by BullyLady » January 24th, 2009, 3:01 pm
Okay, so a couple of things, at eight weeks old you can't expect for her to hold her pee for more than three hours in the crate. So if you are gone for longer than that don't be surprised if you come home to pee, even if her crate is the correct size. The usual formula is the dog's age in months plus one, is how many hours they can hold it.
Second, make sure that her crate is ONLY big enough to stand up, turn around and lay down in, otherwise she will designate part of the crate as "bathroom" and part of the crate as "bedroom". If they have to lie in their own mess they are less likely to do it.
Next, as far as the punishing, yelling, rubbing nose in the messes while you are home, just don't do it. Just don't. The only acceptable thing is if you catch her in the act then very firmly say "No" and pick her up (even if she is still going) and take her outside to finish up.
Also, any time she goes potty outside, make a BIG FREAKING DEAL of it! Praise her and tell her how good and wonderful she is, give her treats, all while she is peeing or pooing outside. That way she knows what is expected of her.
You will need to take her outside at least hourly, but also after she eats, drinks, wakes up from a nap, or gets done playing. If you are finding she is messing in the house alot then tie her leash to your jeans so that she is always in eyesight. You will get to know the signals that she needs to potty, then you can rush her outside and praise her like CRAZY for going in the correct place.
"I'm not all bad but I'm a faithful sinner."
~Dave Matthews
Cathleen
Shelby - AB Mix 1 yr - CGC