Training/Paper training

[Erin]

You can't crate her for 10 hours without a break. She was going in the crate because she was in it for too long.

You can crate her IF someone lets her out, then she's out the rest of the evening when you are home. You can't just crate her and leave her in there. There are professional dog walkers, who I would recommend over a neighbor (although you can't beat the price of a high schooler home on summer break). Our local dog walker charges between 10-15 dollars a day, I can't remember. A kid would be like $5. Otherwise you HAVE to do an ex-pen and not a crate, but it will take a lot longer.

[Coco's Mom]

Originally Posted by Erin

You can't crate her for 10 hours without a break. She was going in the crate because she was in it for too long.

You can crate her IF someone lets her out, then she's out the rest of the evening when you are home. You can't just crate her and leave her in there. There are professional dog walkers, who I would recommend over a neighbor (although you can't beat the price of a high schooler home on summer break). Our local dog walker charges between 10-15 dollars a day, I can't remember. A kid would be like $5. Otherwise you HAVE to do an ex-pen and not a crate, but it will take a lot longer.

i will say there were several weeks at a time where she would not make in the crate. i will try to see what she does for a week or so and report back. i will not put a bed or towels in there because it appears that because those soak it up, she didn't mind peeing in the crate with them.

i honestly feel uncomfortable letting a stranger in my house. many people have differences of opinions, my trainer thinks that the amount of time i'm gone will be ok. anyone agree/disagree?

i appreciate everyone's help.

[Lulu1120]

I dont think you shoud crate her for 10 hours. That is not fair to ur pup. What happens if u get into an acccident or there is traffic or u get stuck at work? She has to eat and drink water and eliminate herself and to deprive her off all those things wouodnt be right. Especially cause she is a small dog.

The x pen would work if youu give it a chance. u will be confining her to a smaller area but atleast she can still play and walk around, it is better than the crate for 10m hours. I work for 9 hours but i always come home to her clean area. When u leave u should give her a bone that she can chew on for a couple of hours that way she is entertained with that and wont shredd the paper. Make sure u take that bone or toy when u get home. It should be her treat when she is home alone.

Anyway I know u will do what u feel is best but I really hope I have convinced u to use the paly area. I can send u a picture of how mine is set up if u would like? Just let me know! Good luck!!!

[DixiepeachVA]

Some suggestions/solutions to consider:

Can you take her with you in her crate, to work, into the office? or leave her in the car? (I don't know where you are if the temp is ok, or if you are in a parking garage like I am) Walk her before you leave, leaver her crate in the car. Take your breaks and walk her, take your lunch and walk her. Walk her when you get back. You'd only have to do this for a couple months.

If this is not possible, find a doggie day care near your work, and take her there until she's trained and older. It will be expensive, but humane.

Or, find a pet sitter near work, one that you can trust, and take her there.

There are solutions other than leaving a puppy in a crate 10 hours, I hope you find one that will work for both of you. Your situation is not hopeless.

[Coco's Mom]

i would love to see the playpen you have set up. how large should it be in order to be effective?

what is the measurement of yours?

unfortunately i cannot have her with me at work. i work for a busy office in merrill lynch. even i don't get a break and there would be nowhere to put her.

[wemple2]

Okay, I don't want you to be discouraged...Get an x-pen...and some of the washable, not disposable peepads...a few safe toys...her food and water. Take her out to potty first thing in the morning, make sure she pottys, you may have to wait her out...but she will eventually go...then tons of praise and treats to let her know that's what you want...take her inside and feed her while you prepare for work, then before you leave take her out again...she may or may not go the second time...but give her plenty of time, if she does again praise her and I mean really praise her. Put her in the xpen for the day...I still think it would be great if someone could do this same routine at lunch time...but circumstances may not allow for this. When you get home from work...immediately take her out again...wait, give her time to go...throw a potty party!!! Then back inside...watch her, don't give too much freedom or any chance to potty inside...feed her dinner...then out again...wait again...praise again. Only after she's done her duty outside can she be allowed to run and play inside. Bless her little heart, I'm sure she doesn't know how hard this will be for you. Then every hour or so...outide...same thing...over and over again, until it's bedtime. Always take her out one last time before lights out. Does she sleep with you in bed? How is she thru the night? Once they know where you want them to go potty, they'll do it for praise and out of habit. It's just that long period of time that you're away at work...how long do you think she can hold it...Does she make it thru the night without accidents? My boy Winston was a breeze to train and he can hold it all night...so 8 or 9 hours. He literally never has an accident, lucky me!!! But is you use the washable pads in the xpen at least she won't be shredding them up. I know a lot of breeders use them just for that reason alone plus you won't have the expense of buying disposables. Hopefully if you use a schedule and are always persistent and consistent she'll learn...let us all know how your Co Co does, these are very intelligent dogs, they can and will learn, unfortunately they are small so yes they do have small bladders and have to pee more frequently. Best of luck to you...I only wish you were able to have taught her at an earlier age...but they're never to old to learn!!!

[wemple2]

Oh one more thing, give her a word of encouragement...I use hurry...He now knows that when I say hurry...I mean go potty...now, and he will on demand.
Another thing is at first, when you see her go outside say the words go potty, she will soon understand what that means. So that later when you ask her if she needs to go potty, she'll go to the door and she'll know what she is expected to do out there. It's not just a place to play...it's a place to do her duty.

[Coco's Mom]

Originally Posted by wemple2

Okay, I don't want you to be discouraged...Get an x-pen...and some of the washable, not disposable peepads...a few safe toys...her food and water. Take her out to potty first thing in the morning, make sure she pottys, you may have to wait her out...but she will eventually go...then tons of praise and treats to let her know that's what you want...take her inside and feed her while you prepare for work, then before you leave take her out again...she may or may not go the second time...but give her plenty of time, if she does again praise her and I mean really praise her. Put her in the xpen for the day...I still think it would be great if someone could do this same routine at lunch time...but circumstances may not allow for this. When you get home from work...immediately take her out again...wait, give her time to go...throw a potty party!!! Then back inside...watch her, don't give too much freedom or any chance to potty inside...feed her dinner...then out again...wait again...praise again. Only after she's done her duty outside can she be allowed to run and play inside. Bless her little heart, I'm sure she doesn't know how hard this will be for you. Then every hour or so...outide...same thing...over and over again, until it's bedtime. Always take her out one last time before lights out. Does she sleep with you in bed? How is she thru the night? Once they know where you want them to go potty, they'll do it for praise and out of habit. It's just that long period of time that you're away at work...how long do you think she can hold it...Does she make it thru the night without accidents? My boy Winston was a breeze to train and he can hold it all night...so 8 or 9 hours. He literally never has an accident, lucky me!!! But is you use the washable pads in the xpen at least she won't be shredding them up. I know a lot of breeders use them just for that reason alone plus you won't have the expense of buying disposables. Hopefully if you use a schedule and are always persistent and consistent she'll learn...let us all know how your Co Co does, these are very intelligent dogs, they can and will learn, unfortunately they are small so yes they do have small bladders and have to pee more frequently. Best of
luck to you...I only wish you were able to have taught her at an earlier age...but they're never to old to learn!!!

Hi! I will certainly look into the pen. I have never seen washable pee pads. Where do you purchase them and what are they like in comparison to the disposable type? Coco shredded the disposable ones.

to answer your question, she does not sleep with me in bed. it is hit or miss with her and overnight accidents. she doesnt cry to go potty. sometimes she just did it in her bed which was in the crate, i have now as of today removed the bed / towels from the crate. until there are no accidents i won't give it back. just the plastic pan. we'll see!

you were very encouraging. to be honest if coco is holding it overnight for 8/9 hours i think she can do it while i'm at work. and once she doesnt show any signs of accidents, for how long must that continue before i would be able to let her roam the house? that is the goal. i want her to be all about the house and be a happy girl.

another question for everyone. coco is always excited. running about, jumping on the couch, jumping down, and that's fine with me. i assumed it was puppy behavior a girlrfriend of mine has a yorkie as well and came over today. she said to me 'do you really think you can deal with this for the rest of her life'? my feelings were hurt. she said her dog never did this. is this normal? we are addressing her behaviors like jumping on visitors and my cat during the training. but is coco's behavior really bad?

[chachi]

That is normal puppy behavior dont listen to your friend. They really calm down as they age. Just enjoy her being A puppy because it doesnt last forever

[Coco's Mom]

Originally Posted by chachi

That is normal puppy behavior dont listen to your friend. They really calm down as they age. Just enjoy her being A puppy because it doesnt last forever

thanks for that advice. i know, she is so cute. it really hurt my feelings when she said that. hers is EXTREMELY calm and not all dogs are like that, was what i thought!

[Lil Max]

Wow, you helped me too. Your response was so caring and thoughtful. I now have some things to work on with my yorkie.

[Lulu1120]

Ok this is the first time i attach a photo. Lets see how i do...lol!

The play pen I have, I have set up as u see in the picture which turns out to be 5 feet by 2 1/2 feet. Northgate makes it, heres a link to see a piture of it
http://www.petco.com/product/5992/No...t-Yard-XT.aspx

U can set it up as a circle too. If she shreds the plastic ones they sell a frame that holds the pad down and she wont be able to pick at it or drag it. Whats great about this is u can put it in the kitchen, living room,wherever. You can set it up in the LR and leave the TV on for her too.That way she doesnt feel alone!

About her hyperness, it is because she is a puppy and because she is probably not getting enough exercise in the morning. If you can take her for a brisk walk for about 20 minutes everyday so she can let off some energy. Lulu goes nuts the first two hours out of her play pen but after all the exercise and running around she gets tired and only wants to relax and be right by me. Your puppy can be the puppy u want but u really need to put in time. It is exhausting the first four or fuive months but it is worth it cuz u will be both very happy. REMEMBER to use one of those cleaning agents like natures Miracle to clean the spots she goes on. U can mop the whole house with it just incase u think u missed a spot. Better to be ALL clean so she doesnt even smell a little bit of her urine and get tempted to go on that spot again!

[Coco's Mom]

an update: i went out today from 7pm-11pm and had coco in the crate. no bedding, just crate tray and a few toys.

i came home to a RIVER of pee in the crate. she had been outside for over an hour before going into the crate.

she needs a total bath now before bed. what's up with that? did anyone else's puppy do that at first? i thought they aren't supposed to? will that most likely stop?

[Lulu1120]

I posted yesterday however it had to be approved by the moderator cuz i attached a picture, whos the moderator? u? Check to see if it is u....lol. I attached the picture of the play area.

[Lulu1120]

lol never mind...its there