragile bones, they should be crated, penned or in a safe zone when you're not home or too busy to keep an eye where they are. I crate Piper and Rio my sheltie (he gets sick when we are not home, and has anxieties - yes, for real!). I can see piper getting hurt or into innocent trouble chasing cats and falling down two flights downstairs chasing the cats so it's really important to keep them safe and contained when you can't be with them. As for potty training, when I brought Piper to the vet after we got her the nurse told me to be persistant - which makes sense with their personalities- and take them out every 1/2 hr in the beginning, and after they eat, play, you get the drift. I ended up keeping her on a leash with me walking around the house and would say key words about doing her business outside. She was catching on at about 8 months, but being the breed she is she made up her mind to be consistant about 18 months. they catch on with your persistance and their own terms. Our vet said all little dogs are notorious about potty training. You can also call a vet and ask to talk to someone about the breed. They are worth the effort - so sweet and funny, and playful. Time and dedication pays off. Good luck with your decision |