Help with Housebreaking

[Lexi's Mom]

I knew housebreaking a doxie was no easy task, but I don't think I was quite prepared for this challenge. I love my little Lexi, but I need some help.

Because it is somewhat cold right now, I planned on paper training her until summer. When I put her in her crate, she throws the biggest temper tantrum I have ever seen. I thought maybe the crate was too small, so I blocked off the kitchen area and put down a puppy pad. She still hollers and hollers, so I got in there with her. For an hour I told her to go potty but she didn't. Finally, I let her out for some supervised play and guess what she did first thing?

I don't know what to do...she's just a baby. Can anyone please give me some advice?

[Carol A. Smith]

You don't say how old she is... or how long you've had her, or ... give us a bit more history, and I bet we can be of help.

Overall, dachshunds aren't the easiest to housebreak, it requires consistency on your part. Always take her outside after a nap, after a meal, before and after playtime. I know you don't want to go outside, but that's what I would do. And, in the house, establish one spot for her to go. Use papers or piddle pads or something. If you can get a bit of pee on one, that will help to scent the paper. You need to learn to read the signs, when she is getting ready to go, and then whisk her away. Never leave her unsupervised, or running around right now.

That's a start.

Carol

[Augie Dog]

oh boy, a pupper!

If there is an accident, don't yell. My Aug was a block head when it came to going while you were outside. I only said LOUD NO's only when I caught him in the act. If I found a gift after the fact, I cleaned it and took him out and said the magic word "poopeedoo" (it covers both things)

After a while he associated the word with going outside and doing he thing. And the magic word was said everytime we went out. They are not going to learn it in just a few days.

David

[Sandy]

With puppies the biggest thing is consistency. It's a little frustrating at first, but they will get it.

Put Lexi on a strict feeding schedule. Put her food down, give her 20-30 mins to eat and then pick up the bowl. Pick up the water bowl at night, so Lexi won't have to go as much at night.
In the morning, pick her up take her outside and say "Potty" (whatever your key word is). Don't pay attention to her or play with her. If she doesn't go in a few minutes, repeat your key word.
Keep this up until she does it. If you want her to go in a specific area, put her on a leash.
When she does go pee or poop, GO NUTS! PRAISE and TREAT! I used to keep a treat jar outside.

Make sure you take her out: First thing in the morning, approx. 20-30 mins after she eats, after she plays, naps, and when she starts to sniff around intently in and turning in circles.

Don't let her have run of the house just yet.
ALWAYS keep her where you can see her and crate her when you can't.

As far as her hollering when in crate or pen, IGNORE it. I know that's hard, but you are reinforcing this behavior by going to her everytime she does it. Let her cry, when she stops, go to her and PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!

Before you know it, you'll have a house friendly pup!

Good Luck!
Sandy and Badger

[Lexi's Mom]

Thanks for all the help everyone! Lexi is only eight weeks old, like I said, just a baby. :-)

She did pretty good yesterday. Her Daddy and I finally broke down and started taking her outside. It was so cold I'm afraid that she will get sick, but she seems fine right now.

We've been watching her, trying to get her schedule down, but it is a little unpredictable. Sometimes, she needs to go potty 20 minutes after eating, sometimes, she doesn't have to go for an hour and a half.

I've only had her for a few days, but I love her so much already it's unreal. Thanks again for the help and we'll keep to it!