Has anyone actually tried this program? Today is the first day and I have some concerns.
If you've read my post in General:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...hty-puppy.html
We've gone back to the beginning with both dogs to try to resolve this problem and this time we're using this method, although, adding a bell to the patio door in hopes that they'll catch on and ring it when they need to go out.
I have a schedule.
7am: potty break
7:30: breakfast (food & water)
8am: potty break
8:15: free time to play
9am: confined in ex pen
Noon: lunch (food & water)
12:30: potty break
12:45 free time to play
1:30: confined to ex pen
5pm: Dinner (food & water)
5:30: potty break
5:45: Free time to play
6:30: Confined to ex pen
8pm: water
8:30: Potty break
8:45: free time to play
9:30: confined to ex pen
11pm: Potty break and bed
Concerns:
* With the exception of breakfast, neither dog really ate that much throughout the day. Granted, this is the first day of the program, but still... this has me worried. As per the program, food and water is available for 20 minutes then taken up. The concept being if you can control when the dog eats, you can control when the dog eliminates. I get that, but the not eating much really scares me.
* Both dogs pee'd every time I took them out and then and only then were they allowed free time gated into the kitchen and dining room. No accidents at all in the house today, so this tells me it's working. Also, I'm not letting them play in the back yard until they understand what it's for. This is killing them. They both want to play. Neither dog has poo'd today. Worrisome. Then again, they didn't eat much, But what happened to the breakfast they ate?
* Gabby seems confused and acts like I'm punishing her. She's not allowed in the living room anymore and can't understand why. As a result, she's kinda moped around all day today. I feel bad. I mean, I can't have her peeing in the house but I know that if I let her on the carpet she'll do just that. At least, until I get it replaced, which could take a month or so. If she goes in there and smells her favorite spot, it'll activate her bladder all over again.
* Yesterday they were both happy and playful. Play, play, play! I could barely separate the 2 for kisses. Today it's like someone gave them adderol. They've done nothing but case the perimeter of kitchen and lay around.
Now my setup:
* Confinement happens in a large ex pen in the formal dining room. It's a central part of the house with lots of traffic.
* Free time is in the kitchen on tile. I have it all blocked off with the most inconvenient baby gates on the market. The breakfast room is off limits since they both like to "hoove" around the floor for people food crumbs.
* Potty breaks are in the back yard. Just before I open the door I ring the bell that's attached with a ribbon. It's hanging just about the same height as their head.
Thoughts? Opinions? I don't know how I feel about this.