Countdown!
I'm still debating on how to housetrain her. I don't know if I should crate train her or not. It didn't work for Dancer. When I was a kid we always papertrained our dogs, then made the papers smaller and moved them outside. It never took very long. But my first oes was crate trained, as was my great dane and my boxer. It worked well for them. I need to decide what I'm going to do fairly quickly though. I want to have a plan and stick to it before she gets here. If I go with crate training how big should the crate be? The one I have is 22" wide and I think 36" from front to back, and 30" tall. Where should I divide it? The puppy will be about 8 lbs when I bring her home. About the size of a cat. LOL About 1/3 the size of my cat though...lol How long is crate training supposed to take if it does work? It's been so long I don't remember. And if the puppy pees in the crate what do you do? Any advice would be appreciated, I don't want to mess this one up.  |
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| Congrats just a few more days. I hope it will fly by.
Sorry I don't have any advice as I'm a horrible parent when it comes to housebreaking. Neville is 1 and is just now housebroke but Bella is doing pretty good. I think Nev problem was a foster we had when he was younger that marked everything.  Maybe he was confused.
Whats the tatoo for?  |
 i just got my puppy and the crate it wasn't working i get up at least 3 times at night and taking outside to do his stuff but i really wish i can tell you more but that is my personal way of training him i did hear that fro every month they get older they can hold for and hour i really don't know if is tru or not but i notice that my goes every 2 1/2 hours so good luck  |
| By the way Cher, the tatoo is for identification. The tatoo or microchip info is included in their registration. I thought American dogs were tatooed too?
How can you track a dogs registration and pedigree without a tatoo? |
| Bella is probably the black sheep(ie) here. She doesn't have papers. We do have microchipping here but the vet only comes to town twice a month and she doesn't bring everything with her. Just the basics. The last couple of time she didn't even bring the scale.
We are going to the vet next month to get her spayed and I plan on getting her chipped then.  The nearest vet /town is 72 miles from here.
Cher Pretty small town life here in the middle of the desert |
Willowsprite wrote: How can you track a dogs registration and pedigree without a tatoo? Don't be silllllllly.... Sky knows her name!
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| LOL.... and here in Canada we have to choose three names, in case our first or second choice has already been taken. So first choice is Tasia Hills Evening Sky.... second choice is Tasia Hills Stormy Skies.... third choice is Tasia Hills Princess Sky. I really hope I get my first choice though. |
| Congrats honey!!! I feel as though we've all been on this journey with you! I'm a firm believer in crate training. I've done it with all of my dogs, and have been very successful (although I may be giving myself too much credit...since I've had trainable dogs!) Yes, you should divide the crate. It should be just big enough for her to be able to turn around easily...no more room than that. I think the theory is, if they err and have to sit in it, they won't err again. If there;s alot of room, they can move away from it. When they are not in the crate, they are always within eye shot. And I use Piddle Pads (from Petsmart). I don't know if they are treated with some scent (although there doesn't seem to be a scent I can detect)...but after just a couple days, the puppers seem to get it. And unlike newspaper, these pads are plastic lined, so clean up is easy. As you know, my Pirate feels as though he has a vested interest in Sky. So he is especially awaiting her arrival!!!!! I think he's smitten with her and regretting that he's had the "big snip"! He wants you to tell her, in spite of that, he's still a great kisser (giggle)! |
| I highly recommend crate training over paper training! With Paper Training - you're going to have a harder time getting her to understand she can no longer go in the house. Also - it will cause more problems with Dancer - as she will think it's okay now too.
Sydney and Presley were both crate trained. They only had an accident in their crate once or twice at the most (and never pooped in the crate). They were fully trained within a month or two (with a minimal of accidents). I took them out right before bed and didn't have to wake up with them until 6 or so (other than a few nights needing to get up during the night). You have to make sure the crate is small enough - maybe Dancer's crate was too big. Also - did Dancer sleep in the crate - or was she just left in their when you left the house??? They usually won't go where they sleep. They would also stay in the crate while I went to work - and would be fine until someone came home to let them out. Sydney & Presley were both very small - Presley only weighed 10 lbs at 12 weeks old and Sydney was and still is a peanut (she only weighs 46 lbs now) - so it wasn't like they could hold it longer or anything. Things weren't perfect - there were and sometimes on rare occasion are accidents - but it was much easier than any dog I've had that was paper trained. Make sure if you go with crate training - not to confuse them by also paper training. Make sure they know - outside is where to go!
Good Luck & Congrats! Kristen |
| Ok, so if I get another crate for Sky( going to buy one before she comes home) just get the same size she will need as an adult and divide it. What should I use to divide it with? I haven't seen any of the dividers you can buy around here so I'm going to have to make something. Can you guys give me some examples of routines? Like step by step through the whole day? I'm thinking if I take her out at bedtime, which for me is quite late, then 6 am will probably be ok in the morning, but I will take her out in the night if she needs to. So if our day starts at 6 am then take her out and what if she doesn't pee? If she does pee then bring her back in give her food and water, then back out, and if she does pee then praise and treat and play for a bit? But what if she doesn't pee? Back in the crate? And if she does pee how long can I keep her out of the crate? Then how should the routine go? I really want as specific as you can get.... I just don't want to mess things up again. Dancer is doing much better, but it took 7 months and I still can't say she is reliably housetrained. She holds it all night, pees and poops outside in the morning, and as long as she is right with me at ALL times she won't have an accident. She usually holds it till 3-4 pm no matter how many times I take her out. Then she still usually has an accident in the evening, no matter how many times I take her out, and goes outside once more before bed. Still a huge improvement, but if I were to let her out of my sight she will pee wherever. |
| You asked for it....
I have to try and remember back - Sydney's 2 1/2 & Presley's 5 - so it's been a little while.... 6am - wake up - take outside - I've never run into a case where they wouldn't pee at that time (and usually pooped too). I usually say something to indicate that we're going outside to pee and/or poop - "Let's go outside to pee?, or "Who needs to go out" - so they associate that "command" (words) with going outside to pee/poop. I also - say while i"m out there - go pee, go poops, etc. - good pee, good poops! (  I'm sure you all KNOW I'm nuts by now!  )
Once she pees and poops - praise her BIG TIME! and reward - bring her in and play with her inside (make sure she gets used to going out to do her business and doesn't think it's play time out there). Then feed her and give water. I was told to put the food down and take it up in a set time frame (ie. 15 minutes) - but I never mastered this! Play a little longer (watching her the entire time for cues that she needs to go out)- and then take her out again. (Make sure to say the "command" for going out again!) I was working - so I'd let them "play" in a secure area (block them in the kitchen for example) while I showered and got ready. Only if they had pooped/peed on the last time though - otherwise back in the crate while I got ready. Then, before I left - out again! In the crate during the day - without any food/water - but with a few toys and/or bones and a blanket (Sydney also had a Teddy Bear that she used to cuddle with!  ) I'd say at that time - Time to go in the crate and give her a treat! (To this day,when I leave for work, Sydney will go to where the crate was and lie down waiting for her treat ).
The first person home would take them out immediately! Again, never had a problem with them going at least pee at this time (but most of the time they'd poop too). Sometimes, she'd go back in the crate (depending on whether or not someone was staying home) until I got home from work. When I got home - I'd take her out again (this time if she hadn't pooped earlier - I'd try and get her to poop). Feed again (I'd keep water down all day - so she could get to it anytime she was out of the crate). Out again - and then alot of playing (can include outdoors playing or walks - but keep the business and play time seperate.) I would say a different "command" for this "activity". I'd take them out again at around 8 or so - and again right before bed (as late as possible - 11 or 12 usually) and back in the crate for "bed" or "night night" ! (Same thing goes - give a treat to go back in the crate for bed!).
Remember to keep an eye on them anytime they're out of the crate! There are always going to be accidents - but you should see progress quickly! I never scolded them for the accidents. Also - Sydney is deaf - so my verbal commands are also in conjunction with a hand signal (I didn't master all of them though - so she can usually read my body language and knows when I tell her to pee!). It probably sounds like a lot of time in the crate - but - she loved it and I knew she was safe and sound when I couldn't be watching her at all times. Puppies can get into a lot of trouble within seconds - so I found the crate to be a comfort to both the dogs and myself! Both Sydney & Presley were out of the crate before they were 1 years old - and probably would have been fine with housebreaking if they came out sooner - it was more the trouble they could get into that determined how long they stayed in (chewing, etc.). They were "weaned" gradually - but during the weaning process - kept to one area of the house (the kitchen). This didn't always work for the Sydney the Flying Dog - she flew over the dutch door and/or gates with ease! I think if you follow this sort of schedule - you'll probably find that Dancer does better too - she's going to want to mark where her baby sister is going. The commands work - they will often pee and poop on command! All I have to say now is "Who needs to go out?" and they run for the door - even the deaf one - who sometimes I wonder if she's just pretending to be deaf!
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions! Kristen |
| Thank you so much for the detailed reply, exactly what I was looking for. I have a few more questions, what did you do when they did have an accident in the crate? (If they did) Do you clean it up immediately, let them sit in it for a bit, say anything about it? What kind of crate did you use? One of the solid plastic airline crates or a wire metal one? The one I have for Dancer is black wire, with a black plastic tray, because I hate the sound of the metal trays. Also, did you put any papers down at all when they were blocked in the kitchen for playtime?
Also, most people recommend putting nothing in the crate on training websites, but most people have mentioned keeping a blanket or something in it, did you keep a blanket in it from day one? Dancer has a blanket in her crate, she also goes right in it when she knows I have to go somewhere, and often lies in it just because it's there. But if she is in it for any length of time she will pee in it, and if I don't put a blanket in it to soak it up, SHE soaks it up and needs a bath everytime. Some say that if there is no blanket they have no choice but to sit in it and they won't like it, but Dancer does it whether there is a blanket in it or not. I'm going to buy a new crate for Sky today, but I can't decide which one to get, one like I have, or one that is solid plastic. This one is like Dancer's http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 1209168621 The plastic ones I was thinking of are something like this http://www.gundogsonline.com/ProdDtl.as ... eptID=4710 I think I like the one I have for Dancer better, but maybe a plastic one would be more den like and secure feeling? |
| Our crate is just like Dancer's! They are much easier to clean and maintain - the other ones are better for traveling - but not for every day use.
I didn't put any papers in the crate at all. They always had a blanket (which really was a towel) or some of the fake sheepskin. They each had a "comfort" toy and a chew toy or something. I don't remember too many accidents - but I would clean it up when I found it (well, after I took them out first and made sure to tell them to go outside). There were a few times I made the mistake of leaving water and/or food in the crate (feeling guilty they wouldn't have it during the day) - but that always turned into a disaster (especially the water). I didn't put any papers down when they were out of their crate either. I just cleaned up if they had an accident. (I normally have a rug in part of the kitchen - which was taken up during their "housebreaking" time.) Both Sydney & Presley have accidents every now and again - more Presley than Sydney - but it's usually my fault because I didn't respond to them saying they had to go out. They are on a fairly routine schedule - but when they have to go - they'll let me know - especially Sydney - she will sit right at the door and/or come and get me if I'm not in the room. As with everything else - it always varies with each dog. Some are alot easier than others - I may have just lucked out! One thing that may have helped me was that I also had Brittney who was housebroken and maybe they "followed her lead". You can try and learn to "read" their cues - they aren't always obvious. When you are playing - the minute she stops and starts sniffing - scoop her up and bring her outside. Right after playing, eating or sleeping - bring her out. Best of Luck! If it doesn't work - you certainly gave it your best effort! Kristen |
| Thank you so much for your help.... I'm going to go buy another crate like the one I have and then try to figure out something to divide it with.
I'm sorry for all the questions... but... one other thing.... did you keep the crates in your room at night, or leave them on their own? Dancer sleeps with me, and I would miss her if she didn't, but I think to stick with crate training the pup needs to know it is her bed too, but I don't know if I should keep the crate beside my bed at night ,or leave her in the kitchen? |
| Don't worry about the questions! I'm happy to help anyway I can.
I kept the crate in the kitchen. I know others suggest it being in the bedroom - so they feel like part of the pack - but mine made out fine in the kitchen. I think they're fairly well adjusted considering.
If Sydney sees you even move at night - she thinks it's time to get up - so she was better off not being able to see anyone. My bedroom is on the 2nd floor of the house - so I found it easier to have them downstairs - and closer to the outside door. Also - I liked them to be able to see me leave the house - they were more apt to adjust to the crate (knowing I wasn't in the house hearing them cry to get out - they wouldn't bother). Especially with Sydney being deaf - so much is visual. If she doesn't see me leave a room and/or the house - she runs around searching for me. (My sister calls her the "Little Freak" or "Wacky")
I didn't use a divider in the crate - but it wasn't that big. I was going to switch to a bigger crate as she grew - but the only thing that grew was her fur! 
Kristen |
| Dancer's crate really isn't that big either, but I think even though I am getting the same size for Sky I will put something in it to divide it, leave absolutely no room to pee in one end and curl up in the other. I've seen on some sites they recommend a cardboard box... but I think that would get chewed up pretty quickly! LOL
I'll probably do that though.... get several boxes from the liquor store or something. |
| They should sell a divider panel that you can use. Here's an example of one...
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 1213541237 Does Petsmart deliver to your area? You could order one online. Kristen |
| I don't use credit cards, so I can't order it online, and there are no Petsmarts around here, only Global Pet and Pet Valu, and neither of them have any in stock, they would have to order and it could take weeks or even months to come in. So, cardboard it is! Unless anyone else can think of something to use to divide a crate? |
| Wow! Everyone has great ideas for potty training. About the names....I have a favorite......Tasia Hills Stormy Sky If you name her after me though, I get to be her official Aunt. LOL
I am just going to ramble on in no paticular order. I didn't start off Jack and Annabelle in our room, they were first "crated" in our laundry room, which is right off of our kitchen. When that was successful we opened the door of the laundry room up and divided the kitchen and gave them a little more room, a few months later they had the entire kitchen that they stayed in. We just kept making the area a little larger each time. They were not allowed out unless me or my husband could watch them very intently. Our sheepies have a certain body language that we learned and it also helped. Whenever our pups did have an accident along with having them watch us clean it up we would take it outside and make them come with us. Once the accident is cleaned up, we have the dogs settle in the spot and lay there. I don't know if that ever helped, but have always heard that where a dog sleeps it won't go to the bathroom at. I think with Dancer coming right along with training that Sky will hopefully be easier for you and you will have 2 beautiful potty trained girls. I hope all goes well. Stormi and co. |
Willowsprite wrote: [...] Unless anyone else can think of something to use to divide a crate? Let's see......
Concrete (though it may be a little difficult to go back to full size A little concertino wire so she can swin in and be protected from her mother eating her -- oh wait, that's fish.... An old computer case or two, get them at the town/city dump or transfer station.... Other dogs in there will make it feel smaller.... |
| Hmmm..... LOL
So I need to decide which are serious.... Well, the netting for fish won't work.... lol... The concrete was probably meant as a joke, but one of those big cinder blocks would be just the right size to set in the back of the cage, and I have several holding up my house, do you think it really needs all of them?
Computer cases are all over this house...lol... but I'm not sure I want to use them for that.... The other dogs suggestion is a good one! I should tell my hubby that, maybe he will agree to more puppies! (He said he refuses to count animals anymore, he cannot deny their existence if he counts them) |
Quote: (He said he refuses to count animals anymore, he cannot deny their existence if he counts them)
LOL, throw blankets on them and tell them they are furniture. Stormi and co. |
| Willow, when are you planning on picking up Sky? If you would like I can order the crate from petsmart that come with the devider and then mail it to you in Canada. You can mail me a check. What do you think? Otherwise, my hubby suggested cutting a piece of wood the size of the crate, drilling two holes on each side and wiring it to the crate. As she grows, you can just unwire and move the wooden piece, and then rewire. I also have a small plastic crate that Mopsy came in, I can mail that to you until you can get a nicer one ordered. It should last at least a month or two. Mopsey is 3 months and still fits into it comfortably. We aren't crate training her. |
| Thank you so much for the offer... I think I'm going to use one of Ron's suggestions for a divider, even though he probably meant it as a joke, I think a concrete cinder block will work perfectly. I was going to buy a new crate over at pet valu today, but my youngest son is sick so I didn't get a chance to. I'll pop in tomorrow and get the crate. I still haven't decided where Sky will sleep though. In my room or in the kitchen. I think I'll try my room, though I haven't a clue where to put the crate since my room is so full of stuff! I'll keep it in there at night and use Dancer's crate in the kitchen during the day. Dancer only goes in it usually when we're not home or when I wash floors (which is everyday, but she's not in it for long)
I'm picking Sky up a week from today, Friday morning. I can't wait! They all had their tattoos today, but they all handled it well. |
| Willow, I was told by my vet that concrete (sp?) holds the smell of urine and it cannot be washed away, ever. So, if she pees in the crate, the smell will stay in the crate, and she might get urges when she is in it when she smells it. If you use wood, you can attach it higher up, so that if she pees, it won't get absorbed by the wood. Or even a plastic tray which is sized right will do. Just a thought. |
| Willowsprite: When Truman was small, we put plastic webbing across half the inside of his crate and used wire ties to attach it to the cage. It worked quite well and was inexpensive. Good luck! |
| Thank you for all the replies. Well, when I went into pet valu they only had the small and extra large crates left, and none with the plastic coating and drop pins that I like. So I bought a small metal crate with a plastic tray and ordered a large crate in the style and type that I like for when she is older. It's vinyl coated bars are country blue, which I think will suit Sky. That elminates having to worry about dividing it, and it is small enough to do the job. She probably won't grow out of it for 3 months or so, which gives us a good head start on housetraining before she graduates to the larger crate. It was worth the 60 dollars if only to make sure housetraining goes right this time! Divide that by puddles and it's only pennies a puddle! LOL |
| Willowsprite,
There was a discussion about Potty Training on the Beardie List I belong to and someone just posted a story that I immediately thought of you. When he had trouble "potty training" his dog (he started out paper training and the dog just continued to pee in the house regardless of all his efforts of moving the paper outside, etc.) - so he took the dog outside and peed himself - the dog marked on top of it and has never had another accident in the house!
So - if all of your efforts fail with Dancer - you can give that a try!
I couldn't stop laughing! Kristen |
| Oh my goodness! Mine did the same thing, when Mopsey was having accidents on the rug. LOL She has gotten better since then!!!!! How funny! |
| LOL... that is funny..... |
| Two more sleeps!!! |
| Rest up! I can't wait to hear all about her antics when she comes home!
I am in severe puppy withdrawal right now - I want to smell those popcorn paws and puppy breath!
Kristen |
| Isn't puppy breath great?! My husband says that's gross to love puppy breath, he said it's probably from lickin it's bum, and then givin you kisses. LOL |
| Oh Well! I'm sure we've had kisses from alot dirtier mouths! |
| puppy breath is the best. It smells like bologna.
cher (who doesn't even like bologna) |
| LOL I love my little Mopster's breath, especially when she wakes me up in the morning with her sloppy kisses. I just wish it was 7:30 instead of 4:30 am when she did it! |
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One more sleep! (that's what my kids say before Christmas) Speaking of Christmas, it's not far off either. We woke up to a very chilly morning, and it made me realize that summer is almost over. Some of the leaves are beginning to change here, and traditionally we get our first snow during fair time, which is usually around mid September. Wow... not far off at all. |
| Tony and I get up at 4:30am every morning. Its been just getting light at that time. But the last couple days...its completely dark. '
AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And only 2 weeks til my darling Stefanie goes off to college 
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why did summer go so fast? |
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