Puppy Training?

[LK03]

Hello! My husband and I have contacted a breeder and will be getting a 10 week old Lhasa Apso this Sunday and I have some concerns. First off we have two Siamese cats, can't you just hear them singing the song now to the dog? I do not have much experience with puppy training. When my parents got our current dog he was about 3 months old. The crate training didn't work since the dog would constantly walk in his poo while they were at work. My mom got sick of cleaning him and thus the crate training idea vanished. She ended up just putting papers down for him in the same area every day in case he had an accident. She also has the luxury of coming home at lunch to let him outside.

The breeder told me our Lhasa is currently puppy pad trained but not responding to crate training. She said he whines a lot while in there. I will take him outside in the morning before work around 7 am and probably will not be home till 4 pm. How will this work for a puppy? Do you think he will walk in his accidents often? I bought shampoo with the idea I may have to wash him everyday after work. Would you suggest keeping him in the crate all day or letting him have free reign of the kitchen by being gated?

I realize he's a puppy and needs to go about every 30 minutes, but someone else here must be working people, I'd like to hear your suggestions. Like I said the only experience I have is from my parents and I guess according to the books they didn't do so good with potty training. I've read a ton of things online about this and would just like some actual feedback from people who do work and can't be home all day.

 

[marydmjj]

We have an almost 5 month old puppy named Lilo. We got her when she was 10 weeks old as well. She is getting much better in the crate. When we first started crate training (at bedtime) she would bark and cry for hours. But I needed it to work so we put up with it. I work but have weird hours and most days she isn't in the crate for more than a few hours. But when I had to leave her in the crate for the day she would poop & walk in it. It was gross and took time to clean up. But now she doesn't have any accidents in the crate and even sleeps in there all night with no problems. Now if I could figure out how to get her to stop peeing and pooping on my carpet everything would be perfect.

 

[marydmjj]

P.S. As I was typing my last note Lilo came in the kitchen and layed down in her crate. We leave the door open while we are home so she can go in if she wants to. Even though they have told you the puppy isn't responding to crate training I would definitely keep trying. It is nice to be able to leave the puppy and know she isn't doing major damage to herself or my home.

 

[kilee]

First general rule- a puppy should be able to hold their pee for 1 hour for every month they are. That being said you really need to find someone to come 1-2 times in the afternoon to let the puppy out. Otherwise you're asking too much of the pup. They'll have to relieve themselves in the crate- and the crate will never work out. A puppy of 2 1/2 months just cannot hold it the 9 hrs you'll be gone. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear. It is really difficult to train a puppy and be gone from the house for work alone 9 hrs a day.
We got Kobi (our shih tzu) last year at this time. The thing about Shih Tzu's and Lhasa's they are known for being difficult to potty train (my MIL has a Lhasa 2 weeks younger than my shih tzu). You'll read it all over when you are researching breed specific info. So, you'll really want to instill good potty training routines right away- otherwise you may end up with a dog you'll never quite train (like my MIL's). These dogs are very stubborn/headstrong so once they make up their minds (even about pottying) they're hard to break of those habits. My MIL couldn't use a crate w/ her lhasa due to being gone for too many hrs a day- and she will pee anywhere still 1 yr later- (on furniture, in the car, wherever she wants when she wants). I'm not saying this happens to every dog, but every month the dog gets older and proper potty habits are not instilled, the harder it gets.
The other thing-- you cannot bathe him daily-- you'll dry out his skin- and then you'll have a bigger problem. Double check w/ your vet and groomer, but most will recommend no more than an average of 1 bath every 2 weeks.
If you give him free reign of a room- chances are he's not going to get the concept of training. I'd really take some time in the next few days and read up on the different methods. Honestly, pee pads sound like your only option since he physically shouldn't/and can't hold it the amount of time he'll be alone. Then when you can get some more time, or he gets older you can use the method of moving the pads towards the door to train him for outdoors.

They can be really great, sweet dogs-- they just take a bit of extra work at the start.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Nine hours in a crate seems very long for a puppy. Would it be possible to arrange for someone to come mid-day to let her out, feed her, play with her, etc? Remember, this baby has a bladder the size of a grape, she needs to go every couple of hours, at least. If you do leave the pup out of the crate, will she be ok with the cats around?

 

[Aimeedyan]

That's too long - those who work all day hire a dog sitter or come home at lunch. It's unfair and cruel to expect a pup to potty on themselves and sit around in it. Not only cruel, but will severely slow down potty training.

We adopted puppies ONLY when I was in graduate school and could come home often. Now, with us both working, we will only adopt older dogs.

Find a reputable dog walker service or neighbor that can come by every 3-4 hours or see if you can rearrange your work schedule. They can hold it 1 hour for every month they are old plus 1. So, 10 weeks old means 3.5 hours or so.

We did not leave our dogs longer than 7 hours until they were a year old. They could have likely held it prior but we wanted to be sure they were okay and felt like a puppy needed a break midday to run and eat. They have lots of energy!

I'd crate train - get some puppy training books and learn all about it. Puppies for Dummies is good. I didn't bring home our 1st until we had read tons of books, talked to lots of friends with puppies, and researched things exhaustively. Even then, we made stupid mistakes that we paid dearly for (aka, using puppy pads!). I highly discourage you from using those in your home.

Dogs don't immediately enjoy crating, esp when their pack is home (you're the pack), but they get used to it eventually. It keeps the dog safe and helps with potty training.

Good luck!

 

[Aimeedyan]

Oh no, you can't bathe him everyday. Dogs have a different skin as we do and it will dry him out, ruin his coat, and cause skin issues. Most breeds get bathed 1-2x a YEAR. I have one of those - so nice and low maintenance! My other dog, a Shih Tzu similar to a Lhasa, gets bathed every 6-8 weeks or when he needs it. I try to avoid it at all possible but he gets regularly groomed. I don't bathe him at home unless he gets into something nasty as I'd rather just get him shampooed when groomed. He goes every 6-8 weeks to the groomer.

 

[kilee]

I do have to echo one thing aimeedyan said-- we too had wanted to get a puppy for quite awhile. But neither dh nor I had the time-- we were working 40+ hrs per week. So, we too felt it wasn't fair. Then w/ a turn of events last year- dh got offered a job that took him out of town 3 days a week- but he gets 3-4 full days off- and the best part was it was almost triple the money. In the end I cut my hours down to just 2 days a week. For us, it was then (after "wanting" for 2 years) that was the perfect time to get a puppy. If we were still working that much I'd probably only consider an adult dog- but I know people will feel differently on this, and I can respect that. I just feel puppies are like babies- and they can't be left alone all week. Maybe you could look into doggie daycare.

 

[FreshTressa]

My doggy had to go every 15 -30 minutes when we first got him. It was not until I realized this that he trained!

I would take a week off of work when I got him to work with him and make sure he knows to go on the papers, then leave him in the kitchen. I would also have someone come in to walk him once a day.

I can't imagine leaving a puppy in a crate that long without access to food or water and no place to potty.

 

[Zoiebear]

puppies are alot of work, but well worth it. Alot of people use crates, I tend to get the huge ones. My big one, both my beagles could fit and probably lay out. In the beginnning the least freedom the better. Just be patient
stacie

 

[kilee]

You actually have to use a crate that is size appropriate otherwise it doesn't work. The crate should have enough room for the puppy to comfortably stand up and turn around. Anything more and they're going in the back left hand corner and sleeping in the front- which doesn't teach them anything.

 

[minkydog]

This poor puppy. I wish you would reconsider this. Puppies are very much like babies.you wouldn't leave your 1yr baby attended for 9 hrs, to lay in his poop and go without food. You really can't leave a puppy in a crate for that long,nor would I advise leaving him loose--not only will he chew everythinng insight out of boredom, he'll pee everywhere.

I think you need to really educate yourself about puppies. You seem to have unrealistic expectations. Better yet, adopt an older dog

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You really have unrealistic expectations for your puppy. They are not cats at all. As a cat person we now have dogs, they just turned 1 yr. old.
They are a handful!!! They are like toddlers, always have to be watched and get into mischief. Like eating your baseboards in your kitchen.

We have 4 people taking care of them. DH (works from home) and I (SAHM) are home all day. That was the only reason we considered getting 2 puppies. Also my pups were 4 months old and crate trained already.

A young puppy is not a match for your home. You need to reconsider or hire someone to take care of your puppy. It is a "baby" not a "dog" yet.

 

[LK03]

I think you all are being a bit rude. I asked for suggestions. I never said I was going to keep him in the crate all day! I asked what others who WORK what they do. There are TONS of people who get puppies who work. He's all puppy pad trained so I can leave him in the kitchen which the current breeder already does with him. I am already planning on going home during lunch to let him out when I first get home and then right before I leave to go back to work. I know they are a lot of work. Forget about asking for suggestions again jeese. I asked some people here at work what they did when they got puppies and they said leaving him in a crate for 4 hours is not cruel and is normal. I just can't believe some of you. I'm just very dissapointed that you all would be so cruel. You wonder why many people are afraid to post discussions on this board because the "all mightier than thou crowd," preeches their belief and does not even address the question.

But to those of you who actually did offer some advice such as a dog walker, thank you, you actually answered the question with some HELPFUL advice.

 

[imsorry]

Hello! My husband and I have contacted a breeder and will be getting a 10 week old Lhasa Apso this Sunday and I have some concerns. First off we have two Siamese cats, can't you just hear them singing the song now to the dog? I do not have much experience with puppy training. When my parents got our current dog he was about 3 months old. The crate training didn't work since the dog would constantly walk in his poo while they were at work. My mom got sick of cleaning him and thus the crate training idea vanished. She ended up just putting papers down for him in the same area every day in case he had an accident. She also has the luxury of coming home at lunch to let him outside.
The breeder told me our Lhasa is currently puppy pad trained but not responding to crate training. She said he whines a lot while in there. I will take him outside in the morning before work around 7 am and probably will not be home till 4 pm. How will this work for a puppy? Do you think he will walk in his accidents often? I bought shampoo with the idea I may have to wash him everyday after work. Would you suggest keeping him in the crate all day or letting him have free reign of the kitchen by being gated?

I realize he's a puppy and needs to go about every 30 minutes, but someone else here must be working people, I'd like to hear your suggestions.

You are the one who said he would be alone for 9 hours. You said someone else had the luxury of coming home at lunchtime and you don't. I have always loved dogs and wanted one; I refuse to be selfish and get one when DH and I both are gone from 8AM til 6PM every day. You can't come here and expect to only hear what you want to hear. You admitted you have concerns with the cats as well. Animal lovers are very passionate people, as they should be. A puppy is like a baby and you wouldn't leave your child alone all day.

 

[LK03]

But, did I ever say I was set in what I had planned?! No! That's why I came to this board to see what others have done in a similar position. I was thinking that yes it seemed like an awful long time to be alone so that I would come home during lunch. I said I had concerns about the cats because they have not been around dogs and I was told by a veterinarian a long time ago when we looked for a rescue adult dog that with two cats we should get a puppy so they could have dominance. Wow, maybe I shouldn't listen to a vet, what do they know.....

 

[BWVDenise]

I got my shih tzu puppy this past Saturday, so I'm doing the training routine and I'm exhausted! She goes A LOT. Plus, she has the runs (we are on our way out to the vet now), so she has been making quite a mess at night. But even just for needing to pee, she only weighs less than 3 lbs., so she doesn't go very long without need to go out. She hates to be left alone during the day and follows me wanting to be picked up and held so she can sleep. I'm just trying to get to the grocery store for an hour! She is a little love bug. I don't think people are trying to be mean in their comments, but this is SO much like having a baby in the house!
Whoops, even as I was typing this she peed on the floor and I just had her out (she wouldn't go because my neighbor is having trees taken down and she doesn't like the sound of the trucks and the chainsaws).
Good luck to you!

 

[nowellsl]

My daughter(she lives at home) recently bought a puppy. She goes to school and works and I work full time. I was concerned also about how she planned to train her puppy. Luckily I work close by so I can check on her at lunch and have relatives next door that can check on her at least one other time. So far she still goes on the puppy pads. We bought a little play yard to confine her in initially so she wouldn't run around and get into things. Plus we have a cat I was a little unsure of how they would intereract when we weren't home (I still am, although the cat has been reallllllllllllly tolerant so far). The play yard worked well until she learned how to climb it (smart little thing!) Now she has the run of the house - except for the room we had to block off - this is were the cat food and litter box is. (She loves cat food and I have caught her in the litter box - yuk!) The cat can jump over the baracade but not the pup. We try taking her outside to go but she hasn't figured that out yet and will wait until she gets back inside and go on her puppy pad. I've heard of people litter training puppies but don't know anything about it! Good luck whatever you decide. I have read a few posts on these boards and it seems that anything to do with dogs/puppies can become flamable posts at times! People mean well overall - at least I hope so!

 

[corie161]

We have an 8 mth old English Cocker spaniel that we have been working diligently on training still. I work 8-4:30 but am able to come home for my hour lunch so he gets let out to do his thing and get some exercise in. Then back he goes into his crate until I get home again. Is the ideal situation for a pup? No, but it is works for us. I guess if I was unable to come home for lunch I would have rethought the decision to get him in the first place. He also sleeps in his crate at night. It seems like a lot of crate time but he really doesn't seem bothered by it, and will often go in it when we are home or if one of the kids seem to be making him a little nervous.

For a while I had him in his crate while we were gone and confined to the kitchen when we were home and unable to keep an eye on him. It seems like I spend a lot of my time home in the kitchen so I was with him the majority of the time, but sure enough when I would leave the room he would make a mess, even if he had just been outside.

He currently has the run of the house with exception of the upstairs (kids rooms, too messy) and the basement. He still for some reason does not tell me when he has to go out, I just have to make him go every so often. He has issues with being left out of things, when I go to put the kids to bed and don't put him outside he will piddle a spot on the carpet and has sometimes soiled. I guess my point is he still hasn't gotten the jist to the potty training thing, but he's doing much better than a couple of months ago.

This got long, but I just wanted to let you know how we do things, since I also work during the day. I would continue to try the crate, and make sure like someone said it's just big enough for him to turn around in. I had to put a box in the back 1/2 of ours for a while until he grew to fit into it.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[kilee]

In all fairness- you never mentioned your intention to take him out twice during the day. You in fact did ask about leaving him for 9 hrs. Nobody was even mean- people suggested you rethink it. Which in light of the information you gave was not an unreasonable suggestion. We can only make assumption's based on what you told us.