housetraining a dog as a busy person?

Question
Hi, I'm a teen that is about to get a pup (miniature schnauzer). And this is my first dog, because my parents didn't seem to understand why a boy would like a dog. So after 10 years of nagging, I'm getting my opportunity here.

Now I'm making sure to do my homework. I looked everywhere for information on schnauzers, and have a good idea of their temperament and etc.

The problem is, everyone differs on idea of potty training.

I'll list my questions simply.

1. As much as my family thinks puppies are cute, they do not want to touch it at all. So consider my situation as... something like... a 30 year old bachelor, who goes to work at 7 30 in the morning and comes back at 4 in the afternoon. My mother laid down the rule that she will try her hardest to not touch the puppy.

In other words, how do I house-train a dog without my mom's support? I've read that puppies need to be taken out to defecate at least once every three hours or something. Naturally, this poses a problem. Sure, I guess I could somehow get my mom to agree to take the pup out to defecate during the potty training period when I'll be at school (7 30 to 4 in the afternoon). But, it would be MUCH more preferable if there is a way for me to train the dog without my mother's interference, yet make it fit into my schedule (7 30 to 4). is there ANY POSSIBLE way that I can house-train it like that?

2. Can my dog, ultimately, in the end, be trained so that as an adult, I just simply tell it to potty, and it does? We tend to go to places a lot, such as beaches, etc. It would be helpful if the dog would eliminate upon command (i heard this is possible) as long as we are fair and respect its ability to hold it.

3. When I first bring my puppy home, what should I do? I heard that I shoudnt start giving it too much attention. In that case, when I bring the puppy home, WHAT shoudl I do with it, meaning... do I put it in its crate, or give a tour of the house, or what? Where does it sleep for the first week, etc.

Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
There is no one right answer to your questions. Its all related to situation and circumstance. 9resources). I would give serious thought to getting a dog that is already house trained as your situation as described is very difficult.

Our usual advice is to potty the dog first thing inthe morning, then feed it, and immediately put it out again. Then every two hours during the day, being sure to show the dog where to go and praise it/tiny treat when it goes. Then at night, potty, feed potty, then a couple hours at bed time, one more trip out.  

Everyone in the house should work with the dog. For the dog to learn its place in the house, all the humans must interact with the dog. There is along list of reasons but primairly its so the dog recognizes the humans as its family and obeys everyone.  You'll need to engage is basic obedience training so you and the dog are communicating and developing trust, social skills and responsible behavior.

Nearly everyone thinks a dog or cat wants a lot of attention. Not true. They want to "work" and be a valuable part of the family, develope a self worth.  As part of training we have two principles, nothing in life is free, and no means no. The dog gets everything from the humans, but it needs to learn that it earns its food, wter, toy, treat. By earns we mean the dog has to follow some command.  Sit, stay, whatever you choose. The rewards are food, treats, toys, affection and lots of "good dog Fido."  Affection should be at your invitation so the dog learns not to jump on people. Your job is to train the dog, not have the dog train you.


Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwind Kennels LLC
www.dogkennel.org