Help! 50 hrs x 2 per week of supervision
 

Greetings Yorkie Lovers,
Please forgive me if I sound like I am complaining and or whining as I am in a pretty depressed state.

Our wonderful Yorkies, Annie and Susie are 5-1/2 months old now and have been spayed. They are so precious! They love the outdoors, we do a few walks a day and rides in the car, etc. The problem is because they are not totally house trained - they have to be watched continually while they are out of their pen. This turns out to be 50 hours a week for me and 50 hours for my husband (who also works part-time). The girls get to play in the big recreation room downstairs which is carpeted and leads to the door that will allow them to go outside - as they let us know or we think they have to go out. Well in about a month there are now 20 cleaned-up pee spots on the carpet of which we will have to have professionally cleaned and when they are outside they eat everything, including still...their feces. So we have to watch so we can pick-up the feces right away. The girls love to play outside. So when they give us a look like they want to go out - we let them out...but this turns out to be like 50 times a day because they just like to be outside. Thus, we aren't always catching the signals (or they are not well developed yet) that tell us that they need to go out to eliminate.

We both (my husband and I) are shot! We haven't let them roam free in the whole house yet because they are not totally trained. We don't kennel them but instead have a pen in the kitchen that has an open kennel in there. In order for me to get some of my work done, I have to put them in the pen about every few hours and then I will do an hour of work and then go back and be with the girls - letting them out of the penned area so they can go outside or play in the rec room.

As I have mentioned, we are both spent...tired. They get us up between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and we go to bed at 9:00 pm. Fortunately they are starting to sleep until 5:15 - 5:30 am.

So...we feel very trapped. We can't do anything because we are watching the girls. I have the day shift and my husband watches them in the evening.

My husband and I haven't been out on a date for some time and now we are both so exhausted that we don't feel like going out and hiring a dog sitter so we can have a night out.

I feel like all I can do is talk puppy because I don't really have much outside contact except for my work which is mostly computer based.

We made a commitment to these girls. We love them very much. Our feelings are not their fault what so ever! But what can we do to "not have to watch them constantly?":confused:

Thank you for reading all the way through this.
Blessings and Yorkie love to you all!

First of all, congrats on the two babies!

Are they being crate trained? If not, that would be a big help in giving you some breathing room and time to relax or go out. I'd have to leave it up to others on here to give advise on whether to crate them together or separate since I just have the one inside dog (Tatum-yorkie). Think about that....

Don't worry, it DOES get better! :) The first year is the most difficult. We were like that too the first year of Yoda's life, didn't do anything but take care of him. Do you give the girls rewards and make a big deal when they do go potty outside (or in the right places)? We found that method worked really well for us, we say "Good boy" many many times when Yoda went in the right place and also gave a treat as well. Have you tried leaving a pee pad in the pen? So they can go on that when they are in the pen and need to go?

Over time, they should learn to play with each other, though they will always want your attention and love of course! There are also foods and treats that can keep them occupied for a bit, such as frozen chicken necks or Flossies. My boys love to chew and gnaw and something like that can keep them busy for a good half hour.

Taking great care of Yorkie babies is hard work, it's great to see you and your husband put in so much dedication and time. Yoda was fully trained at about 8 or 10 months (was a while ago), so your girls may be there soon! Once they are fully trained, it'll get lots easier and a lot more fun for everyone! :D

If you are open to it you simply have to crate train. It won't get better otherwise. I have realized that a lot of people on this board simply won't crate their dogs but I will suggest it always. They are much too young to be running free around the house anyway. They should be in their crates most of the time whether you guys are home or not. I would ask you to do a search on other posts by me and the advice is sound and it works. Only if you want though. good luck

I agree, it is extremely exhausting in the beginning with these yorkies, but it does get better. You will notice a big difference around 7 mos old.

In the meantime, I would start crate training them. You can put them in a crate for longer periods of time, than an hour like you are doing now in the kennel, but you do have to work your way up to it. As soon as they are out of the crate take them outside to go potty.

You should designate a time(s) during the day that is free play or walk outside time. All other times should be strictly for potty. I would use an x-pen outside to designate the potty area. You put them in the x-pen and they don't get out until they potty. Once they go potty they get to go back in the house or get their free play. (This should eliminate some of the time you go out, because they will come to understand that going out is for pottying and not necessarily playing. They will come to realize soon that if they want to play and get out of the x-pen they will have to potty first. Once they get the idea that they have to go potty as soon as they go outside, you can eliminate the x-pen. The other way to go is use a leash and keep to a specific area only. Don't walk them until they have gone potty.

Now if they won't go potty when you take them out, then back in the crate and out again in 10-15min, until they finally go. Once they have gone, you should be ok for about an hour before they have to go again, after play.

But at this age, they really have to go a lot. Almost every hour on the hour. That's why the crate is so good. You can train them to hold it longer.

Hope that helps. Just a few suggestions.

I totally agree. Crate training saved me from insanity. People may think it's mean but it's not, they have plenty of space in there and it helps them be better disciplined puppies. They will actually see their crate as their safe haven.

To all who suggested crate train...
 

We have a pen in which they learned to eliminate on pee pads. This worked fine. They still - if in the pen too long will use the pee pads. The pen is a large space with their kennel. I put them in there when I need to get some work done or it is their time to eat, etc. As they got used to the pee pads - then we started to also teach them to go outside. Thus, they have learned 2 methods of housetraining. At this point I don't know that I will now teach the crate aspect. It would seem to be more confusion, etc. I know that lots of people recommend the crate training and when we had our pomeranian's, we did exactly that. But...there is still the time they need to be moving around in the house. Time they need to let us know when they have to go outside, etc. The time that they are out of the pen is a time they can play, etc.

I am just wondering when they will be able to make it so that we will be able to let them roam around the house without constant supervision. It sounds like we have to wait a bit longer by some of the replies shown here.

Thank you all for your kinds words and wisdom and most of all...your support and understanding.

Hugs!

Hi, I have a 17wk old Yorkie and a 14wk old Brussels. Both boys, (plus a Cairn and Westie females, grown). I have the boys each in a fold away open crate with a pee pad, sleep pad, food, water and of course toys. They are right in the living room where all the action is. When I take them out of the crate they go right outside. I keep them in the crate when I am cleaning house, or tending to the fids but when I can sit and watch them they are out. I think the girls have helped the process as the boys just follow them outside. The boys sleep in their own carriers in the bedroom at nite. I thought about crating them together, but I don't think its fair for one to step in the others pee or poop so their crates are side by side. So far, so good but it takes patience and being consistent. Good luck and don't give up.

Terra
well done for all the atention you have given your babies,it may be time to try crate training I did not crate my 1st Alfie but did with my 2nd Lottie. The other alternative that I have not used , I may add. Is attatching a lead to you and the dog when you are there and it enables you to read their signals and when they signal they need to potty , take them out right away , I think this method takes time but the literature says it works. There was also a post about spraying vanilla on the area you dont want them to go, do a search on house training.Hope you find an answer.

About Crate Training again...
 

Please, I mean no disrespect, but this isn't a new option we wish to participate in right now (crate training) since they already will use pee pads in their pen and go outside. My concerns is hoping that they can tell us in some way (signal) that they need to go out when we are not right in their presence. I put them in the pen when needed and they get the rec room and outside a lot of the day and night. Please, I know about Crate Training. At this point after 5 months of training with pee pads and outdoors we don't wish to include another new method. I could be wrong mind you, but at this point this is not what I am really looking for.

I was hoping for some relief in supervising them. Having to watch them so closely when they are out of their pen and kennel (open crate).

All of our time (their free time outside the pen) is supervised and here is where we are just pooped! I was hoping for some advise as to maybe being able to put them in the pen more or try leaving the house when they are in the pen (which I haven't tried yet), etc. I was looking for suggestions that will help us observe the signals of when they have to go outside when we have them in the rec room. Once this happens we can have them graduate to more rooms in the house.

We are just tired but love our little girls. They are wonderful. I just got done playing ball with them outside. They love it. They get lots of rewards in the way of treats and affection for their great behavior!


Thanks again and please don't be offended if I ask that Crate Training not be the issue here. Thank you.

Blessings,

I am not in least offended by your reply, but your pups are quite young ,so just stick to your method but it does get exhausting some times but it will work out in time.Alfie used to have mistakes but now never does and as I have said in another post, you should see the looks he gives Lottie when she has a mistake, good luck, Julie

You can try giving your pups Deter to keep them from eating their own poo.

Hi I have never used a crate or pee pads for Georgie. He still has an occasional accidents (very few and mostly My fault not hearing him scratch on the door). When he first started realizing that he needed to go outside he would just stand by the door and think that someone knew he was there. Now since he has gotten older he whines, barks and scratches on the door. I used to stand by the door with him and repeat outside and then he started to catch on and scratch, whine or bark. I think in time they will get it just continue you doing what you are doing. Good luck

Is there a door from the rec room that leads to outside? If so, I was thinking maybe you can have a small bell which the girls can ring themselves (paw at to make jingle) when they need to go. I've heard some Yorkie parents train their Yorkies this way with good success.

this is what Kizzy does. just goes to the door and stands and only for a minute , if I dont notice her go towards the door, its usually too late time I get to her. But I stand there and make her speak before I take her out. Hoping she will soon learn to speak on her own or whine or something. The bells arent working as she dont like them. But Ive got them there in case she ever does hit them, hoping she will learn to hit them and at least give me a sign she is there, but I will still make her speak before she goes out. that way maybe she will learn to speak without bells so if I take her to someone elses house that dont have bells she will know to speak to go out. hoping it works out. she is better during the day, but seems to have to pee more in late evening and early nights. strange, she will come to me at night lots of times and whine to let me know out. but not during the day and not all the time at night. gl to everyone with whatever your doing to train yours, i just hope it all gets better soon. Kizzy will be 4 months old June 2.

Me, me me, I use a bell.

I did NOT crate train, but did use a pen just as you are. Whenever I took them out of the pen I would walk them to the door, set them down and put their paw on the bell to make it ring. Then open the door and let them out. Lexi and Tori were both scared of the bell the first few times but caught on quickly. Candi was never scared of it and it seems to be a game to her, but everytime she rings it I open the door. :aimeeyork :aimeeyork :aimeeyork

First of all,you are doing great! Persevere with the outside training. I have just got some Poochie Bells-I will let you know how that goes as an outside signal.
You do use a puppy pen at times.Why don't you use that to go out for the evening with your husband? If the pups have been walked. toileted and and fed,then they will sleep/play/chew toys for a few hours by themselves! They will be fine! You don't have to be there 24/7.

Otherwise, give them some chew toys for 1/2 hr of peace. Walk for an hour--they will then be tired! Toilet training takes ages for these little ones--they will get there! Will they play in the yard bythemselves for even 15 mins? My 6 month old will play with my younger cat for a while,explore and chew. I am in the kitchen doing chores with 2 sets of sliding doors open so I can see what they are doing,but am not actively involved. Get the pups used to more independent time now they are older.
Good luck and it will get easier! Having 2 must be like having twin children--until they get older!

Buy a crate! It will change your life!

Hi, we have a doggy door for our pups so they can go outside when they need to go potty.This has helped me a lot with their training.Cathy and Yoshi:animal-pa

Try bells, they do work. But only after they begin to know ahead of time that they need to go. Loki continued to have "oops I didn't make it" once a week or so until he was 10 months - 1 year or so. When he was about 1 year we put up the bells and we had no problems from then on. It's possible they are simply not big/old enough to control their bladders and know when they need to go out.

I think I am misunderstanding you. You do not leave the house when they are in their pens? I know you said you do not want to crate train, but the whole point of crate training is that they won't potty in their crates (unless forced to hold it to long) therefore you don't have to watch them constantly. At first we left Loki unsupervised for 30 mins max. Then it was an hour (grocery store trip or whatever) then 2 or 3. For months he could not go more than 3 hours, but that was long enough to do whatever we needed to do. I still do not leave him more than 4 hours, just because. Also, don't they sleep a lot? Loki slept a lot at that age (still does) and so we'd get things done when he'd sleep. He tends to sleep all day and then be active in the evenings, which is when he gets the most attention (he's efficient that way). So, I don't worry about putting him in his crate for a little while because he'd just be sleeping anyway. All they do in the crate is sleep. Don't the girls sleep in their pens??

Now, if you are asking how to get things done without constantly watching them - perhaps tether them to you? Tie a leash around your belt loop and watch them that way? They are still going to have accidents. They will be too interested in a toy to realize they need to go and they will squat right in front of you and pee. They are just like toddlers.

But again, I'm confused. If they have pee-pads, why does any of this matter - won't they use the pee pads? We never used pads, so I don't know. Do you encourage one over the other. Are the pups confused? Do you want to eliminate the pads? Why do you have to watch them every second if they are in their pens? Are they sleeping through the night? I set an alarm and took Loki out at 2am forever. I also took him out during the night if he woke up (which would wake me up). Now I trust him to wake me up (he sniffs in my ear, goofball) or run downstairs and ring his bell.

Finally - welcome to puppyhood. Yorkie puppies are hard work. If you want a time frame for when it gets better, I'd say that by 18 months their bladders will be in good shape for sure. By 2 years they are fully developed. Loki is 1 1/2 and he's been fully housetrained for months. But, we never used the pads. I can't say how that changes things.

Re: 50 hrs x 2 per wk - to Erin & Loki
 

Dear Erin & Loki,
Thank you for your thorough reply. I guess what I am learning through reading all of these posts is that I am putting more of the stress on myself than I need too. You are correct in many of the the things you say. I can see where you might misunderstand some of which I have written.

I haven't had the trust or should I say guts to leave them in the pen for an hour and actually leave the house. I usually will do some of my work while they are in the pen. The most I leave them in the pen is about an hour at a time. And then of course when they are outside running like the wind, I am watching them for when they have to poop so they don't eat it. Thus I'm not just leaving them out without my supervision. Well, today, my hubby had them out for over an hour and he would check on them every once in a while and waited till they came to the door to be let in. Ummmm. My husband is ahead of me there.

If they are in the pen too long and need to go - I know one of them uses the pee pads well. So, what am I worried about? You got me! When they play downstairs on the carpeted area they do have accidents. They don't always go right to do the door to be let out, etc. So what do I do??? I follow them around the rec area to make sure they don't have an accident. Whew! No wonder I'm pooped. I just haven't had that trust level yet....

They are young. They are 5-1/2 months old and I am awaiting the day when they can roam around the whole house without the worry of tons of accidents all the time. This is my big wish.

The bell options sounds like a good one and others have mentioned it too. If we don't get "clued-in" better as to when they want to go out to eliminate &/or play we will try the bell method.

In the meantime, it seems I have leashed myself to the house! :rolleyes: The girls should be able to be in the pen for an hour while I go for a walk, etc. I've just been too nervous about leaving them. But...this coming week...I'm going to try it. They get their walks (2x a day) and I will start going for a walk on my own too while they are in the pen with the pee pads and a nice kennel to sleep in and toys to play with.

Thank you so much - everybody for your words of wisdom, common sense, experiences, etc.. I have to give it a little more time, trust a little more, worry a lot less, feel a little more freedom!

Thanks and blessings and YEAH YORKIES!