Re: Housebreaking regimand...is this good

In Reply to: Housebreaking regimand...is this good
Posted by:  Jenny
Posted on:  September 27, 2001 at 23:41:58

: Ok, thanks for the answer to my previous housebreaking query...I have taken your advice to heart and tailored my training regimand. Could you tell me if this is better...

: In the morning I take her out and stay out with her until she pees (at which I give her lots of praise) and I'm certain she doesn't have to poop. Then we go in and I feed her and she stays in her crate for 30 minutes. Then we go outside together again and I wait for her to pee (and give lots of praise) and wait for the pooping. If she doesn't poop she goes right back into her crate for an hour (or until she whines to go outside). Then we do the outside together (praise if she potties)...until she poops. (which can be most of the day) I repeat this procedure with her evening feed also. My big question is, by doing this is she spending too much time in her crate? Like I said sometimes she just won't poop outside, I can stand out there with her for an hour, she just wants to play...is it ok to keep putting her back into her crate if she won't poop right away. Once she does poop she gets to stay out and play, going outside every hour or 2 to pee between feedings. Have I made the correct adjustments?

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Hi Jenny,

It sounds like you are on the right track. What you might want to do if you feel your pup is spending too much time in the crate is to get a longer leash or a piece of clothesline and leash her to you if you can. This way she is out of her crate but close enough to you so she can't go off somewhere and eliminate.

Remember too that she should be leashed when you take her out to do her business. Also get in the habit of telling her to "go pee" or "go poop." I know it sounds weird but it really does work! When she starts to do whatever elimination then while she is doing it give the command.

I can take my two out and give the command and before you know it they have done their business. These terriers are smart enough to also know the difference between the two commands!

Also when you are out there with her give her 15 minutes to do all of her business. If after 15 minutes she hasn't completed everything bring her right back inside. At her age she will just think that going outside is time to play and what you want to do is get her in the mindset that going outside is time to go potty.

Believe me, in time once she catches on life will get a bit easier!