Yes, rescued pets often come with names and there isn't much you can do except hope that it isn't anything obscene if your pet was named in a different culture or language. Two of our dogs had names, though we changed one slightly which didn't cause a problem. Our third dog was never given a name so we got to choose it. She is called Cassie. Unfortunately our parrot has trouble with it and when she shouts her name she leaves off the "C". I have tried to correct her but it is hopeless.

We should start a new thread where we can debate the referendum. I am considering voting against it. I think the Animal Protection Society has just gone too far. Efforts should be made to stop the abuse in the first place. There are already provisions to remove an abused animal...what is a laywer going to do after the fact except cost money?

Ok, when do you invite us for the Big Meal ?


My (late) dog used to love to chew a small whistling girafe.

Ok people. Remember i said in the first post that the dog is already toilet trained? Well he is not. I guess i was lucky the first day. Any tips except the pee/treat routine?

Today we went out 3 times already (yes i know its only 9:30 - imagine!) and he did absolutely nothing. He almost did it on the floor but i caught him just in time. Put on my coat ready to take him again out happy that finally he would do something and guess what. He is laying in his bed refusing to move. At least he is asleep now. Yeah rest!!

I feel like im having a baby!

Yes, you are looking after a baby, Gata - a Hundebaby!

If you're worried he's gonna pee in the hallway before you manage to step outside, pick him up (arms under his chest and butt). Did you say he's getting pretty heavy, eh?

The most likely times when he wants to pee/poo:
1. After waking up from a long nap.
2. After eating and drinking.
3. Two or three hours after his last pee. (Biggest hint: He sniffs around on the floor for a 'suitable' spot.)

Have a word of encouragement when you're outside and want him to pee/poo. 'Stacca' is the word the guide dog school uses.
If it has been 3 hours since the last pee and he has drunk water, stay out and walk about till he has pee'd ("good, clean boy! bravo!" No need for a treat; enthusiastic praise and loving touch will do - after he has poo'ed/pee'd).

No scolding after an 'accident'. Just matter-of-factly clean it up but don't play with him while you're doing it (have him sit a couple of meters away if he can).

You are.

My routine is similar to Argus'.

Go out with Whiskey on lead every few hours - hourly if necessary, as he's so young, and certainly after eating/drinking. No fuss, no games, no play - but watch his body language - when you see that he's about to go, give the 'piddle command'. When he's piddled, big praise and then a game or treat as a reward.

(If you plan on using clicker training you can start now.)

I use one command for urinate another for defecate.

Repeat every few hours. Young dogs really do have tiny bladders and need to go out frequently.

As he starts to understand the piddle command, give it as soon as you go out (or get to the spot where you want him to piddle). Again, no play before piddling, and big happy praise and reward once the job is done.

And once he has made the connection (assuming you have a fenced in garden), you can then do the same routine off lead.

The idea is to teach the dog to go on command. You will be very happy he knows this when you are trying to keep to a train schedule.

But always always always go out with Whiskey and stay with him the entire time he is out. He won't understand if you are not right there to praise when he's performed correctly.

With a young dog I find it often easier to use play as a reward, as young dogs are usually so play driven. It reinforces the idea 'job first, play after', so that you are not setting up the scenario where your dog goes out, faffs around for a while then comes inside and piddles.

Also, I've found it important not to bring the dog in immediately after piddling, as that makes him think that piddling ends play, which is a negative reinforcer so the dog refuses to piddle in order to play longer. Let him understand that once his job is done he gets a nice play session as a reward. End on a high note.

Of course Whiskey will have accidents - he's a baby. When that happens, say nothing, no emotion - and certainly no punishment! Simply take him outside and go through the usual routine. He'll understand.

It's been ages since I had a puppy here, but IIRC, my girl was 98% trained in two weeks. The other 2% took some months. But hey, that's part of the joy of having a puppy.

I always keep Greenfields cleaner on hand, too.

Good luck to you both - soon these sleepless nights will be but a memory...

(More pictures - pretty please? )

Thanks

Just peed on the floor again. Did what you guys said (just clean no play) and he is in his bed sleeping now. Its just so annoying that we are out for 20 minutes with him crying all the time because its cold and he doesnt do anything. Oh well will keep trying

Be comforted by the thought that he will only be able to hold his bladder/bowels after the age of six months, bless his little furry soul.

When our foster Lab was growing up, sometimes I'd be so busy doing something I didn't even notice (so dim of me!) that she was giving me signs she wanted to go out to pee - she'd pace a bit near the door and even sit there whining a bit. Until she couldn't hold it in anymore and let go... it was all my fault of course, being a blur Dogmum.

One more pic

He actually posed for this one!!

Thanks for that pictorial update, Gata!
He's fishing for a tummy rub, isn't he?

Seeing that ubiquitous rope toy gave me this though: If he has a few toys, always keep one in the cupboard (in rotation). So when you bring it out, it's extra enticing as a 'fresh' reward when you use it to play with him.

As a general rule, its an hour for each month of a puppy's life that they are able to hold it in. Its maximum 3 hours for Whiskey since he's 3 months old but I wouldnt wait that long. Melloncollie's method of every hour outside (regardless of what time of the day), treat if business accomplished, straight back into the house is the method I used.

Lots of great tips you've got here already. Argus is right. Puppies need to go usually after:

1. naps: schedule your dog's bed time and waking-up time and try to adhere to these times as closely as possible. Puppies sleep alot so best to work around these times.
2. food
3. play: after any rowdy play sessions.

Establishing a routine and schedule for such things will help you in your toilet training even further.

One thing I did during the house training period was to watch my dog like a hawk. It was generally easy as he napped alot but he was never let out of sight. When he suddenly stops following you, playing etc, and looks elsewhere, start putting on your shoes and do a runner to the designated spot because he is most likely searching for a "good location". No time for anything else, JUST RUN

In case its too late, and you catch Whiskey in the act, do a loud "ACCCCK!" and carry him outside straight to the designated spot. I felt like a right fool running out without a coat or shoes initially.

In time, once the routine settles in, you'll need to do less of such.

When you are relaxing (watching TV, reading or on computer), have the dog with you. Give him some toys to play with. I had my dog on the leash (gets him used to being leashed as well) during that period. This is to prevent him from wandering off and having little accidents. This also teaches him that it can be enjoyable just being with you.

Obviously, you cant do this forever. Ever thought of crate training? It will speed up your toilet training too as dogs hate soiling their sleeping quarters.

Hang in there!

If he is sleeping like that he is very comfortable with his environment..that's a good sign.

I am a firm believer in crate training but not everyone is. There have been other discussions on this here.

Whatever method you choose for house training, just be consistent and remember to praise and reward. Be patient. Your efforts will be rewarded. Having a puppy is a bit like bringing home a new baby. If you have never had children, which makes moms into very light sleepers, you will soon turn into one.

Dogs are smart and they learn quickly as long as the message is clear. There will be accidents at home but don't be discouraged. You'll get there. Good luck.

We decided to use the crate to train him now because its too cold to go outside. As soon as the poor thing sees the leash he goes to his bed and doesnt move (bed! good boy whiskey!).

Its even too cold for us to go out even! So we got some training nappies from a pet shop and we will try with those. The most difficult thing is that as soon as we catch him getting ready to pee we should move him to the appropriate place and wait until he pees. Which is more that 15 minutes! But i cant say i will miss the early morning walks in this weather!

Training nappies? I've never heard of them. I am presuming that you are referring to puppy pads?

I thing so. It said nappies on the packet but no mention of actually making the dog wear them so i guess you are right. Do you have any experience with them?

Yes. These are pre treated with a chemical that attracts the puppy to use them. It can replace the grass patch. I used to put them together with newspapers (where I wanted my dogs to go) initially (for my previous dogs as well as the foster ones) as I lived in an apartment on the 10th floor then - imagine going up and down 10 floors all the time.

Same rules apply Whenever you see Whiskey starting into his "pre-potty pattern," you gently pick him without talking and carry him over to the papers/pad and then praise them when he did it there.

You may already be aware of this but the crate is only for him to sleep and at times when you cant watch him during housetraining (cooking, shower etc). Lots of great info available on the net.

Never knew they existed - perhaps they're for long-distance travel? Or do you spread it out on the floor and he's supposed to do it there?

(The only thing our foster dog had was 'period pants' for her first oestrus cycle, for which I had to change the 'panty-liner' once every few hours.)

I still think going out for Whiskey's pee/poo is the best practice. The Lab pup whined in the cold last winter but she knew she and I were staying out till she finished her business. Soon enough she was going efficiently to a perforated manhold cover to tinkle through and poo-ed in a gutter (where guide dogs are supposed to do it). And then she couldn't run fast enough back to our warm home.

Just catching up. But OMG, he is soo sweet. I am so happy you rescued the pup.

Good luck with him, and please post more pics.

Nice to know that they eventually work! Did your puppy used them immediately or did you have to wait a long time for him/her to pee?

Also the crate i want to use it so that he is confined on one place when i go out. Any tips on that? Or any other way so that i can avoid the neighbours kicking me out when i leave him alone?