| Kathy | 03-30-2005 10:24 PM |
Training
Well, I actually feel like I can finally give some advice in this column now. Several weeks ago I found this site in desperation for ways to train my tiny yorkie. I spoke of puttin her in the kitchen, then a pen (with crate, food ,water, pad) and then going back to the old crate method. I came to realize that she knew how to use the pad but I was not sure if she didn't know to use the floor. So......here is how the story goes now. I put her into a crate (divided off for her size). I placed the pad in a different corner (same room). The crate and everything is in one room (the same room as the backdoor). For the first few days I had bowel movement accidents in the crate. I continuosly put her in and took her out. I either took her to the pad or outside (depending on the weather). I stood over her and kept telling her to go potty. If she didn't then I put her back intothe crate and did it again 30 minutes later. During the dya I lefther in for about 4 hours (while at work) and then I came home and let her out to go potty. I also did this at night. I decided to keep at it and go for consistency. Well, here is where we are at now. When I open the crate she darts out to her pad and goes. When I travel her, I hold her until she gets figity (that is her sign) and then I find a bathroom and put the pad down and tell her to go (or if outside i use a leash and put her on the grass). Last night I was laying with her, she jumped down and stood in front of the door. I looked at her and then she ran to her pan (I keep the pad inside of a dog litter pan). She went a little and then stood in front of the backdoor. I got up, opened the door, she ran out, went potty and ran back in. I was shocked. I decided to stay downstairs on the sofa (so I could see what was really happening here). She did this several more times through the night. Ok.so before I get excited here. It looks like she is actually trained for this room. Now, I have to experiment her with more freedom. I plan to still use the crate and keep her in this room (with lots of company) for at least another 6 months. I also plan to let her out during the day for at least another few weeks. Then, I will start to extend the hours. SO far, I have been making my last night time "potty" outtin somewhere between 11 and 12am. I usually here her gripe by 5 or 5:30 am. At that time I let her out, feed her, take her out one more time and then crate her again for another hours nap. Shortly I hope to ignore that cry and let her do it for a little longer each morning until we get to the right time. Small steps though. BUt.the lesson for me (she is only 1 1/2 lbs) is crate training works. The pen did not ensure her or me where she should ONLY go. I learned also, that a dirty pad will cause her to go in front of it. If she is allowed to be in a pen al day then she will urinate more. This causes the pad to get dirtier quicker. I was not there to see it. In conclusion, she did not learn that the floor was unacceptable. Hope this helps. If you read any of my frantic cries for help you will see that I have tried and been through a bunch. All of that just to being me right back to what I always knew best. The way I look at it....I have many years to sleep with her. I need to know first that she can hold it and she is safe. Kathy Quote:
Originally Posted by yies yes, I have already dabbed some of his pee onto the pads. hmmm :confused:
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