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Originally Posted by DErick  I purchased the book How to Train Your Dog in 7 days and it worked perfectly....for my Malti-Zhu, who is an extreme mommy pleaser. It took a little more than a week, but she was completely trained. My Yorkie.....NOT SO MUCH! I have tried the method in the book and nothing seems to work. She just turned 5 months, but I have had her since she was 4.5 weeks, so she has had plenty of time to be trained (plus the other puppy is only 9 weeks older, so you would think she would learn from her sister). She will NOT go outside if anyone in the neighborhood is mowing their lawn or she hears any kind of motor noise. I think I need to address the fear before I can expect her to be completely trained. I am starting agility training with both dogs this week and hoping that helps. Any additional suggestions, other than crating her 24/7? |
Poor little lady. I am listening to thunder here, and I would not go outside either. Jazz is hiding under my desk as I write, so you are not alone.
I am delighted you were able to potty train your other dog to "go" outside, we have all been brought up to think this is the best option for a pet. (and I agree) But times have changed since my mother stayed at home with our family dog, we had a fenced yard and a doggy door. We have different lives these days. My Jazz is also housebroken, but if she has to "go" in between walks, she has the option. I bring her to work with me, and she uses her indoor dog toilet here, and we go for a walk when we leave the office. Jazz hates rain, wet paws, she is terrified of the Schnauzer next door and the mailman. She was a shelter dog, so I don't know what happened to cause her fears.
For housebreaking, have you tried the crate with the fenced area for her? Rather then leaving her crated, this usually works very well. As discussed in threads above, allow your little girl just enough freedom and access to water, toys, chew things, her dog toilet and an open crate. As she learns to use her pads or dog toilet, you can start opening the fence. Most people tell me this works really well. The dog has a sense of comfort and familiar surroundings. Most dogs will learn to re-enter their area through the open fence to access their comforts. Hopefully in a month, you will no longer need the fence at all. She will find her way to her open crate, her waterbowl and her toilet. Dogs are clean creatures, and given the option, she would not want to tinkle on your floor...she's a lady
This working area will give your puppy the option "going" inside, but in a sanitary controlled environment and outside when the elements are in her favor. Your Malti-Zhu is like my other dog. He is only 5 lbs, but has the attitude of a pitbull. He will take on any danger, loves chasing squirrels, and is fearless. I hope your little girl will overcome her fears in time, you sound like a loving mom, and this really helps bring her comfort. You are right, dogs learn from each other, so maybe just a little time and encouragement to train her to go outside.
What happens if right after her nap or first thing in the morning, you carry her outside and place her in the grass? Certainly she has to "go" at that time?