Housetraining Woes
by Daniel & Cooper
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
I can't believe its already been 2 weeks since I got Cooper! Its felt like a year. Well anyway housetraining is going so-so. He usually have one accident a day, most likely pee. I have seen him walk over to the door a couple of times and the second he gets out he goes! So there is some improvement. He usually has his "stances" when he needs to go. He spreads his legs really wide and it looks like he is almost going to lay down -- that means pee. And his crouched up stance means poop. But by the time the stances have occured, what's done is done. He also never has any accidents in his crate (except for like the 3rd day he was home) So we put some comfortable bedding in today. Boy does he love it! He just rest his head on it and falls asleep (like in his day bed). Well any additional advice and the housetraining? Thanks.
DISCUSSION:
Daniel, your descriptions are priceless. Just before these "stances" there should be a little circling. (With my two, slow circles mean pee; fast circles mean poop.) That is the time to get him outside - fast. Don't get discouraged. Cooper is still very young and he'll have accidents for awhile. Sounds like you're doing a great job.
Marie
My advice is this...patience, patience, patience. Sounds like you're going about this the right way. I had Chico about 80% house trained, but we would have the occaisonal accident in the living room until...one day it just stopped! I didn't do anything special, just kept up with the usual routine, lots of praise when he peed on his paper, and eventually he just got the hint. Also, keeping your little one on a regular feeding schedule helps you anticipate what times he is likely to want to 'go', so that can help you too. Good luck, and hang in there!
Dean and Chico
Sounds like your doing all the right things. Takes patience. Try to get him to speak when you say the word "out" or whatever you use. Good luck.
Dottie & Tasha
I agree, Daniel, I think you are doing fine, just be a little more patient. It took me 8 weeks to fully train Puff, but we only have accidents now when I do something stupid, like close the family room door and forget she is in there. Just keep plenty of "Out" or "Natures Miracle" around and remember to just clean up the mistake without a word, unless, or course, you catch Cooper in the act, then you take him out and use your command word. And lots of praise when he does it right. It will work, just hang in there.
Sandy and Puff
Daniel, you're doing fine and so is Cooper! Remember, he's a young boy still -- accidents will happen. Just praise the correct behavior and clean up the incorrect very thoroughly and you will be fine in no time.
Marcia and Casper
Isn't it funny - just when you think your baby's got it down, they assume the stance (on your good rug)!!! Bear started kindergarten classes last night. The trainer said to encourage them to "tell" you by saying to them when they go to the door, "do you want to go outside" and keep it up while they get all excited. She also said keep them in the room with you at all times and pay close attention to them. When they excuse themselves and leave the room, you know exactly where they are going. Call them back to you and ask if they "want to go outside" (rather excitedly) many times. I love the kennel training when we are at work. We come home at lunch and play and he gets to go then. But on weekends it's not as easy. It's always something with our little babies!!!
Katy & Bear
| Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise. |
|
1996-1998© Maltese Only Discussion Created by Jay Bianco All rights reserved |
