| Sunnie | 12-14-2008 08:56 PM |
aww first let me say congratulations for adopting Yogi. It will take him some time to adjust. EVEN IF he was housetrained where he used to live, he will certainly regress until he gets used to his new surroundings. If he has not been using a crate before now, I would think it wil be difficult to crate him now. A better option would be to limit him to one location in the house or use an x-pen until he is completely trained. With an expen, you can place a shower curtain under it if you only have carpet, then put his bed, food, toys and potty pads in the pen. When you cannot give him 100% attention, he should be in the x pen. You have to be careful not to become lazy about it and just let him go potty on the pads. Instead, take him outside OFTEN to go potty and praise him like crazy when he does. Then bring him back in and if you cannot give him 100 % attention, place him back in the pen. When you can give him all of your attention, let him out with you and watch for signs of circling, etc that should signal you to take him outside. As he starts going outside consistantly, you can allow him more freedom. This is how I trained mine and the added bonus is that even though I no longer use potty pads at home (they have a doggie door to the backyard) when we travel with them, they will go outside when we take them, or will use the pads in a motel room.
PS yes, it is normal for him to be shy at first. Ask the old owners if he played with toys. If he did, he will again. just give him time. Some never play with toys. | 