POM/CHI puppy behavior

Question
Hi Carrie,

My male puppy is 11 weeks old, 7/8 POM about 1/8th chihuahua and less than 1/16th terrier.  I'm not sure which breed he gets his behavioral problems from, but he's a handful!  

First of all, I have given him free reign of my room and put up a baby gate in the doorway.  I thought he would be housebroken by now but he often pees right next to the pad (rather than on it) and if he sees someone standing near or outside my room, he relieves himself right next to the baby gate!  He goes on the pad about 75% of the time.  

He also likes to "mouth" my fingers and does this to members of my family also.  I've read somewhere that this may be due to the fact that he needs to be socialized with other puppies.  We tried saying "ow!" very loudly and ignoring him whenever he does it, but he is still mouthing our fingers, especially when he feels playful.  I know he is teething, but how long does that last?  I am hesitant to use tabasco or bitter apple on my fingers as some dog owners have suggested that he may actually like the taste.

Being a white dog, he has some bad tear stains.  I've bought some q-tips with solution in them that helps prevent further stains, but is there anything I can do to completely get rid of the tear stains?  He also tends to step in his urine and feces, which makes his white fur dirty.  I give him a bath and blow dry once a week and in between I wipe him down with baby wipes and baby powder him to keep him smelling fresh.  However, he licks his own genitals and often bites and licks his own feet and tail, which causes me to worry that he might ingest some of the baby powder.  What should I do to keep him smelling good between baths?  

Lastly, he likes to lick his own urine after urinating on the pad.  I scold him when I catch him in the act, but I'm afraid he does it when I'm not home (4 hours per day).  Any advice or tips?  Sorry I've got so many questions!  Thank you!  

Answer
Hi Diana,

Ok, he's only 11 weeks old and you thought he would be house trained already?  I take it this is your first dog. :) My pom was finally house trained at 5 1/2 months of age.  Two days after I got him neutered he stopped going potty on my carpet.   

Puppies are lots of work about the first nine months.  I spend lots and lots of time training my pom and he is the best dog ever!  Very smart and obedient.  So, it is well worth the work.  

You say he goes on the pad 75% of the time?  I think your puppy is doing quite well!  How 'bout putting two pads down or even three.  Then there will be more potty area for him.  Put a pad next to the gate where he sometimes has accidents.  Once he understands he is suppose to potty only on the pads you can remove all but one.

When he bites tell him, "NO".  If that doesn't work grab him by the scruff of the neck, shake and scold him in a low-toned, threatening voice, then look him in the eyes until he looks away.  Looking a dog in the eyes is dominant behavior.  You are the alpha dog (pack leader).

Feeding him a high quality diet will help a lot with the tear stains.  Although it probably won't get rid of them entirely.  Tear stain remover can help but you don't want to get it in his eyes.  Stop using the baby wipes and baby powder.  It may be irritating his skin.  If you are bathing him once a week he shouldn't smell.  Also, only use a shampoo made for dogs.  I bathe my pom about once a month and wash his feet once a week or so and he always smells good.  I also use Pet Promise natural conditioning spritz (berry nice).  I only use a little about once a week right before I brush him.  It smells great!  

Biting the feet and tail is often caused from food allergies.  I feed my pom human grade canned food such as: Wellness and Petguard. I also feed him fresh foods such as: beef, chicken, fish, cottage cheese, yogurt (without added sugar), cheese, brown rice, eggs, veggies, fruit, etc. I never feed him junk food or anything with refined processed sugar. I use to feed him kibble, but I won't ever again. It's too processed. Feed him a high quality diet and I belive he'll quit licking the pad.

I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have.  So, let me know if you need more help!

Best Regards,
Carrie
PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PETS.