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Puppy and potty training

18 17:04:33

Question
I have a few questions actually. I've had a siberian husky puppy for about a week now and she is adjusting pretty well, we just have a few issues. Her name is Bindi, she is 10 weeks old. She was shipped to me on a plane, so I know that was a little traumatic for her. Anyways, I take her outside to go potty about every 45 min. to the same spot and tell her to go "potty". She either just sits there or wants to play. When i take her back inside she pees on the floor. Then i got some puppy training pads that she usually always goes on and i reward her for. I have moved them to the door and watch when she heads in that direction. Then I will take her outside and repeat the process over again. She wont go outside potty at all. It doesnt seem to be working. Also, she wont let me brush her. I've tried to distract her, or brushing her when she is really relaxed but she just runs away. I know huskies need to be brushed, so i'm getting concerned. When shes laying down i will brush her with my fingers to try to get her used to it, but that doesnt seem to work either. Lastly, she is a little shy of other dogs but will let them approach her, if one barks, however, even if its just on TV she is long gone running or hiding. If i take her for a walk and a dog barks in the distance she panics and trys to run away. I love her to death and hope i can help her with these problems. I appreciate any advice you can offer.

Answer
Hi Trinka, Take a few deep breaths. You are doing all the right things in potty training by rewarding the good behavior and not making a big deal of mistakes. Since you have moved the piddle pad to the door and it is working for her, all you need to do now is move the piddle pad out doors (take one that she has piddled on already and a fresh one), give her a command to "take a break" and reward her for using the pad outdoors. Once she has done that and received praise, you can easily begin her adjustment to going outside. You must establish yourself as her pack leader that is calm and assertive. Once you are very relaxed, hold her and brush her. Don't get upset if she wiggles and cries, just stay calm and do it. Praise her when you are done. You are the one who must stay calm, do not use words, begin by stroking her face like a mother dog would do to groom a pup. When you are out or she hears dogs on TV, have her on a leash and stay calm, move her forward and say only "SHHH". Move her forward when she is having a panic attack, she will soon learn that you are a calm leader who she can trust. Thank you for writing. Please leave me some feedback and let me know how things are going. Regards, Susan