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Training/Paper training Coco is about 7 months old now. I've had her for 4 months. We have gotten nowhere with potty training. I have her going outside for potty but she still constantly makes in the house when I'm not around. I work 8 hours a day and travel is 40 mins each way. I hired a dog trainer today, from Bark Busters (national company). Has anyone used them? I am hopeful that this will work. I have Coco in the kitchen with a puppy gate, and I put down newspaper. She almost always shreds it. I sprayed it with Bitter Apple and sometimes she will still shred. What's up with that? Can anyone suggest something to make that stop? I did what the trainer suggested and I have cut baby carrots and put them all around in the kitchen except for near the newspaper, because that's where I want her to potty. Does this make sense? Any suggestions? I am about to lose my mind. |
crate training? |
A puppy cannot train itself. Putting carrots, pads or anything else down does not "teach" a puppy anything. You have to devote 24 7 to that type of training in order to be successful. The more room the puppy has to wonder around in, the least likely that puppy will ever be trained. Spraying anything on an area you want the puppy to pee on is not telling it to pee there. For these reasons, ALL training books will stress never get a puppy unless you can be home 24 7 to train it. |
Bitter Apple is a seasoning. Bark Busters recommended baby carrots? That's going on my list of crazy Barkbusters stories... The only thing I've ever heard similar to that is putting a dog bed in a place that your dog tends to pee. But cleaning it with an enzyme cleaner would still be better. Your dog is not trained because you work 10 hours a day. Outside training nor pad training will work if no one is there to reward your dog when they do the right thing. Can you hire a dog walker? Then crate her and let the dog walker get her outside a couple times. Eventually you can go down to 1 time a day. Trust me, your money will be far better spent on that than Barkbusters.. PLEASE don't think I'm saying you can't work and have a Yorkie. I'm just giving you the facts. I'm working on potty training boot camp with Sammy this week and she hasn't been out of my sight in several days and we've been outside at least once an hour sometimes more. That's the only way to do it. Trust me, a dog walker will have much more insight into this than a trainer (esp. Barkbusters :rolleyes: ) She's not misbehaving - she just doesn't know what you expect her to do. |
This may be hard for u but this is what i did and i work also. I took two weeks vacation and crate trained Lulu. I use a potty tray with the pad so she has to step in the tray to go potty. I also used a gated play pen area so she can play sleep eat and use the potty (make sure the potty is not near her food or sleeping area). I stuck to the training pad as to not confuse her with going outside and inside. I am not lying when i tell you I potty trained her in those two weeks and she has not had an accident since (knock on wood)and she is 7 months old. You have to be very patient and watch her like a hawk. You will not have a life or get much done in those weeks but for me it was sooooo worth it. |
I started to write a post in answer to your question, then I deleted it because it sounds too simple. I don't know why people have so many problems with this, other then yorkies have small bladders. But if you really are persistent, consistent and confine her if you're not able to watch her, don't allow her freedom to roam, and praise her like there's no tomorrow when she does it right, they really are fast learners and they want so badly to please you, but you have to realize she's not going to learn on her own, you will have to make, and take the time to do it. Right now the problem is you have to stop a behavior that was already started, and unfortunately I don't think you can if you're going to leave her for 10 hours at a time with no supervision. Maybe I'm wrong, but it ain't going to be easy. Is there anyway that someone can be with her constantly at first to teach her? If it's not possible for you to be there, maybe a relative or friend or neighbor? I guess what I'm saying is she needs guidance, there's no magic age that all of a sudden she's going to be old enough to know better, unless you teach her. I sure wish you and Coco well, but you can't expect her to know without showing her how. |
i should mention that i did start by crating her. she kept making in the crate for 3 months. i started to think that this is cruel being that she keeps doing that and has to sit in there with it for 10 hours. the crate is the right size and is only large enough for her to turn around and sleep. should i put her back in? the barkbusters people seem to know what they are talking about. they charge one price for any problems, unlimited lessons, they guarantee it for the life of the dog. they say that i have to catch coco in the act to correct her with these things. i can work on it whenever i am home, however i do not have family in the area, i just moved in and don't know the neighbors. i don't have anyone i can ask for help. everyone's making this sound like a hopeless situation. i really hope that it isn't because i am losing my mind. |
also, if some of you are suggesting the crating, which i had been doing and then taking her only outside for potty, is that more feasible? should i go back to the crating (is it cruel for 10 hours)? and should i forget about paper training? should she just go outside? |
house training too My husband and I are in your exact situation with working long hours. We've had our yorkie a month. We were worried about the long hours as well and got a litter box with dog litter. when we are home, she is encouraged to go outside and does pretty well. There has been an accident here and there, but we watch her constantly and take her out after eating, sleeping, or playing. When we go to work, which has been 9 hours, she is placed in the bathroom with a gate at the door. The litter box, crate, food and toys fit nicely. I can't say she has used the litter box. She holds it. But if she goes, she is confined. Once or twice we have noticed she has gone in the litter box, but we think it is right when we are getting home and out of excitement. (the box is right at the gate). I worry as well, as some days are going to be 10 hours. You can only do your best. We also crate her at night in our room and she does very well with this. To crate her all that time during the day is too much. She still has room to play and stretch out. :) Good luck. |
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If she is just going all over the floor, not using the paper, does that seem to be the only option? And if she stops making in the crate if I decide to do that, after how long of no crate accidents can I let her roam the house? I'm thinking that if it takes a couple of weeks and there are no accidents, maybe she's fine? And then I won't feel bad because it wasn't that lengthy of a timespan that she had to use the crate. |
One other option would be a training pen. I saw one at a pet store. You could place it in the kitchen and it would allow just enough space. We initially thought kitchen. It is too spacious. Don't give up hope :) |
Get an Xpen to keep her in when you are not home |
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It is like a playpen but it doesnt have a bottom. I dont have a link to one but you can get them at Petsmart and places like that |
Here is a lnk to one. http://www.epetpals.com/exercisepens.htm |
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. |
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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. |
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!!! |
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. |
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. |
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!!! |
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. |
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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? |
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 |
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Wow, you helped me too. Your response was so caring and thoughtful. I now have some things to work on with my yorkie. |
Picture of Play pen 1 Attachment(s) 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! |
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? |
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. |
lol never mind...its there |
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