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Re: What can I do when she holds her stool?

 Posted by:  Heather Reid
Posted on:  March 28, 2002 at 14:40:42

In Reply to: What can I do when she holds her stool?
Category:   House Breaking
Posted by:  Mariana Gironella
Posted on:  March 28, 2002 at 12:48:42

Question:

: Hi, this is the second time I write. My first question wasn't answered though. It's probably because you have so many questions to answer. Isn't that right? My concern is about my 2 1/2 months JRT puppy (she's a female). I've had her for a week now and I'm trying to follow all the instructions you give about housebreaking, but everything seems useless. I know it's a question of patience. She has peed 3 times now in the newspapered floor I have for her in the bathroom, although never by herself. I'm always there. I praise her a lot and give her treats. But when it comes to make her big buisness, it's another matter. I can be with her for 40 minutes in the bathroom and nothing. She's even an excellent actress because she fakes she's getting asleep, closes her eyes and all and at the very second she leaves the bathroom, she's more awake than ever and plays with her toys and all. I've catched her several times "about to do it". I take her quickly to the bathroom and everything starts over again. Nothing at all! I'm really concerned because I don't want to contribute to anything that can cause damage to her health by "holding it" instead of doing what she needs to do. Please, I beg for your advise! HELP! I also discovered this morning in her stool, that she has little white worms even though they gave her to me supposedly desparasited. Is that normal? Does it make any sense? Does this have anything to do with the "holding" problem? Please, give answers to all those questions. I love very much my little "Tristana" and I want to do what it's best for her. Thank you very much. Mariana.


Response:

Hi Marianna,
I'm sorry your first question wasn't answered as quickly as you could have liked. You are correct that there are dozens of questions posted each day, and only a handful of active representatives answering. All of us are volunteers, so it's hard to get to them all immediately. I see that your first question was posted Tuesday afternoon, which in my opinion is not a long wait.
To answer your first question: There is nothing wrong with being affectionate with your puppy. Talking to her, playing with her and any interaction you can have with her is time well spent. It is also okay to hold her! I don't know who told you is wasn't, but they were wrong.
For today: If you reread the information on housebreaking on this site, you will see that you are not following it. No one here reccomends using newspapers. That does not housebreak a dog. It just tells them that it's okay to go to the potty indoors. She needs to learn to potty outdoors, and you'll have to stay out there with her until she goes. Sometimes that can be 40 minutes or more, but please take her outside, not to the indoor bathroom.
Also, please the vet about the worms immediately. He will ask for a recent stool sample, so make sure to collect on for him.They are usually easy to treat, but can get worse and be determental to her health and the housebreaking process.
Most of all, be patient. She's just a baby. Only a miracle could housebreak her at this age, especially with the mixed signals she's getting from being allowed to go in the house.
Good luck!
Heather