Can't Get my Yorkie housebroken - YorkieTalk.com Forums

so_purrfect_24 · 10-20-2005, 07:41 AM

Ok I have a problem we take him out often but he still pee's and #2's in the house all the time!! I was o.k. with it at first but now it's frustraiting we've had him since Oct 1st and I understand it takes time. People told me it was going to be really hard since he was so old and not housebroken already he's 2 yr's old (the people told me he was 5 but his paper's say 23 months) but does anyone have any tips??
I bought puppy pad's but he doesnt understand what it is and he will go outside then come inside and do it again. and it's discusting it's diahrrea now that i have him eating. So I also wonder did the previous owner's just let him go all over the house??!! That is what it's looking like.
What kind of punishment's are good to use?
We already do treat's and lot's of praise when he goes outside. HELP!

FirstYorkie · 10-20-2005, 07:49 AM

You're probably not going to want to hear this, but I think you're going to have to be patient. I expect it will take a while longer.

Continue what you're doing - taking him outside often, praising lavishly and treating when he is successful. If you catch him pottying in the house, you can say "no" sternly and hurry him outside to finish. If you don't catch him in the act, they say the best thing to do is just quietly clean it up. Not getting a treat is punishment enough.

Hang in there. Just when I was about to resign myself to a puppy who always went on newspaper, Joey suddenly caught on! There is hope!

StewiesMom · 10-20-2005, 07:52 AM

Stewie is a year old next week and I've had him for 8 months and he's still not housebroken 100%. Welcome to YorkieTalk!

Rem&Silkmom · 10-20-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by so_purrfect_24

Ok I have a problem we take him out often but he still pee's and #2's in the house all the time!! I was o.k. with it at first but now it's frustraiting we've had him since Oct 1st and I understand it takes time. People told me it was going to be really hard since he was so old and not housebroken already he's 2 yr's old (the people told me he was 5 but his paper's say 23 months) but does anyone have any tips??
I bought puppy pad's but he doesnt understand what it is and he will go outside then come inside and do it again. and it's discusting it's diahrrea now that i have him eating. So I also wonder did the previous owner's just let him go all over the house??!! That is what it's looking like.
What kind of punishment's are good to use?
We already do treat's and lot's of praise when he goes outside. HELP!

I'm in the same boat. I am actually taking Silk back to the breeders after 8months of trying to house train her I feel like a failure. I'm at a loss and feel hopeless. I did not have these issues with my first yorkie who is going on three years old. Don't get me wrong he will have an accident but if he does it is my fault. I ignore the signs...but with Silk he sneaks off and pees in the house. I don't get it but I take her out constantly usually it ends up being every half hour from the time a wake up till the time I go to work in the morning and she won't just go out and pee no... I have to go out with her stand there and say" go potty" over and over until she finally gives in and will go. I'm exhasted after 8months of this.

StewiesMom · 10-20-2005, 07:53 AM

You're giving Silk back to the breeder because you can't housebreak her?

Rem&Silkmom · 10-20-2005, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StewiesMom

You're giving Silk back to the breeder because you can't housebreak her?

yes...I have tried to get her to go outside and I don't know what else to do. I was thinking it was because she was older when I got her form the breeder and used to going with a doggie door and pads. I don't know what else to do...I'm frustrated and worn out.

Roxie21 · 10-20-2005, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rem&Silkmom

yes...I have tried to get her to go outside and I don't know what else to do. I was thinking it was because she was older when I got her form the breeder and used to going with a doggie door and pads. I don't know what else to do...I'm frustrated and worn out.

I feel so bad because I know how frustrating it really is. You try everything and it seems like nothing works. I know in my case I was crate training and it seem to going well with just a few accidents after months and months of constant viligance on my part, but I was so tired of taking her out every hour. It was affecting my whole life. I even went from running 30 miles a weeks to 9 miles a week or not a all. One day my husband made the statement, " Wow, she has you trained very well to take her outside. Why don't you stop and let her tell you she needs to go out?" I had been using a bell trying to teach her to use it to let me know she had to go out. So I decided to take a day and just focus on her. I was her constant shadow. When she moved, I moved. I was like a HAWK

When she would try to slink into the living room, I went with her asking her, " What are doing? Where are you going." Yes, it was tiresome! I refused to take my eyes off her. At some point she realized she was not going to get away with anything! I kept thinking she has to know where to go, I mean I had been working on it for months with her. Then finally she actually ran to the door, rang the bell, I opened the door and ran to the grass and went Potty.

I was so SHOCKED! We all were! We praised her to death.

Now she has it nailed down. No accidents and its been great. Of course , I have said before, there are times she just rangs the bell to see me get up and open the door so she can stand there and take sniff.

So hang it there. I never thought I would see the end of this potty training and this being my first Yorkie and a housedog at that was a challenge in itself.
Gotta love em!

Ladylavender · 10-20-2005, 08:56 AM

Thanks Roxie21, that's what I like to read a success story!

I think that successes, more than anything else, gives people a reason to keep plugging away. I also liked the idea of giving the puppy a chance to make a decision that he/she has to go potty and then to figure out, on their own, what they have to do to go in the right places.

I have always felt that this may be a link that is missing sometimes. Letting the dog figure it out on their own.

I too did the same thing you did. Spend an entire day (or more) walking around to see if Millie would "get it" on her own and eventually she did. It is tiring and cumbersome, but worth the time and effort for the desired result.

chechinmipo · 10-20-2005, 09:14 AM

Be consistent with those treats and only provide them when he does what you want him to. Make sure you give them immiadiately after hes does #1 or #2. Hope this helps. Yes, I know it can be frustrating and hard at times just hang in there.

Rem&Silkmom · 10-20-2005, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ladylavender

Thanks Roxie21, that's what I like to read a success story!

I think that successes, more than anything else, gives people a reason to keep plugging away. I also liked the idea of giving the puppy a chance to make a decision that he/she has to go potty and then to figure out, on their own, what they have to do to go in the right places.

I have always felt that this may be a link that is missing sometimes. Letting the dog figure it out on their own.

I too did the same thing you did. Spend an entire day (or more) walking around to see if Millie would "get it" on her own and eventually she did. It is tiring and cumbersome, but worth the time and effort for the desired result.

I'm really not trying to be a bummer...but I have done all of those things...and guess what she is smarter than I am. If I follow her around she is smart enough not to use the bathroom in front of me. It is everytime i think she has this down...nope she uses the house. I could take her out all day long from daylight to bedtime and she will go outside. It when i think I can give her just a little freedom and she proves me wrong. So after 8months of watching contantly i'm tired. And she is still not potty trained because just Tuedsay she came back into the house after the 3rd time of being let out in the morning where I watched her squat. She came back in and peed in the house.

FirstYorkie · 10-20-2005, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxie21

Then finally she actually ran to the door, rang the bell, I opened the door and ran to the grass and went Potty...

I'm glad you brought that up; I left that out! I also use a bell on the back door which is the door he ALWAYS goes out to go potty. Start by making sure the bell rings every time you open the door to go out. Very quickly they learn the bell = outside. This is the frustrating part because they want to be let out every few minutes and rarely potty. That's okay!!! They have got the connection. Keep going out with them with treats in hand in case they potty.

Once Joey figured out the connection between bell & outside, potty & treats, he got the whole housebreaking thing quite quickly!

mommiesboy · 10-20-2005, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by so_purrfect_24

Ok I have a problem we take him out often but he still pee's and #2's in the house all the time!! I was o.k. with it at first but now it's frustraiting we've had him since Oct 1st and I understand it takes time. People told me it was going to be really hard since he was so old and not housebroken already he's 2 yr's old (the people told me he was 5 but his paper's say 23 months) but does anyone have any tips??
I bought puppy pad's but he doesnt understand what it is and he will go outside then come inside and do it again. and it's discusting it's diahrrea now that i have him eating. So I also wonder did the previous owner's just let him go all over the house??!! That is what it's looking like.
What kind of punishment's are good to use?
We already do treat's and lot's of praise when he goes outside. HELP!

You don't have to give up your Yorkie ,look for a trainer and they will handle it for you. It may take a couple of weeks to get Silk back but at least you won't be without her and I am sure she has come to know you,love you and trust you since you have had her.Good luck for both of you.

FirstYorkie · 10-20-2005, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rem&Silkmom

I don't know what else to do...I'm frustrated and worn out.

I'm sorry this has been so difficult and frustrating. I understand. You may have already tried these things, but here goes...

If I were you, I'd restrict Silk's area to where she is always close to you so that she can't sneek off. Some people even suggest attaching their leash to your belt so that you will always be aware of where they are and what they are doing. When you can't watch her closely, crate her or put her in a small area (like bathroom or laundry room) with paper to go on. It's much less frustrating to clean up potty-mess on paper than on the floor or carpet.

In addition, if you aren't already, try the bell tied to the doorknob idea. I assume you are already treating lavishly for any successes outside? And not punishing for pottying indoors (which encourages slinking off to potty so that mom can't see you).

I hope this works out for you. I know it will break your heart to have to relinquish your pup.

Sydney'sMom · 10-20-2005, 09:36 AM

It took me 6 months to train Syd.

For us it was all about doing it on her terms. We first tried to outdoor train her...but it was winter...so it was too cold and windy for her.

So then we tried pee-pads...but she would still sneak off into a corner to go.

So finally we moved the pee-pad into one of the corners she was sneaking off into...and bingo! We've been good ever since.

Apparently she doesn't like people to watch her go potty and she wanted a private place. So now she has her own private bathroom in our kitchen in a spot under the counter where there used to be a dishwasher but now is just a space.

We don't have any accidents unless the pee-pad is too dirty...in which case her highness refuses to use it.

Don't get discouraged...it will come.

Ladylavender · 10-20-2005, 09:37 AM

Oh rem&silkmom - I can feel and hear your fustration. And I agree, sometimes, there just is not a "fit". I think you have acted responsibly in contacting the breeder and kudos to the breeder for also acting responsibly.

I know how important the "potty issue" can be and it can "break" a relationship between owner and pet.

I know how tired and fustrated I was after several months of vigilance and consistency. I can only imagine 8 months of it! (well no I can't imagine it, but I assure you I would be at my breaking point too!)

It's ok to "let go" of Silk. Sometimes, that is the better decision for both of you, because, unhappiness in the relationship can only breed discontent and that's not fair to either of you. Not to mention, life is too short to live that way.

I know it's not a decision you have come to lightly, and no one should judge you on it. It just is what it is!

10-20-2005, 07:52 AM	#3
StewiesMom Stewie Rox the Sox Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,306	Stewie is a year old next week and I've had him for 8 months and he's still not housebroken 100%. Welcome to YorkieTalk! __________________ Kristy & Stewie

10-20-2005, 07:53 AM	#5
StewiesMom Stewie Rox the Sox Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 6,306	You're giving Silk back to the breeder because you can't housebreak her? __________________ Kristy & Stewie

10-20-2005, 09:36 AM	#14
Sydney'sMom YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Erie, PA Posts: 517	It took me 6 months to train Syd. For us it was all about doing it on her terms. We first tried to outdoor train her...but it was winter...so it was too cold and windy for her. So then we tried pee-pads...but she would still sneak off into a corner to go. So finally we moved the pee-pad into one of the corners she was sneaking off into...and bingo! We've been good ever since. Apparently she doesn't like people to watch her go potty and she wanted a private place. So now she has her own private bathroom in our kitchen in a spot under the counter where there used to be a dishwasher but now is just a space. We don't have any accidents unless the pee-pad is too dirty...in which case her highness refuses to use it. Don't get discouraged...it will come. __________________ Holly & Sydney visit me on Dogster: http://www.dogster.com/?160307

10-20-2005, 07:41 AM	#1
so_purrfect_24 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Fort Campbell Posts: 4	Can't Get my Yorkie housebroken Ok I have a problem we take him out often but he still pee's and #2's in the house all the time!! I was o.k. with it at first but now it's frustraiting we've had him since Oct 1st and I understand it takes time. People told me it was going to be really hard since he was so old and not housebroken already he's 2 yr's old (the people told me he was 5 but his paper's say 23 months) but does anyone have any tips?? I bought puppy pad's but he doesnt understand what it is and he will go outside then come inside and do it again. and it's discusting it's diahrrea now that i have him eating. So I also wonder did the previous owner's just let him go all over the house??!! That is what it's looking like. What kind of punishment's are good to use? We already do treat's and lot's of praise when he goes outside. HELP!

10-20-2005, 07:49 AM	#2
FirstYorkie YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: American in London Posts: 1,739	You're probably not going to want to hear this, but I think you're going to have to be patient. I expect it will take a while longer. Continue what you're doing - taking him outside often, praising lavishly and treating when he is successful. If you catch him pottying in the house, you can say "no" sternly and hurry him outside to finish. If you don't catch him in the act, they say the best thing to do is just quietly clean it up. Not getting a treat is punishment enough. Hang in there. Just when I was about to resign myself to a puppy who always went on newspaper, Joey suddenly caught on! There is hope!

10-20-2005, 08:56 AM	#8
Ladylavender YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Soddy Daisy, TN Posts: 733	Thanks Roxie21, that's what I like to read a success story! I think that successes, more than anything else, gives people a reason to keep plugging away. I also liked the idea of giving the puppy a chance to make a decision that he/she has to go potty and then to figure out, on their own, what they have to do to go in the right places. I have always felt that this may be a link that is missing sometimes. Letting the dog figure it out on their own. I too did the same thing you did. Spend an entire day (or more) walking around to see if Millie would "get it" on her own and eventually she did. It is tiring and cumbersome, but worth the time and effort for the desired result.

10-20-2005, 09:14 AM	#9
chechinmipo No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: California Posts: 2,260	Be consistent with those treats and only provide them when he does what you want him to. Make sure you give them immiadiately after hes does #1 or #2. Hope this helps. Yes, I know it can be frustrating and hard at times just hang in there.

10-20-2005, 09:37 AM	#15
Ladylavender YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Soddy Daisy, TN Posts: 733	Oh rem&silkmom - I can feel and hear your fustration. And I agree, sometimes, there just is not a "fit". I think you have acted responsibly in contacting the breeder and kudos to the breeder for also acting responsibly. I know how important the "potty issue" can be and it can "break" a relationship between owner and pet. I know how tired and fustrated I was after several months of vigilance and consistency. I can only imagine 8 months of it! (well no I can't imagine it, but I assure you I would be at my breaking point too!) It's ok to "let go" of Silk. Sometimes, that is the better decision for both of you, because, unhappiness in the relationship can only breed discontent and that's not fair to either of you. Not to mention, life is too short to live that way. I know it's not a decision you have come to lightly, and no one should judge you on it. It just is what it is!