Trying to housebreak this little guy Ruger is going to be two. I thought I had him housebroken, but after a short time he gave up and I gave up. It's not all that bad, he usually goes on some papers by the back door upstairs. Anyway, I got the book How to Housebreak Your Dog In 7 Days and I'm determined to do this. I started using crate training -- I just have to get Ruger used to the crate again, at least through the training period. I think the problem was when I thought I had him trained I dropped the routine too soon. My question is: During and after the training should I remove all the papers by the back door? Thanks. |
IMO- If you're trying to have him go outside, and only outside, I'd remove any of the old temptation for him to use the paper. I know training regression in these munchkins is common, but consistancy as well as a positive attitude is key. I know it sounds stupid, but it's kind of a self fufilling prophecy. If you give up, like you said, he will give up. Make a schedule and stick to it. Example, my husband gets up with Gizmo at 7 every morning and take Giz out, feeds him, and then brings him back to bed. At night, he get's fed at 7:30 and is taken out before dinner and after dinner. We always stick to that schedule and don't deviate from it. Sounds like your baby may press your buttons too, because he knows from last time that you'll cave. It's not going to be easy, but I'll send some prayers your way and make Gizzy cross his paws. Good luck! Keep us posted! |
Thanks for the encouragment, and the prayers. He's a great dog except for this, and right now when I take him out I'm afraid to put him down inside someone else's home. I will keep you posted. |
BTW, on an older dog is it best to jump into the training headfirst doing everything you're supposed to do on the first day, or is it best to take a little longer and let's say start with controling feeding for a couple of days, then go to using the crate when he gets used to the feeding schedule? |
I'd do all at once. So he knows upfront what's acceptable, so you establish the acceptable behavior immediately. Just like a puppy. |
Quote:
|
I think one thing we must all remember is that training never ends. If we drop the ball, they drop the ball. Set a schedule, stick to it, and not just sometimes when the schedule is convenient. stick to it always. |
Quote:
|
Yup, the bell and a belly band. And I watch him like a hawk. And even if I think he doesn't need to go potty, I ring the bells and take him out. |
Quote:
|
He does, however I still ring them before I take him out as well. Just to make sure he never disassociates it. |
Well, so far so good, and it's obvious the training is more for me than the dog. The other day I didn't get up when the dog got up and he peed all over the floor where the papers used to be, so I put the paper back down. This morning I did get up, put some pants on and took him right outside. I brought him back in, after he peed, and jumped back into bed, with Ruger. About an hour later I put his food out and after about 3 bites he started walking in circles and sniffing the floor. Outside again for our "long" walk to get a paper. Another walk at noon, and now waiting for dinner. I"m trying to pick up on his signals. Since I'm home a lot he's confined to the upstairs, not his crate -- yet, and my girlfriend suggested I don't limit his water until nighttime. I live at 8,000 feet, and it's very dry up here and kinda warm this time of year. I've seen a lot of dogs at the vet on intravenus fluids. Between feedings and walks Ruger just lies on the couch and sleeps, or barks at things on the other side of the door. We'll see how it goes, but it's all probably my fault for being lazy and wanting to sleep late. When I do work it's in spurts, and he seems fine confined to the upstairs. He rarely gets into trouble these days on his own, and most of the pee and poop was on the papers first thing in the morning. I realize I've modified the "rules," but let's see how it goes. I'm kind of interested in what to do when this works and I take him to my girlfriend's home -- she has a dog, and I think Ruger enjoys marking his territory. |
Quote:
|
Good luck training your baby. Let us know how it goes! How is the book so far? |
Once again, so far so good, and no peeing in the house for two days. One thing I don't understand is that the "instructions" said to feed him for about 20 min, wait about 20 min and then take him out. After not eating anything (before his food was out 24/7) he now eats for about 5 minutes and runs to the door. As soon as he goes to the door I take him out, but not sure why the hurry. Like I already said, it seems this training is for me, not the dog. :rolleyes: |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:13 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2003 - 2018 YorkieTalk.com
Privacy Policy - Terms of Use