one thing that worked really well with our puppy, is that when you first come home, take him for a long walk, or outside time where he cab run around and burn all his energy. Then he should be more cuddly...

This is easier said than done but stop being frustrated. The puppy can sense your energy and bounces off that.

Don't be upset if you see poop or pee. He's already done it. He will know you're unhappy about the poop/pee but he won't know why and will just resort to hiding to pee/poop (he doesn't know you're mad about the ACT of him pooping, not the RESULT of him pooping. He thinks it's the latter.). If he is in the middle of peeing/pooping you can scold him and put him on the pad.

Something to keep in mind: Once he learns that peeing/pooping where you don't want him to makes you upset, he will do it to spite you when he's upset. You've heard of dogs that get upset and LOOK AT THEIR OWNER while peeing right? They're doing it to push your buttons because they know it gets a reaction.

DO NOT let him have free run of the house.

Is the playpen small enough? It should just be his bed and his potty pad. Tape the edges of the potty pad down. Is his bedding washed THOROUGHLY? Is HE washed? If he is dragging the pee and poop smell everywhere, he is going to pee and poop on his bed because it smells like his potty area.

What I would do:
- Make the playpen small. Bed and potty. That's it. Put some toys in his bed so he has something to play with. He is playing with the potty pad because he is bored.
- Tape the potty pad down.
- This sounds gross, but the next time he poops or pees, pick/wipe it up and put some of the smell on the potty pad. Then it will smell like his "bathroom" and he will (hopefully) start to poop and pee there.
- When you come home, PLAY! He has been alone and cooped up ALL DAY. If you need to take him outside (so he can potty too), do so. If you can take him for a walk, do so.
- Discourage biting. When he bites, say NO and put a chew toy in front of him. He is biting right now because that is how he plays, but once he's older it will be a big problem. Nip it in the bud right now. Some people like to do an exaggerated "OW!" and I've heard of some people faking crying. Or if he bites, simply stop playing, put him in the pen, and walk away. The puppy can pick up on this and will soon learn that biting is bad.

This link will be helpful for potty training: Puppies at 3 to 3½ weeks - Time to start potty training

He will be the sweet loving dog of your dreams, but it takes a lot of work. You have to be REALLY consistent with training.

A good helpful book is "Puppies for Dummies". I know some people hate Cesar Millan, but his book, "How to Raise the Perfect Puppy" is also very helpful.

Patience is the key. He will do better with yor help. You'll be ok.

No, no!!! You should not take a 10 week old puppy outside! He does not have all his shots and he is still too young. It is okay in one tiny spot for maybe 5-10 min in your own yard, where no other dogs go in contact of. but not a walk. You have to be so careful. I would also never take him to places like Pet Smart or other pet places. You are just risking it.

Also never give him free roam of the house. Have you puppy proofed th place? You need to get on your hands and knees and slide across the floor every inch where he could venture. You would be surprise what they can find and right now everything goes into the mouth. This can be dangerous.

9 hours is a long time to be alone and can still get hypoglycemia. So you need to maybe have someone come home and check on him.

Yes, he is too young to be potty trained at this age. And any breeder that tells you their pups are trained at this age is giving one a pack of bull. Not developmently age appropriate to be potty trained now.

Oh oops! I didn't know he was so young... don't breeders usually let Yorkies go at 12wks? :eek: For some reason I assumed he was around the 16wk mark... sorry again! :embarasse:

No need to be sorry.....But, I never expect miracles until approximately 6 months. Never begin any serious training until 16 weeks....everything hurts them (they are growing and teething), they have an attention span of a natt (no offense to the OP). Although my pups go home piddle pad trained, they still have to be trained to the spot the new owners want them to use.....

As much fun as it is when they're pups, it's equal (if not more) hard work. Especially since he was so young he didn't have as much time to learn from his mama. Continue working with him, and only letting him run around if you can keep 24/7 watch over him. It's a great sign that at such a young age he is already using a pee-pad!! Good job! I may have missed it, but how is he when in his crate? Any accidents there?

My one year old still bunches up his piddle pad too. I bought this: Premium Pad Training Tray - Training - Training & Behavior - PetSmart. It holds a pad in place so it doesn't bunch up in a corner. I think your pup is way to young to completely understand what it is you want from him. But, like others said, a tired pup is a happy pup! It's harder to get into mischief if they're so pooped that they're cuddled up in your lap for a nap. When you get home, PLAY PLAY PLAY! Tire DJ out and when he's napping, cuddle him, or go do something for yourself. I know it sucks to hear, but it will take time and his maturity over time will be what helps you help him understand. But, it would probably be good to start a routine with him, so when his little light finally turns on he already knows what comes next, or how you do things.
Example, Kaji has this excited pee thing he does that would drive me crazy! (he's 1 yr 8 months) I would come home and he would be really excited to see him only to get a squirt of pee on my work shirt. :rolleyes: At first I took it real personal and really, that was a mistake. For the last 8 months I've established a routine where the very first thing I do with Kaji is take him to go pee, whether it was outside or piddle pad. He now greets me at the door, does a happy dance and then bolts to the bathroom where he knows his piddle pad is. It took time but problem solved! He knows the routine and he knows what comes next. It helps to have the routine and I don't think it's a bad idea to start one now.

Not saying Im told yhou so. glad you are a big enough person to admit that this is not as easy as you thought it would be.

All of the advice on the potty training and biting was given to you in previous threads that you started. Now is the time to go back and re read them.

Keep him confined to a small area when you are not interacting with him.

As for the biting, youm willm have to get harsh with him and snap at him when he pl;ays too rough. it ism not being m ean, it is what his mother would do.

The do not understand "no bite" ortime outs. That is not how dogs think. the correction has to be instant and in his own language a quick snapping sound (like a dog would make) as you nip at his neck with your fingers.

it will only take a few times before he makes the connection.

He's a kid! He'll always be a kid, but right now he needs to play. He's been sleeping or bored stiff all day by himself. Play is part of his socialization. Mine have all played all of their lives and I wouldn't have it any other way. When I come home the first thing is that she gets attention - in our case we go for walks and later we play. You can't take yours for walks yet, but you can play with him.

Pixie did not get the pad training till around 5 or 6 months. I worked with her and never gave up and I never got angry at her. It is really figuring out your dog.
Once they realize what you want them to do they will do it, It just takes a lot of patience and perseverance.
Pixie even now at almost 8 months will have an accident if she gets excited and I don't remind her to go pee pee on her pad. Don't get angry just keep at it!!! Good luck~;)

dogs do not act of of spite. They live in the moment. They will NEVER do anything they know will upset you. They want to please. If they are peeing while they look at you it is out of fear, nervousness. or excitement and they cannot control it.

To say that a dog has the apility to reason that if he pees it will upset you, also means he has the ability to reason that if he upsets you he is going to be punished. They do not have the ability to reason.

if you're going tom give him a toy when he bites, why not just give him a treat and say 'good dog". Don't reward biting with a toy. Respond to it like his mother would have. with a snap and a quick nip.

I know we all think our dogs are really clever, but i dont believe for one minute a dog will do things to spite you because you did something that upset him!!

Lots and lots of patience is needed, fun playtimes every day with his new mum to use up some energy,then cuddles when he is tired and sleepy.. rewards for the times he does get things right. Lots of positive things. He has been through a lot in his short life.

I think this little pup will take longer to train bacause he is so young and because he is left alone for such a long time. I'm not having a go, but, I do feel very sad for him.

NatNat it is going to take time like the others have said. Just remember DJ will give you a lifetime of unconditional Love. Oh and please don't take this the wrong way but it is not safe to post when our guys are coming back from deployment. I am sure you are not use to all the OPSEC stuff so I just wanted to let you know. We want all our guys to come home safe and sound and we never know who is looking at the things we say. I am a military wife and work for a squadron that has a very high deployment rate. Please just be careful about posting return dates. I hope I didn't upset you but this is one thing I am very passionate about.
:hug:

It will take time, lots of patience and love. He is just a little guy. He will be fine. He is not doing it to make you upset. And everyone on YT has some great suggestions to try.

natnatt:

DJ is still very young! You need to be patient with him. Please trust me, I KNOW it's frustrating to have to clean up so many accidents. During your research, did you see the fact that yorkies can be one of the most difficult breeds to potty train? I noticed you said he pushes his pee pad up against the wall. have you tried using one of those tray things or taping it to the floor? I suggest one of those. Also, he's so young that if you turn your head, you're frankly just looking for trouble - it's just like a little human baby. You also should be taking him outside every hour or two - his bladder is still teeny tiny, as are his bowels (but he will pee more than poop). Or are you only using the pee pads? If so, you should stop all activities every hour and put him on the pad with the command "go potty"...he will eventually get it :)
He probably wants to play all the time because he technically should still be with his momma and siblings - and playing is what he would do with them. With the biting, if you try an "ow" or "no" in a firm, loud voice, he might get the picture. If not, pop him on the nose with one finger, and not too hard, just enough to surprise him and make him think "oh, that's not ok to do".

if it comes down to it and you don't want him, you may deliver him to my house ;) (TOTALLY kidding...my husband would kill me!!!)

To make it easier on you, have multiple sets of everything. Have extra washable beds so when he soils one it can be immediately removed (or first thing when you get home) and laundered, but most importantly, replaced with a clean one. Do the same with any toys that get soiled. Plus the toy rotation will help alleviate boredom. Eventually, he will prefer clean over dirty as he learns to potty on the pads. Focus potty training on your days off. Two days in a row of intense, consistant training can work wonders, as opposed to train before work, mess up all day, train again in the evening. Do what you can as time allows on workdays, but really reinforce the training on the weekends (or days off). Very important to keep him clean too. Check his feet for poop if he walks in it, and gently wash and dry them. Check his butt for hangers-on, and wipe his penis. View this as bonding time, not as a pain in the butt. he'll appreciate it too, and will learn to seek you out when he needs cleaning.(when he gets older).

Setting routines is great at this point as other members have said, just don't expect perfect results. Actually, don't expect any results, cause then you'll be extra happy when he does begin to do right. Do stop and allow him potty breaks every 1-2 hours, encourage him by placing him on the pad and saying 'potty' or whatever word you choose to use. Also after he eats, as soon as he wakes from naps and in the morning, and before bed. Look for him to give you a sign or indication that he has to go. When you recognize this sign, it will be easier to anticipate his needs and to assist him to do the right thing, till he learns. If he makes a mistake, it's your fault for not paying attention.

And reread Mardelin's posts ... she breeds and raises Yorkies and knows her stuff, and can give you more age-appropriate ideas for training him.

DJ came to you at a very young age, because of the loss of his mother he lost out on a lot. He's a baby...and looking to you to be his mother. Be patient....if you aren't it will affect your relationship. The companionship will develop....but, remember he is a baby.....This is the time to get those motherly instincts to kick in.....prepare you for when those human kids start coming.....yeah and it's worse....this will be a few months...the human kids ....till their 18 or more.

I agree with Mardelin! She knows what she's talking about!!! I would listen to her!

lord have mercy on you! my puppy's not a yorkie, but she is a house training puppy.

i'm able to be with her all the time and house training is still a nightmare! it really is like watching an infant. i'm not doing crate training because my puppy is so clingy that she's right with me all the time - literally sitting on my feet or right behind my butt. i do put her in the crate if i'm doing laundry or taking a shower - anytime i can't watch her completely.

she STILL manages to pee in the house! she'll get up to do what i think is exploring or looking for her bone and low and behold - she squats! i have always caught her in the act and ran to her as fast as possible while saying, "outside, outside, outside!!" i then put her outside quickly even though it's usually too late. i also cleaned up her pee with toilet paper before and put the pee soaked toilet paper in the grass where i wanted her to pee. that's similar to what someone else said about getting the scent on the pads. it makes sense to me!

i've heard that no dog (regardless of age) should be in a crate for more than 8-9 hours. a pup's time is much less than that. i know it's hard if you work, but if there's any way at all you can have someone let her out - you should.

i had planned on having my pup sleep in a crate, but i changed my mind because i think it really was distressing to her. i think crate training is the most effective in general, but i adopted my puppy, and she was very clingy/timid/etc. i think she had been abandoned - anyhow, i let her sleep with me - figuring she wouldn't pee while lying in my arms (and if she got up to squat - i would feel her moving) at which time i would take her outside!

it's worked so far - her last meal/water is a few hours before bedtime. she has never gone during the night - and i think sleeping with me has made us bond. i figure the better the bond, the quicker the desire to please me. at least i'm hoping!

I am going to do everything everyone says. As soon as I got home from work yesterday I threw all her blankets and bed in the washer to make everything all clean. As soon as he pees or poops i reward him right away with a treat...so I think he is catching on. When I see him run around frantic sniffing the ground thats when I know to put him on the pad and he knowes what to do. Ive even seen him just walk right to his pad and do his thing and EVERYTIME he does I reward him right away. I think he just fogets he needs to use the pad or where to go?

Everytime he bites I say NO BITE loud and he stops..so I do think he knowes what it means because I will take my two fingers and clamp his jaw together closing his mouth. so his biting had def got alot better.

This morning we spent 15 mins as soon as we woke up just giving eachother kisses it was adorable! Then I took him on a mile run...im a huge runner and he has so much energy so we run!! (this is another thread Im going to post to explain more and sek advice)

Ive been a military SO for 3 years now so I know about telling dates and what not to say but thank u for reminding me.

Today Im going to head to the store to get the tape to take down his puppy pad so he does not drag it all around his playpen. For those who wonder what the playpen looks like I have a thread with a picture attached of it so you can look at it. It has his bed toys food and water and puppy pad. Enough for him to sleep at go to the bathroom.

I know some of you know I got the little puppy thing with the heartbeat well its a piece of crap and I wouldnt recommend it for anyone because after ojne day the heartbeat broke and does not work anymore! Bummer!! He still sleeps with it at night even tho it does not have a heart beat.

Sometimes I run with Sugar too! :aimeeyork
But please be careful, they're so tiny... I once nearly step onto Sugar when we ran :eek:

You cannot do strenuous exercise with him until his growth plates close. You will cause permanent orthopedic injury to him.

At the risk of being BANNED: to the puppy
 

To the puppy: Run, run as far away as your little legs will carry you. You need desparately to find a mommy with an inkly of common sense. If you stay where you are, your life will end prematurely. I'm crying for you now, little one. Tell your mommy you want to be rehomed, that you won't be mad... and tell her to get a Briard... they look just like Yorkies but they are big and would be a more appropriate dog for her to have to do the things she wants to do with. They are more forgiving of mistakes, too. God loves you little one, hopefully He'll keep an eye on you. Have a good life. I can't read any more.... Bye.

Natt - you're placing way too many expectations on a tiny puppy who is way too young to even come close to what you want him to be like....

he's just been born - these small ones are nothing like larger breeds - the same things just don't apply.

Please don't be frustrated when he's being crated 9 straight hours and has accidents - They have tiny systems and it's going to take a long time to train him since he's alone so much.....

Wow! What happened to the sitter? I didn't know this little one was being left alone at this young age....How can one expect a wee one to hold it all day, that's asking for Urinary Track Infection. A human can't hold it for that long...let alone a wee pup with a bladder the size of a pea.

It's not rewarding, it's redirecting the biting. Like, "biting me is not okay, but biting this toy is." I can see how it would be interpreted differently though.

I believe dogs know this. If your dog did not know what makes you happy/upset - why does s/he hide when doing some behaviors? Why do dogs look guilty sometimes? They know what behaviors make you happy and what behaviors don't. It's the same reasoning behind positive reinforcement - if the dog knows it will make you happy, he will do it, if he knows it will make you unhappy, he won't do it.

I couldn't agree more!!