Dear Michelle My guy came to me in the dead of winter from a warm climate. He was not house-broken @ 10 weeks but we had great success with wee pads. Praise and positive reinforcement is the absolute key.
You need?to spend a bit of time at first but it pays off quickly. If theres an accident wipe the wee pad in it so the smell is on it. Find a place for it and keep it there putting him on it when he gets sniffy or starts turning around. Its usually fairly obvious after awhile when they are about?to relieve themselves. My breeder said to put it behind my couch or in a corner. I soon found a place that he liked.(by default-LOL) But only use positive reinforcement and patience. The old "wipe their face in it" or hit them mentality is detrimental. Make a BIG DEAL out of success on the pad. Treats, delight everything you can muster. It will eventually be a success. But there will be mistakes and if you catch him in the act move him to the pad. But if you do not actually see it in the actual moment?do not admonish the act after the fact as it will confuse your dog. This is a time for creating a bond not neurosis. As soon as spring came my guy took to going outside to do his business but to this day he will look for the pad if its too cold and switches to using them if necessary (when were snowed in etc). Ill put one down if I will gone more than 4 hours. He rarely uses it except if I am gone more than 6 hours. Best of luck! Its a tender time for you and your baby. Your patience will be rewarded. oh and use pads I've heard of dogs eating litter or that paper stuff and getting clogged bowels PS my guy had a bit of a problem with fluffy shaggy rugs like in my bathroom. He thought them to be "fancy" wee pads LOL, but I have to be honest instead of fight it I just picked them up until he could be trusted. (chilly floor winter that first year LOL!) best, michelle and henry in the beautiful Catskill Mountains, NY -----Original Message----- From: mlf107 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Sent: Sat, 3 Nov 2007 11:25 pm Subject: [Chihuahuas] Housebreaking A Puppy Hello, I am bringing home my new puppy on Monday. I live in an upstairs apartment and was considering using an indoor puppy pan for potty training and so that he will be able to go when I am at work once he is older. But I have heard that this can creat problems and ultimately I would want him to feel comfortable going indoors and outdoors on walks, etc. Is this practical? Has anyone had success? Thanks! Michelle ________________________________________________________________________ Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com
