potty training-housetraining

Question
I have two yorkies-they are 1 year old-I have had them about three months-when I bought them I was told they were housebroken--notttttttt-I started at the beginning and have treated them like puppies-in the crate-outside on leashes every hour-when I cant watch them-back in the crate and then straight outside as soon as they come out--I thought that at their age-they would show some sign of holding it a little longer by now-I have to really be careful about the water to let them loose at all-I feel like I am the one being trained-I panic just trying to hurry up and get the leashes on them or they will wet before I can get out the door-at what age do I really consider them an adult-I take the water away at 530 pm etc-out after naps-after 30 min of running and playing etc-before going into the crate-as soon as they come out etc. Can you suggest anything else-I feel like I cant really enjoy them because I cant get them to show signs of progress--thank you for any help

Answer
Hi Sami,

Thank you for writing to me about your sweet Yorkies.

A dog that is housebroken in one home does not necessarily translate its education to a new place, especially at the tender age of a year old. Each dog learns housebreaking techniques at it's own pace.  Some dogs are housebroken as early as 4 months and others, untill not well after a year old.

Are both dogs having equal difficulty with housebreaking?  You need to determine the needs of each of your dogs individually and address that dog as a unique being.

Both of your Yorkies should receive a full medical checkup to rule out any medical conditions, such as a bladder or kidney infection, small or tilted bladder, etc.

You seem to be fully aware of the techniques of puppy housebreaking.  Continue with what you are doing but have a consultation with your vet regarding this issue.

Your dogs should never be left in a crate for more than 5 hours.  Longer than that is considered to be cruel and is not good for the health of your dogs.  They can sleep as long as 7 hours at night and should be taken outside immediately upon waking.

It is worth putting the time and energy into housebreaking now, because once you are successful, the work will carry into the rest of their lives.

If it is too difficult for you to continue with then try setting up a puppy X-pen for them with wee wee pads.  This way they can learn to use the pads as well as relieve themselves outside.

If all else fails within the next couple of months, it is time to bring in a trainer (who uses only positive reinforcement)to access the situation and make suggestions.

I know that trying to housebreak can be very frustrating.  Hang in there.  Your dogs need your patience and perserverence.

Best Of Luck,
Shelley Davis