Potty Train / Gate Problems / Etc.

Question
I have two 12 week old Chihuahua sisters.

1.  We gave them a small bathroom area with their puppy pads for potty training, food/water dishes, blankets, toys, and their soft crate.  Instead of closing the sliding door for the bathroom, we bought a gate so they wouldn't be just locked in a bathroom and we can see them.  However, they have learned to climb over the gate and tear up the house while we are gone.  Instead of dumping more money into more gates, do you have any alternatives?

2. I've read some of the responses about potty training, but still am a bit confused.  The puppy pads have a sent that is supposed to draw them, and for the most part when they are locked up, they go on it.  However, they are now tearing up the pads and thus flinging their droppings everywhere.  I've bought them more tasty chew toys, so hopefully that helps.  Also, when they go in the house and I don't catch them, I've read that I'm supposed to not react, but how is that teaching them right/wrong?

3. My significant other and I both work a lot, more than I was expecting us to when we got the pups.  We know nobody in our neighborhood to have them check up on the dogs nor can we afford to pay for puppy sitting at businesses.  Is it ok to leave them alone all day so long as they have enough food or is it better off to give them to somebody else, which I'd rather not do.

Answer
Well, they can keep each other company - Is there any way you can get a puppy pen?  I will place a link to what I am talking about..
Anyway, contain them in a safe area - place newspaper on the floor for them and a few potty bads.  YES, they may rip it all up.  They will grow out of that in a few months.
The key is to always keep them near a puppy pad so they have a place to go potty.

Don't give them away...JUST give them LOTS of attention at night and on the Weekends..
I am glad there are two - TWO is company....

Here is the pen I was talking about : they can't get out of this...
YOU can always apply a sheet to the gate - MOST dogs can't climb a sheet attached to a gate.

Small play pen
http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-23821#


Oh, please get them onto some NuVET Plus - NuVET is a wonderful doggie vitamin -
give them the powder or the wafer...each day
- It will keep them healthy and protect the Knees and hips...CHI doggies have such leg and knee problems.  NuVET will help to Prevent the Costly knee ( patella) problems..
Here is the ordering info for NuVET - LOADS of Chi dogs are taking NuVET each day:

***If you go on autoship you get 15% OFF
Here is the ordering link for NuVET - I would like to see you get a 60 count and go on auto ship -  If you go onto autoship you will get 15% off each order.  Each dog will only need 1/2 a dosage per day - Because they are so small they can split a dosage ( wafer )---

Make sure you use my Name and VET code to order  - Not sold in stores so you need a referral: **
( a vet or special kennel code)
Marie Peppers  Ask the pet Nurse
code 81098
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
or call :  1-800-474-7044


BEST wishes -
JUST keep up the good work -
GET them into a play pen and plenty of good and SAFE toys..

Nylabones - The best toys for a Chi puppy!

http://www.nylabone.com/


Marie Peppers
mtnmom@gci.net
Good Luck