Problem with house training
 

:aimeeyork We bought a 7 month old yorkie from a breeder who allowed the puppy to potty in its kennel. Our dog is now 14 months old and he still has daily accidents in the house. We keep him contained in the kitchen which has a tile floor. We would like to get rid of the baby gates but he can't be trusted not to go to the bathroom on the carpets. We have successfully trained our other dog but our yorkie doesn't seem to cooperate. Any suggestions, please.

Food and Water
 

Are you adhering to a regular food and water schedule? By 7 months they do not need food left out all day and unless it is hot or they have been playing strenuously they really do not need water left out all the time. Are you feeding dry dog food? If so, you might try to add some warm water to create a "stew". Dry dog food causes a dog to want more water to drink. The more water the more frequent need to go pee. Do you have a crate? Crate training is really the best way to housebreak a dog. Also, even though you have tile there is still smells left that say "it is okay for me to go here". Use a new mop and clean floor with Natures Miracle and hot water. If you can, take the next few days to be with him and observe his behavior. Crate him at night, in the morning take him to designated spot first thing. Bring him in and put food and water down for 10 minutes only. You need to find out how long after eating does he need to eliminate, 10 minutes, 15, 30 etc. Dogs usually show the signs like sniffing or circling. The second this happens distract him with an unpleasant noise. I used a can filled with a few coins shaken vigorously. This scares them just enough to stop the eliminating temporarily. Then before he can have an accident take him out again. No play, just potty and lots of praise. Everytime he does the right thing he gets praised. If he even looks like he is going to eliminate inside shake the can. Bring him in to play a while. Some times dogs need to go potty after play time as well. If not put him in the crate and let him sleep. Stick to the same routine. Crate,outside,food/water/play,outside, crate...I only feed my dogs twice a day and give water 3 times a day. Do not let him have the run of the house untill he is 100% potty trained. You might have to devote some more time to get him completly housebroken...but it will be worth it.

First of all NEVER leave any dog without water EVER.This is just cruel because we arent the ones to say if they do or dont need a drink.It doesnt have to be hot for them to be thirsty,neither must they ONLY drink after a long walk..water should be avalable 24/7,taking their water away for YOUR comfort is cruel,any vet will tell you this.The food schedule could work for you though.Good luck!:D

I agree that they need water down 24/7....Water is essential to life and I believe should be available when they want it - Food is a personal choice if you want to use a schedule.... but I would never take away their water just for potty training ...

At what age can they be crated for 4 hours?
 

My second yorkie - Pete - is 11 weeks. I crate trained my 1st yorkie but now I have them together in a laundry room. Pete isn't going to learn to be potty trained this way and I want to crate him. But when do you all think he can hold it for 4 hours? I work all day and come home at lunch. Some think the dogs should have water all day - how does that work with a crate?

Dear Marco:

I hope my response helps to answer your question on potty training.
My Comet is crate trained. He is 5 months old and is able to hold his urine for no more than 3-4 hours at a time. When he is in his crate, he will not urinate. Before he goes in his crate, he eats and drinks and then goes for a walk to potty. After he returns from his walk he goes in his crate. After 4-5 hours in the crate, he needs to potty immediately.

For and older dog who is not potty trained and who is being offered water 24/7, It is important to take the dog outside or to the wee-wee pad every hour on the hour.

My dog drinks in his water bowl 3-4 times per day. He was initially trained to drink when he eats to help establish a routine for potty training. I am now able to leave his water out all day, because of the crate training.

However, if a puppy drinks all day long without anyone monitoring his drinking, and if he is not in a crate and allowed the run of the house, it will be harder for you to figure out when he needs to pee. Dogs can hold their poop much longer than they hold their urine.

You should start gradually and keep a close watch on how soon he needs to go potty every time he drinks. Hope this helps :animal-sm

Oh Jeannine, that is such a hard question. So many babies react differently to differrent things. Maggie is also 11 weeks old and I am crate training her. She sleeps all night from 8:30pm to 6:30am. Most people would find that hard to believe. She is a very good baby. During the day, she plays in her playpen or in the kitchen behind a baby gate. I take her out to do her business after she wakes, eats or playtime. Any time I can sneak an additional PP break in there I will. She gets a treat upon re-entering the house. She can do her business faster than anything I have ever seen. Must be the treat she is thinking about. Which ever way you choose, I'm sure it will be fine.