New puppy...

Question
QUESTION: I have an 18 month female BASSET FAUVE DE BRETAGNE, she was 4 months old when we got her, love this dog, this breed, we just got a 13 week old male puppy, same breed, from a breeder, and he is peeing in his crate, and having quite a few accidents, in the kitchen where we keep him. The accidents don't bother me as much as the crate stuff.We are doing all we can to get him out, same spot, after eating and drinking, etc. praising him with the best treats. I am horrified that this puppy may never be housebroken. Should I despair? I can count how many accidents Rosie-the 18 month old female had on 1 hand.

ANSWER: Some dogs learn the concept quicker than others. In his case you may need to restrict him until he's fully potty trained. If done right, he shouldn't have any accidents at all, right from the start.

Umbilical cord technique means he's with you, he can't wander off and pee somewhere else. He should not roam in the kitchen as it provides plenty of opportunity to pee in it and he'll learn he can go there, no problem.

Usually timing (Which you seem to be doing well), restriction and guidance are the key to get it all done quickly.

If he's not on the leash and he's not outside to go potty, he shall be in the crate (Meaning you can't keep an eye on him because a) you're asleep. b) you're gone from home c) busy with stuff like cleaning the house, taking a shower, etc.
If you, for example, sit on the computer tie his leash to your chair, have him lay next to you on a dog bed and give him a bone to chew on.

Yes, every time after a puppy wakens from a sleep you go and take him outside. Make sure you control water and food (Don't free-feed, have a schedule). When you take him to go potty say "POTTY - OUTSIDE". You don't need to always feed him, a "Good pee" or "YES!! Good pee, good boy" will do well, too.

Often when  a breeder isn't as "Clean" as they should be, meaning they have the puppy pee on newspaper in an Xpen inside the house, not cleaning it often, not taking the puppy outside already while still with them or when puppies and mom have to stay in a crate the entire time, you get issues with soiling on the sleeping spot. Dogs are clean by nature and avoid peeing where they sleep - that and the denning instinct is what makes crate training such a good idea.

Make sure the crate isn't to large! If he has a spot to eliminate without touching it when laying down, he will continue to do so. See if you can stuff it, perhaps use some older pillows (If he doesn't chew them) or a divider so you can make his space smaller in the kennel.

However, you may want to get him checked by the vet if nothing works!! He may suffer from an UTI or bladder infection, etc.


I hope my ideas will help you getting the issue under control soon.



Sincerely,


DogNanny 911





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Making the crate smaller was the perfect solution...no more pees...but still accidents on the slate floor in the kitchen. He actually resists going outside sometimes. I try to be on it, put him on leash and go to the same spot, waiting patiently, sometimes he goes, but sometimes, he runs the otherway when I say let's go potty outside...is he still too young at about 14 weeks. thank you...

Answer
The idea of the umbilical cord technique is that the puppy is at all times under your control for the first couple of weeks of his life. Unless he's in the crate, or outside with you in the yard, he is ON the leash in the house - meaning he can't run the other way since he's.. well, controlled by you.
If he's in his crate, open the gate, tell him to wait, put him on the leash and guide him straight outside. After pee and play, running and exercising in the backyard, BEFORE you come back into the house, puppy is put back on the leash.

Make sure you always take him out right away after he slept/took a nap, or after he ate. Set an alarm for you to take him out frequently - never wait until a puppy/dog signals they got to go potty, that way the puppy/dog learns to eliminate upon command.

No, not to young at all. Think about it, he's already learned how to manipulate the situation by taking off on you. Set yourself and him up for success. Teach him "Come". "Sit". "Leash" -- meaning he will hold still for you to put the leash on him. I usually praise while hooking the leash onto a puppy's or dog's collar: "Goooood leash, gooood leash" and won't stop saying it unless I'm done and the pup's secured (Helps him focus on what's happening, will prevent him fighting you because you sound so calm and praise feels good).