Housebreaking a puppy.

[Lavinia]

I recently returned from Cuba. With a 6-7 week old puppy. I am guessing Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, maybe.... Who knows. Hahaha. Now, I have had dogs all my life but haven't owned a puppy in a very long time. I have had 2 other large breed dogs that were totally house broken when they came to me. Any good suggestions on housebreaking? She was a rescue and I think will be very trainable. But I am not even sure where to start. She knows her name already and usually comes when called. Very smart and likes to please. I have just totally no idea where to begin. I know there's quite a few dog owners on here and you can probably give me some solid advice. Until she has had all of her shots, I am reluctant to let her walk around outside. She is very tiny and was really weak and near death when I found her. So I need to be extra cautious. I do however have a large patio she could use, until we can start going for real dog walks. lol.

Do I immediately put her on the patio when she goes in the house? Do I make it a negative experience by saying NO in a sharp voice and then take her outside? Totally confused and don't want to mess this up. It's interesting, she actually does her business on the floor of my bathroom. No carpet accidents or anything. Goes into my washroom and goes on the floor. Puppy pads in there perhaps?

Most appreciated! And Perdita says "Ola" to everyone but it sounds more like "woof".

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

I recently returned from Cuba. With a 6-7 week old puppy. I am guessing Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, maybe.... Who knows. Hahaha. Now, I have had dogs all my life but haven't owned a puppy in a very long time. I have had 2 other large breed dogs that were totally house broken when they came to me. Any good suggestions on housebreaking? She was a rescue and I think will be very trainable. But I am not even sure where to start. She knows her name already and usually comes when called. Very smart and likes to please. I have just totally no idea where to begin. I know there's quite a few dog owners on here and you can probably give me some solid advice. Until she has had all of her shots, I am reluctant to let her walk around outside. She is very tiny and was really weak and near death when I found her. So I need to be extra cautious. I do however have a large patio she could use, until we can start going for real dog walks. lol.

Do I immediately put her on the patio when she goes in the house? Do I make it a negative experience by saying NO in a sharp voice and then take her outside? Totally confused and don't want to mess this up. It's interesting, she actually does her business on the floor of my bathroom. No carpet accidents or anything. Goes into my washroom and goes on the floor. Puppy pads in there perhaps?

Most appreciated! And Perdita says "Ola" to everyone but it sounds more like "woof".

Hola Princesa Perdita...yo soy Tia Erica.. ti amo mucho!!

Puppy pads where she's going already then a puppy pad by the front door...Helps if you teach her cues like "wanna go potty?" that you can repeat for the next several weeks....(And I'll tell ya the rest when we perform the next installment of "What did Erica leave downtown THIS time?") Willie has NEVER in his 14.5 years had an accident in the house since we brought him home. Perdita is so smart that she will be very easy to train with just praise and a little bit of a suitable puppy treat, since she was also food motivated enough to find the bag of Carnivore Crunch and hoover some down yesterday! NO negative correction for messing unless you think she's doing it on purpose. Otherwise if she associates elimination with you getting angry/loud/whatever, then you wind up with a neurotic dog that pees when you raise your voice at her....or leave her alone too long, or...

 

[MissingOne]

Cute little beastie! Keep us posted on her progress.

How hard was it to bring her into Canada? I mean from a regulatory perspective.

 

[meaghanmcleodDELETED]

what a cutie. Tiny dogs are harder to train as their bladders are so much smaller. So, every 30 minutes, like clockwork, take her outside, praise when she goes. Yes its a pain, but they do not have control until they are 6 months old. Do not reinforce negative behaviour. Its like telling a baby NO, if they pee when their diaper is off. Doesn't work.

I've used a bell on the door, and if she rings the bell, praise, and take her outside. Always reward positive behaviour with praise, treats etc. Ignore negative behaviour - it just reinforces it.

Use puppy pads until she is a bit older so at least she has a spot in case she gets stuck. They can't hold it. I've even tied them to me on a long line, so they have no way of sneaking away to do their business behind my back. Learn the signs she gives you when she needs to go and drop everything to take her out.

Good luck and thanks for helping a helpless dog enjoy a beautiful life.

 

[Lavinia]

Thanks for the advice everyone. She's a special little angel for sure. She was down alone on the beach for at least 5 days before I saw her. I went way up into the bush to look for a litter or any sign of pups. I'm pretty sure she wandered into the resort and was just scrounging for food. When I picked her up. She just toppled over and I was pretty sure she was going to die. So dehydrated and exhausted. Poor little thing.

Getting her out of Cuba was not a huge deal. Because she was under 3 months she didn't need a rabies shot. I found a vet and got her one anyways so I had some paperwork to show Canadian customs. Then there, they asked for a vet certificate, and made one in Spanish and English. And lied about her age by a few weeks so she was able to fly on Westjet. Quiet the entire way.

As far as Canadian customs was concerned. Which wasn't much. They wanted some proof of age and a few of about $35 and that was it. Of they're under 3 months it's much easier. They don't need to be quarantined or anything. Just took her to my vet the next day for a check up and shots. And she's a healthy happy little baby. Thanks everyone. There's no way I could leave her to just die there. She's a special one. Xoxoxo

 

[MissingOne]

Yes, sometimes with animals, especially dogs, we just come across them and know that we have to take them in. Good work on your part! Sounds like this one will be a great companion.

 

[MissingOne]

Interesting, the contrast between survival/natural selection of wildlife and the rescue of 'domestics'.

Human intervention has guided the evolution of dogs to a state in which their "survival/selection" mechanism consists in large part of being attractive to humans. If there were such a thing as a "racial obligation", we humans would certainly have an obligation to dogs and other domestic animals, since so many of them are the products of our "genetic engineering" of the old-fashioned kind. People who "rescue" animals live up to the spirit of such an obligation.

Our dog would be called a "rescue", but we aren't sure who rescued who.

 

[meaghanmcleodDELETED]

https://www.facebook.com/ModernPuppies?fref=nf

 

[sybian]

There is an ancient bond between us and our canine friends.
We provide food and are the pack Alpha for them..They provide unconditional companionship, and loyal protection.
If you manage to get her to go potty on a pad or news paper, you can move it close to the outside door, then move it outside eventually, and she may get the idea.They want nothing more than to please you, and do the right thing.
I've found with my protection large breed dogs, that if you catch them in the act, and pick them up and place them on the grass outside, they learn real quick. You just have a long stream of puppy pee to clean up from carrying them in mid-squirt.
I was struck by how many homeless dogs there were in Cuba, and was surprised to learn that the ones with tags are Government dogs, and are protected to clean up organic garbage in the streets...It was very hard not to take one home.
What you did was admirable.

 

[papillion]

I recently returned from Cuba. With a 6-7 week old puppy. I am guessing Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, maybe.... Who knows. Hahaha. Now, I have had dogs all my life but haven't owned a puppy in a very long time. I have had 2 other large breed dogs that were totally house broken when they came to me. Any good suggestions on housebreaking? She was a rescue and I think will be very trainable. But I am not even sure where to start. She knows her name already and usually comes when called. Very smart and likes to please. I have just totally no idea where to begin. I know there's quite a few dog owners on here and you can probably give me some solid advice. Until she has had all of her shots, I am reluctant to let her walk around outside. She is very tiny and was really weak and near death when I found her. So I need to be extra cautious. I do however have a large patio she could use, until we can start going for real dog walks. lol.

Do I immediately put her on the patio when she goes in the house? Do I make it a negative experience by saying NO in a sharp voice and then take her outside? Totally confused and don't want to mess this up. It's interesting, she actually does her business on the floor of my bathroom. No carpet accidents or anything. Goes into my washroom and goes on the floor. Puppy pads in there perhaps?

Most appreciated! And Perdita says "Ola" to everyone but it sounds more like "woof".

Ola Chica, Have a look at this:

 

[Caramel]

you are literally this little puppie's angel, thank you on behalf of nature's critters, you are amazing

meow rawr ruff

 

[Lavinia]

Thank you all so much for the info. The book is being purchased tomorrow and the videos are great! Perdita is doing very well. She has puppy moments where she wants to chew and bite everything. And then just falls asleep. Lol. I'll post more pics when I'm not so exhausted. Lol.

 

[hankmoody]

Hi Lavinia.
Congratulations on the new addition.
Treated properly there's nothing on this earth that will love you as unconditionally as a dog.
I've trained quite a few and had the most success with praise, praise, praise. Every time she goes outside you can't give to much praise.
A firm "NO" (or whatever word you want) IF caught in the act inside. Can not be after, has to be caught in the act. (And never use her name in a negative tone.) Dogs aren't rational thinkers and live in the moment. How firm depends on the dog. Firm enough to sense your displeasure by the tone of your voice. Not so firm she's scared.
Outside as soon as she wakes, eats, drinks, whimpers, puts her nose to the ground, starts circling ect.
Crate training can be started anytime and helps housebreaking as well. Doesn't need to be big, just enough room to comfortably turn around and lay down. Easiest if you put her in when she's already sleeping or getting close to start. When she wakes up she'll want to go but won't where she sleeps. She'll whine or bark, take her straight outside with plenty of praise after she goes. The crate will become a safe place and soon she will go in on her own to sleep.
Exercise. Discipline. Affection. In that order. I know you have a soft spot for her now but affection affection affection will pose trouble down the road. She needs rules and boundaries.
Never let her lead you through a door. An open door doesn't mean go. Never let her lead you on the leash, always beside or behind. Never let her jump on you, the furniture ect. Only if invited. When you put her food down don't let her eat it until you tell her to.
Consistency is key.
Dogs are pack animals. If you don't take the pack leader, alpha male role she will.
May seem like little things but if you lay the proper groundwork now it could make the difference between a dog who is a pleasure to be around and one who is a pain in the ass. I've never had a dog with separation anxiety. That only happens when they think they are the pack leader.
Cesar Millan has a wealth of information out there as well as others.
Good luck and don't forget to take lots of pictures and video's. The puppy stage is priceless and goes to quick.

 

[MissingOne]

Here we are, all we lustful perberts, writing to a gorgeous SP, eager for pictures of - a puppy!

 

[Ms Erica Phoenix]

Hi Lavinia.
Congratulations on the new addition.
Treated properly there's nothing on this earth that will love you as unconditionally as a dog.
I've trained quite a few and had the most success with praise, praise, praise. Every time she goes outside you can't give to much praise.
A firm "NO" (or whatever word you want) IF caught in the act inside. Can not be after, has to be caught in the act. (And never use her name in a negative tone.) Dogs aren't rational thinkers and live in the moment. How firm depends on the dog. Firm enough to sense your displeasure by the tone of your voice. Not so firm she's scared.
Outside as soon as she wakes, eats, drinks, whimpers, puts her nose to the ground, starts circling ect.
Crate training can be started anytime and helps housebreaking as well. Doesn't need to be big, just enough room to comfortably turn around and lay down. Easiest if you put her in when she's already sleeping or getting close to start. When she wakes up she'll want to go but won't where she sleeps. She'll whine or bark, take her straight outside with plenty of praise after she goes. The crate will become a safe place and soon she will go in on her own to sleep.
Exercise. Discipline. Affection. In that order. I know you have a soft spot for her now but affection affection affection will pose trouble down the road. She needs rules and boundaries.
Never let her lead you through a door. An open door doesn't mean go. Never let her lead you on the leash, always beside or behind. Never let her jump on you, the furniture ect. Only if invited. When you put her food down don't let her eat it until you tell her to.
Consistency is key.
Dogs are pack animals. If you don't take the pack leader, alpha male role she will.
May seem like little things but if you lay the proper groundwork now it could make the difference between a dog who is a pleasure to be around and one who is a pain in the ass. I've never had a dog with separation anxiety. That only happens when they think they are the pack leader.
Cesar Millan has a wealth of information out there as well as others.
Good luck and don't forget to take lots of pictures and video's. The puppy stage is priceless and goes to quick.

THIS is great advice, LaLa...hankmoody knows dog stuff. Along with what we talked about yesterday, of course! Tell Perdita that Auntie Erica only gives treats to good puppies!

 

[MissingOne]

THIS is great advice, LaLa...hankmoody knows dog stuff. Along with what we talked about yesterday, of course! Tell Perdita that Auntie Erica only gives treats to good puppies!

I agree with your assessment of hankmoody's advice. I would add, though, that each of us with a dog gets to decide how we want the dog to behave. For example, the advice about not letting the dog go through a door ahead of you is good. However, when we leave the house, our dog always goes out the door first. I want her to go first. I call her to the door. She sits and waits for instruction. I open the door and look out, then give her permission to go, and she's off.

Not letting the dog lead when on leash is another one that we do differently. Leash walks are rare with us, so it isn't directly applicable. Our walks or bike rides are usually on forest trails, with the dog walking or running ahead, off leash. I like having her ahead, but within a few meters, where I can watch her. She almost always knows more about what is around us in the forest than I do. By keeping an eye on her behaviour and attitude I often learn of potential hazards earlier than I would discover them for myself. She will tell me if there's a bear in the vicinity long before I would figure it out for myself.

I recall reading that in wolf packs, the animal moving in the lead is not necessarily the pack leader. It is often an animal whose role is to be a scout. I like to imagine that our dog sees her role that way. What she really thinks, of course, I will never know.

Each of us wants something a little bit different from a dog, but it is important to maintain your role as the leader.

 

[EuroSZabina]

You are such an angel to bring that little one with you, best of luck to you guys.

 

[Lavinia]

Well the puppy is great! But my glasses didn't make it.

And she got into a bag of kibble a while back. Consumed an entire pound of kibble. She looked like someone had stuffed a balloon up her ass and inflated it. So funny. But much poop to clean up in the days after. Lol.

 

[Lee Marvin]

Watch out for your shoes they smell and taste so yummy to a puppy but they can be so expensive. Teething is usually finished by about two years. Good luck until then.

 

[sybian]

I'm sure miss Erica has extra shoes she could lend out....Except those leapord skin ones...She seems kinda partial to that set.
I know I had a set of boots that a Lab puppy couldn't resist tearing out the insoles.
I put a half cup of pepper inside them, and that cured him for life.