Hi List-
I was very spoiled by my Goldens when it came to housebreaking-I loved those
calls from puppy clients, "oh, he/she was housebroken in two weeks!". The little
Cavaliers can be a different story, and I can feel Sheila's pain and frustration
as she seems to be doing the right thing (s).
At the risk of getting majorly slammed by other listers, may I suggest putting
piggy pup in a cocker pen for the time being, and living with the results until
pup is older and weather is better...I have had to housebreak adult returns and
rescue fosters, and find it no harder than a pup-perhaps even easier as I truly
think the adult/older dogs are a bit more fastidious, so crating them works better
than with a pup. If this were my problem, puppy would be in the Cocker pen (wire
ex-pen with raised floor) until 1.) pup is older (6 months plus) 2.) weather is
better and 3.) my own frustration level had dipped. This includes sleeping in
it. Of course, pup would have free time in the house as usual, but at least most
of the pees and poos are falling through the wire-easier to keep a clean doggie
and clean area. My pups as a litter go in Cocker pens (Goldens and Cavaliers) at
6 weeks when inside at night or unattended. I do start to crate them individually
just before they go home to get them used to the idea, but the pens keep them so
much cleaner and healthier at that middle stage...I generally put old towels or
rugs down for them to sleep on, but not too many, or they just learn to go on the
towels.
Another twist to the same theory (just live with it until a later/better date)
is a plastic kiddie pool with pine shaving, ex-pen around that...pup continues to
pee and poo, but shavings keep things sooo much cleaner and the pool keeps most of
the shavings enclosed. Easy to clean up with a rubber gloved hand. This is the
regime the litters are in at my place from messy age (4-5 weeks, depending on
breed and # of pups) to the age when they are old enough for the cocker pens.
I think sometimes the least line of resistance is the best...make it easy on
your self, just enjoy the pup as a fun little cutie, and put the hard work aside
for a time when you both are up to it! (Easy for me to say, as all my dogs are
(finally!) housebroken and the new pups are only 2 weeks-mom's taking care of
them!)
Aloha- Kim Johnson
Allegria Cavaliers and
Gold-Rush Goldens
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