balderdashian! Deep breath....in.....out.....in......out! It will be fine! You read everything you can about raising these babies, and for the most part, you will get a consensus on most of the important things. Next, you have to use some educated guesstimations about what is going to work for you and your puppy and your schedule.....a very young baby, that is very small, can NOT go all day without eating but twice a day....even 3 times a day....you have to be sure that baby is getting "tanked up" every 2 hours, to prevent possible episodes of hypoglycemia....that is why some free feed.... larger puppies that can ingest larger amounts of food, can go longer between meals....potty training takes consistance, persistance, and patience.....no body curls up and dies if you dont get it exactly right....it may just take longer, thats all! Take them outside first thing in the morning, after you see them eat anything, when they get up from their naps, and at least every 2 hours in between! Give the command you choose, "potty, potty"..."TT", "TT"..."Poo-Poo", "Poo-Poo"....and I always have several treats in my hand....I use green beans....aand when they do what they are supposed to do, even if it is by accident, praise, praise, praise, kiss, kiss, kiss, squeal in delight and "good girl, good girl"...and give the green bean! Do this every single time you take her outside, especially when to potty! As far as taking them outside before the final booster is given, I would not be concerned if the baby was 12 weeks old and I had her in MY back yard....NO DOG PARKS, NO HIKING PATHS, NO LONG WALKS IN PUBLIC AREAS....but just in your own private yard where there is no exposure to other dogs.....and take it easy...we have all been where you are! That baby will be fine and so will you! |