More questions....puppy

I take pups out every 20 mins or 15mins. The smaller the pup the more often it will need to urinate or defacate. Chewing stimulates pooping so bear that in mind if free time include a lot of chewing on toys. Overfeeding can cause loose stools and more trips outside or more accidents. Make sure they are actually peeing outside too. Many pups will squat and do nothing just because they know they cannot come inside until they squat LOL. I always check for pee...

I do not free feed, I feed 3 times a day as a young puppy, leading to 2 times a day as an older pup/young adult, down to 1 as an adult.

joyfullmom2

Once again I apologize for the silly questions but like I said I want Chloe to be successful.

There are no silly questions Joyfull !!!  You should read some of the whoppers I asked when I first got Jamison !!

Deb W.

Yep.  Deb is right.  There are no silly questions.

At 18 weeks, yes, three times a day is about right.  One of the problems with free feeding is that it can stymy housetraining.  I haven't had pups for quite some time, but I always took them out on a schedule to potty, THEN we played and had fun.  As good a "treat" as something edible to many dogs.  And, I always either had them crated or tethered to me so that I knew absolutely when any of them showed signs of needing to go.

I haven't had a solo pup in a good while.  I've fostered mommas and litters and my rule of thumb is, if I can't keep a solid eye on them every minute that they are loose, they go into the crate or x pen.  Often that was in the same room as me, but they always went outside for potty FIRST before they went into the pen.

I almost think it's easier when you have a litter because they ALL want to be as close to "the momma" (me) as possible, so if someone gets up from the puppy pile it's pretty obvious why!

Please don't ever hesitate to ask questions.  It's how we learn.

 Here's an example of my routine:

wake up, get zoey out of her crate, outside to go potty.

then back into the crate with a food toy ( while momma works out lol)

back outside for potty & to hang out with the other dogs until I get ready for work

walk to work - training loose leash walking along the way

in ex pen @ work with a kong full of regular food ( small pup kong)

2 hours later out for potty & loose leash walking training

in ex pen again with another kong

2 hours later potty & loose leash walking - in the yard for lunch

I repeat ( go back to work & in ex pen with kong/potty breaks) when I go back to work.

walk home training along the way, hang out in the yard with other dogs.

then depending on my schedule - 30min-1 hour of training/play time or hang out chewy time ( potty break @ the end)

back in the crate with a food toy

out to potty before bed, then back in the crate with food toy for sleepy night night

LOL

on the weekends it's similar but no work and more walks/training or going for car rides.

It sounds like alot of food but her puppy kong doesn't hold that much food, I give her just enough to settle & realize she needs to be in relaxation mode.

Have you ever read Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire? The key to house training is: CONSTANT VIGILANCE!    By that I mean eyes on supervision at all times.  Keep doors closed or tether them to you so they can't wander off and pee or chew something they shouldn't.  If you can't be actively supervising, then take the pup out, make sure they eliminate and then confine them for the time being, until you are able to watch them again.  A crate is fine for short periods or nighttime and an xpen or similar for longer periods.  It doesn't matter how long they are out for, if you are watching them closely and taking them out OFTEN. 

Remember they need to go out very frequently, including after eating, drinking and waking.... and also after (or during) long periods of chewing or playing.  Anxiety and excitement lessen their control, so encourage sedate behaviour indoors more foten than not and be aware that they may SUDDENLY get the urge in the middle of a game.  If you are expecting visitors or some other exciting activity.... give them chance to eliminate before, during and after.  Also take them out any time you see any indicating behaviours; circling, sniffing, pacing, that kind of thing.... and also before and after each period of confinement. 

The more often you get them out there, the more often they will get it right... and the more often they get it right, the faster good, clean habits are formed.  Before long you will get to know your pup's individual rhythm and can go out less often.  Don't expect them to "tell" you when they need to go - some dogs never get to this stage and some do but only after several months.  Waiting for them to "tell" you sets them up for failure, because they could well be desperate by the time they "ask", increasing the chance of an accident if you don't spot them asking straight away.  It's also not so healthy for them to hold it for long periods, so a schedule is better IMO, and the more often the better.

 Free feeding is not your friend while housetraining. When you feed on a schedule it makes knowing "potty" time a whole lot easier. Or do a potty schedule, like every 30 min. we go out.