Taking Baxter out!
 

I am training Baxter to pee & poo on pads! I also am teaching him he can go outside when I take him. First question should I stick strictly to the pads only? Second question-I use to have a Boston who was a runner! If the door opened she'd make a mad dash for it & take off through the neighborhood. The whole family would be out trying to catch that dog. No matter what I did, I could never stop her from running. I DO NOT want Baxter to learn this terrible habit. So far when we go outside I stay right with him & he stays right with me. But should I start right now with a leash. He's only 2 pounds, I'd have to get a kitten collar. Any tips to teach him not to "run" would be nice! I take him with me when I go to my kids house, so I carry pads with me. As a matter of fact my daughters have pads at their house I just keep there. But I want him to know if I place him on the ground he needs to go. For example - I had to run by my moms for just a minute last night. He was sitting on my lap & started whining, which he never does unless he has to potty, he has never wet on me. So I took him outside & he pottied. I'm thinking I need to leash train him NOW. Or should I not be taking him out at all?

Yes, you could (& should) start training him to get used to a leash. But, please use a harness, not a collar. They have delicate necks and are prone to collapsing trachea that collars can exasperate. My baby taught me very quickly :eek: that I could never take him out without a harness and a leash. Good luck!

I would put a harness on him and train him to go out with a harness and leash. I would not let him go out without anything and without supervision. There has even yorkie abductions, birds of prey and also larger dogs attacking.

Do they make harnesses for 2 pounds? Are they adjustable as he grows? He's estimated to get to around 5 pounds.

I was reminded about using a harness. So no collars for my Baxter!

Yes, there are tiny harnesses - I had one for P-Nut at that age that was adjustable. We got a mesh one at Pet Food Express and the tiniest one came from a dog boutique, I believe. We never, ever let him out front without leash - too many dog nappings around here, plus he loses all semblance of rationality when he sees a squirrel or a bird. He'd jump off a 20 story building to get one!

Btw, I still have P-Nut's first harness. It's sooo tiny and cute, I can't believe it ever fit him :)

I would practice with him sit, stay, and 'ok' before going through a door. That way he doesn't think everything you do he can automatically do because he follows you everywhere.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Simba weighed less than two pounds when I got him and I was able to find a Puppia harness that worked. He now weighs four pounds so I had to purchase a larger one because the little one wouldn't fit over his head anymore, lol

IMHO the only use for a Collar, is to hang their ID on. When I get a new Puppy, it gets both Collar and Harness on it 24/7 until it is house broken. Then the Collar stays, and I put the Harness on it, when we go out to walk/jog/whatever.

I've found a full time Harness (when they are Puppies) is a super good tool to handle them with. It's so easy to just hook a finger in it, when they are on your lap and haven't established "distance" and try to jump. It's also a very good "handle" to control them with at other times without having to use two hands.

I always use a Harness and Leash/Reel when going anywhere. This gets them used to being close at all times. I can't find the exact size I use for Puppies, and, have altered a collar/harness set for repeated/hand me down use. Below is a reference to the type. Quite secure, washable, and can be altered easily.

Ref:
Grreat Choice™ Perfect Fit Adjustable Harness - Harnesses - Collars, Harnesses & Leashes - PetSmart

I think that a collar and harness are good for the reasons you stated.

I did go to Petsmart & purchase a harness. They didn't have one small enough in Dog section, so I found one in the Cat section that fits perfectly.

Yea, I looked over there too, but, found too many with Rhinestones and other "delicate" attachments which really don't "portray" my guys that well.

I don't see or raise my guys as little shy animals, who lay around on cushions all day. They're rough and tumble (even the female) and we go hunting along the Bayou almost daily. They catch Frogs, Snakes and other things they swallow before I can actually see what they are LOL. But, they're healthy, very active, yet still enjoy cuddling and giving lots of kisses. (specially the Female) :kiss2: :love: :D

I got lucky & found a solid red harness without any bling! Now clothes are a different story. Why do they make all these darling girl clothes & ugly boy clothes? I have been able to get a couple preemie baby onesies & cut the bottoms off & make him some little t-shirts. He goes out with me a lot & they keep him warm. It's a bit chilly here in Kansas!

So true, my best suggestion is, log on to the Store (in your city) like PetSmart, PetCo, other, and get on their EMail lists. I get the National Emails too, but they are usually through the main website (online order) and one has to consider the additional cost of shipping. BUT, one can find sales on stuff (not just clothes) if you "subscribe" enough :rolleyes:

PS:
IF you find a deal at a store (when advertised online), be sure to make a copy of the add and take it with you. Just today I forgot, and it cost me an additional $1.50 because I didn't have proof. :mad: