Ah Oh We have a problem, help!
- Thread starter msbsgblue
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Erm, wow...
OK, first of all, your dog is not telling you because you have not trained her to do so. Imagine me coming up to your dog and asking for a "roll over", I imagine she's just stare at me as you have not trained that command (assuming and for example purposes only, obviously). Also, using a crate as punishment is cruel and gives crate-training a bad name. I know what you said after your first post and that you tried to save face, but never ever use a crate as punishment. Two of my dogs have crates, they are fed in them and go in them as they want. Every time they are put in there by myself or my husband, they are given a treat and it is treated like one of the best things in the world. We say the word "crate" and they go flying to their crates, waiting for their treats.
Secondly, having a schedule is so important, not only for you so you know what is normal for your dog and when something may be amiss, but also for your dog and her routine. I could tell you at what times of day my dogs pee, poop, and eat. Like clockwork. This is important for me to know as this is one of the first questions asked at most vet appointments, "is bella eating normally? normal eliminations?" and I CAN answer because they are on a schedule. So, YES, knowing how often and by what means your dog is mentally stimulated is very important to answering your questions.
Thirdly, you have a puppy. Of course she wants to play. I wouldn't want to be stuck inside all day. Heck, sometimes my dogs just want to go out and lay in the sun and sometimes that is a grand idea for ultimate relaxation for all of us. I wonder how mentally stimulated your pup can be, being kept indoors and only allowed outside for potty times. I'd make you believe I had to go potty as well! If it is currently unsafe for her to be out, MAKE it safe for her to be outside, otherwise it's a bunch of excuses as to why things can't be done for your pup.
Lastly, one can not go from A to Z without going through all the letters in between. I am happy you have such a good puppy, but it is unwise as well as unfair to have her assume such "grown up dog" behaviors so quick in life. She needs to experience things. She needs to be let outside. She needs mental stimulation. She needs a schedule. I'd also suggest training her to pee and poop on command, that way you have more control over the situation. My dogs know that if we give those commands, they'd better go or it's going to be awhile before they can go again.
OK, one more thing. YOU came here asking for help. Many of the people who have posted in this thread are professionals who have taken the time out of their busy schedules to be here and offer assistance and others are experienced dog owners who, it seems like you, have been around the block a time or two and like to share experiences. It would behoove you to graciously accept the generosity of their advice and to try what everyone is suggesting. After all, if you knew it all, you would not be here asking for our advice.
OK, first of all, your dog is not telling you because you have not trained her to do so. Imagine me coming up to your dog and asking for a "roll over", I imagine she's just stare at me as you have not trained that command (assuming and for example purposes only, obviously). Also, using a crate as punishment is cruel and gives crate-training a bad name. I know what you said after your first post and that you tried to save face, but never ever use a crate as punishment. Two of my dogs have crates, they are fed in them and go in them as they want. Every time they are put in there by myself or my husband, they are given a treat and it is treated like one of the best things in the world. We say the word "crate" and they go flying to their crates, waiting for their treats.
Secondly, having a schedule is so important, not only for you so you know what is normal for your dog and when something may be amiss, but also for your dog and her routine. I could tell you at what times of day my dogs pee, poop, and eat. Like clockwork. This is important for me to know as this is one of the first questions asked at most vet appointments, "is bella eating normally? normal eliminations?" and I CAN answer because they are on a schedule. So, YES, knowing how often and by what means your dog is mentally stimulated is very important to answering your questions.
Thirdly, you have a puppy. Of course she wants to play. I wouldn't want to be stuck inside all day. Heck, sometimes my dogs just want to go out and lay in the sun and sometimes that is a grand idea for ultimate relaxation for all of us. I wonder how mentally stimulated your pup can be, being kept indoors and only allowed outside for potty times. I'd make you believe I had to go potty as well! If it is currently unsafe for her to be out, MAKE it safe for her to be outside, otherwise it's a bunch of excuses as to why things can't be done for your pup.
Lastly, one can not go from A to Z without going through all the letters in between. I am happy you have such a good puppy, but it is unwise as well as unfair to have her assume such "grown up dog" behaviors so quick in life. She needs to experience things. She needs to be let outside. She needs mental stimulation. She needs a schedule. I'd also suggest training her to pee and poop on command, that way you have more control over the situation. My dogs know that if we give those commands, they'd better go or it's going to be awhile before they can go again.
OK, one more thing. YOU came here asking for help. Many of the people who have posted in this thread are professionals who have taken the time out of their busy schedules to be here and offer assistance and others are experienced dog owners who, it seems like you, have been around the block a time or two and like to share experiences. It would behoove you to graciously accept the generosity of their advice and to try what everyone is suggesting. After all, if you knew it all, you would not be here asking for our advice.
This is my last reply to this post.
In my opinion some of you are attacking me without fully knowing the circumstances.
First- I isn't that I don't want to be outside, I live in the Pacific Northwest and it has turned much cooler here now. I have major joint and muscle problems and below certain temperatures and with a cold wind blowing down on us from Mt. Adams and Mt. Ranier which are still snow covered from last wintes snow, my illnesses will not allow me this time of year to tolerate the cold winds. If it were summer here now that would be different. I could go out but I pay in severe pain and the inability to sleep from horrible muscle cramps after being in the wind. My husband suffers the same health conditions I do.
Secondly- If you read parts of my posts as closely as you did others you will see that we are in preperation for her to have a large enclosure. The fencing is up, the grass is planted but we had to reseed. For us to walk on that young grass now at the time of year when grass here is not growing much longer would kill what we have gotten up. If we kill that grass, this winter she will have to go out in mud.
Thirdly - I never said that I was not appreciative of advice. I don't know what was meant by that statement that I have "been around the block at few time and that I am sharing my experiences." Isn't that what everyone is doing?
We do take her to a particular place in the yard to potty. You have to see our property, other then the place she pottys and the yard we are preparing for her now, most of our property is planted and left wooded and tall shrubs to accomodate the dozens of quail that live on our property. We like the wildlife. But, that said we do have preditors. In addition this area is well populated with skunks which can carry rabies. Since our vets are hesitant to give her her rabies vaccine at 1 1/2 pounds I don't want her just running where she could pick up something, not to mention the many dogs that roam loose and from the looks of them, I doubt they have had vaccines as they are poorly cared for.
Since my compute/sunroom has two walls that are all window she loves rolling in the sun right her.
I am a very caring dog owner, and I am looking out for the protection of this tiny puppy.
She will soon have her large 14 X 14 run just outside my sunroom door where she can run and play safely.
She gets lots of play with us and stimulation.
I will say that as advanced as she seems to be on the knowing she must go outside that she doesn't go as often as most young pups so saying she will go right after sleep or a short time after eating has not applied to her. All dogs are as different at people. We have seen her eat and then not want to go out for 2-3 hours. I think that is exceptional for a 14 week old puppy especially as small as she is.
Please be a little more tolerant of special case and needs people.
In my opinion some of you are attacking me without fully knowing the circumstances.
First- I isn't that I don't want to be outside, I live in the Pacific Northwest and it has turned much cooler here now. I have major joint and muscle problems and below certain temperatures and with a cold wind blowing down on us from Mt. Adams and Mt. Ranier which are still snow covered from last wintes snow, my illnesses will not allow me this time of year to tolerate the cold winds. If it were summer here now that would be different. I could go out but I pay in severe pain and the inability to sleep from horrible muscle cramps after being in the wind. My husband suffers the same health conditions I do.
Secondly- If you read parts of my posts as closely as you did others you will see that we are in preperation for her to have a large enclosure. The fencing is up, the grass is planted but we had to reseed. For us to walk on that young grass now at the time of year when grass here is not growing much longer would kill what we have gotten up. If we kill that grass, this winter she will have to go out in mud.
Thirdly - I never said that I was not appreciative of advice. I don't know what was meant by that statement that I have "been around the block at few time and that I am sharing my experiences." Isn't that what everyone is doing?
We do take her to a particular place in the yard to potty. You have to see our property, other then the place she pottys and the yard we are preparing for her now, most of our property is planted and left wooded and tall shrubs to accomodate the dozens of quail that live on our property. We like the wildlife. But, that said we do have preditors. In addition this area is well populated with skunks which can carry rabies. Since our vets are hesitant to give her her rabies vaccine at 1 1/2 pounds I don't want her just running where she could pick up something, not to mention the many dogs that roam loose and from the looks of them, I doubt they have had vaccines as they are poorly cared for.
Since my compute/sunroom has two walls that are all window she loves rolling in the sun right her.
I am a very caring dog owner, and I am looking out for the protection of this tiny puppy.
She will soon have her large 14 X 14 run just outside my sunroom door where she can run and play safely.
She gets lots of play with us and stimulation.
I will say that as advanced as she seems to be on the knowing she must go outside that she doesn't go as often as most young pups so saying she will go right after sleep or a short time after eating has not applied to her. All dogs are as different at people. We have seen her eat and then not want to go out for 2-3 hours. I think that is exceptional for a 14 week old puppy especially as small as she is.
Please be a little more tolerant of special case and needs people.
I am very tolerant of special case and needs people. I have worked with many. BUT you chose to get a puppy, she is not special needs. I am not tolerant of people who get an animal and then claim special needs as an excuse. I assume you were special needs BEFORE you got the puppy. Its not like it is a surprise.
No one here is saying you aren't caring.
BUT here is where you frustrate me. I have asked (as have others) HOW you are playing and stimulating her. You refuse to answer. THAT is why I am less than tolerant of you. Fine you can't go out, but can you answer direct questions?
Edited to add:
Just because she can hold it after eating doesn't mean she should. Its like getting your child to potty before a car trip. Teaching your pup to go when they can helps them learn to go for longer times in the house.
No one here is saying you aren't caring.
BUT here is where you frustrate me. I have asked (as have others) HOW you are playing and stimulating her. You refuse to answer. THAT is why I am less than tolerant of you. Fine you can't go out, but can you answer direct questions?
Edited to add:
Just because she can hold it after eating doesn't mean she should. Its like getting your child to potty before a car trip. Teaching your pup to go when they can helps them learn to go for longer times in the house.
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We only know what you tell us. No one is attacking you, if anything you have gotten very defensive and pulled out the special needs card when it has not been needed. Please do not make assumptions about this group of people who are trying to help you.
Perhaps getting a puppy was not a wise choice, then. But given that you do have a puppy, you have to make accommodations for her. Maybe you can find someone -a neighbor or family member maybe?- that can help you take your puppy out.
Again, perhaps these preparations should have been made well in advance, but since they weren't, what can you do NOW for the pup while the grass is growing?
Yes! I'm glad you understand.
No one said anything differently.
This is not about your having any special needs, it is about providing ideas to help your pup... right? Which is what we've done. What there seems to be a lack of tolerance for in this thread, though, is your inability to answer questions and your defensiveness when people are trying to help. It's all about the dogs here. Once you realize that, you'll settle right in.
Perhaps getting a puppy was not a wise choice, then. But given that you do have a puppy, you have to make accommodations for her. Maybe you can find someone -a neighbor or family member maybe?- that can help you take your puppy out.
Again, perhaps these preparations should have been made well in advance, but since they weren't, what can you do NOW for the pup while the grass is growing?
Yes! I'm glad you understand.
No one said anything differently.
This is not about your having any special needs, it is about providing ideas to help your pup... right? Which is what we've done. What there seems to be a lack of tolerance for in this thread, though, is your inability to answer questions and your defensiveness when people are trying to help. It's all about the dogs here. Once you realize that, you'll settle right in.
When we first got my dog we kept him on a long leash outside at all times because our fence is very short, and we knew if he wanted he could go over it.
The long lead (20 ft) allowed him to explore an area while we sat in a chair and read a book, or whatever for 10 minutes to a half hour. (He isn't that into playing as he is blind, he mostly wants to sniff around and listen to interesting sounds.)
Since your dog is getting enough interaction inside, maybe she just needs some time outside exploring in a limited area that perhaps you could make comfortable for yourself. (Blankets? Outside firepit? Windbreak? I am not sure what would help.) The long lead would be an easy "playtime" signal for her. And you could also schedule these outings two or three times a day so that she knows she gets playtime at 10 and 2, but the rest of the time it is just a potty break.
The long lead (20 ft) allowed him to explore an area while we sat in a chair and read a book, or whatever for 10 minutes to a half hour. (He isn't that into playing as he is blind, he mostly wants to sniff around and listen to interesting sounds.)
Since your dog is getting enough interaction inside, maybe she just needs some time outside exploring in a limited area that perhaps you could make comfortable for yourself. (Blankets? Outside firepit? Windbreak? I am not sure what would help.) The long lead would be an easy "playtime" signal for her. And you could also schedule these outings two or three times a day so that she knows she gets playtime at 10 and 2, but the rest of the time it is just a potty break.
I did not read through the whole thread, too much arguing so sorry if I repeat or miss something. Just one question, when you take her out is she kept on leash? (sorry if you already said that).
If not start doing so, bring her straight to a "potty area" and walk around in there. When she potties let her off leash (if the yard is fenced) and let her run or run with her. Or immediately initiate a game with her if she's in the p[laying mood. If she wants in run to the door with her. Just make fun happen as soon as she goes. Eventually she'll go right away when you go outside. If she does not go then quietly and slowly walk back in. If it's been a while since she last went potty then crate her for about ten minutes so she does not go potty in the house as soon as you walk through the door. After ten minutes go back out and repeat until she goes.
Also notice which times she does go when you take her out. That way you may have an idea of how often she needs to potty. Because you do not meal feed she may not have a self schedule though so this might not work.
If not start doing so, bring her straight to a "potty area" and walk around in there. When she potties let her off leash (if the yard is fenced) and let her run or run with her. Or immediately initiate a game with her if she's in the p[laying mood. If she wants in run to the door with her. Just make fun happen as soon as she goes. Eventually she'll go right away when you go outside. If she does not go then quietly and slowly walk back in. If it's been a while since she last went potty then crate her for about ten minutes so she does not go potty in the house as soon as you walk through the door. After ten minutes go back out and repeat until she goes.
Also notice which times she does go when you take her out. That way you may have an idea of how often she needs to potty. Because you do not meal feed she may not have a self schedule though so this might not work.
I had said that I would not reply her again but....
O.K. First of all I don't want to have problems here with anyone of you. I came here for friends.
I will try to address the questions I can remember.
FIRST - Whomever it was that made the comment about pulling out the disabled card. No, I had not planned to tell anyone here that we are both disabled. The only reason I brought that up is that people kept asking why I do not spend a lot of time outside this time of year. I do in summer, but it has not been warm here for the past 3 weeks. I cannot take the cold wind, we can see Mt. Ranier and Mt. Adams from our yard still completely snow covered from last winter. The wind is always a west wind, that wind is very cold coming off that snow in addition to it only being in the 60's as of late. That is why I cannot tolerate being outside much. Those of you who have never dealt with arthritis and fibromyalgia do not have a clue to the pain we suffer and we do what we can to protect ourselves too.
SECOND - Someone said was it wise to get a puppy. Certainly, why not? Many disabled people have pets. Since we cannot get out a great deal she is the joy of our lives and the sunshine in our days.
THIRD - SOMEONE ASK ABOUT PLAY. We spend hours with her a day. We play ball with her, she loves to fetch anything, she is already learning to sit, stay. She has interactive dog toys etc. She is really a very happy puppy. We will be going to puppy socialization classes on Sunday afternoons for a while, and then later to loose leash walking classes, and after that to puppy training.
She gets lots of play and attention.
FOURTH - RELIABILTY - It may be hard for some to visualize that this tiny puppy now 13 weeks old and 1 1/2 pounds could suddenly just "Get it". Believe it or not, she is completely house broken. She is even having free run of all the house now except the bedrooms. It does not matter where she is, usually as close to me as she can stay, but if she is in another room and has to go, she comes to one of us and sits down until we ask "Do you need to go out?" Then she jumps up on our legs.
Since I first posted this question it has now taken care of itself. She only wants to go out now to potty and when I think she is done I ask "Are you ready to go in?" and she goes back to the door and up the steps.
FIFTH - Someone just ask above if she is on a leash. Most definantly. We are in the country, there are preditors, we are next to a highway and no our yard is not fenced. She does have a fenced yard that will be ready very soon though the way she now wants to come right back in I doubt she will want to be out in it much alone. My first tiny toy was like that years ago. In fact, she was so particular that she did not like getting her feet dirty. She wanted out and right back in not that I made her do that. This one is now taking on those characteristics. These very tiny babies are mostly this way.
SIXTH - I realize that a majority of you here have larger dogs. Perhaps you cannot wrap your mind around the fact that a dog small enough to fit in the palm of my hand does not need a huge excercise place. Many tiny dogs live in apts in large cities and hardly ever go out. They lead happy, long and healthy lives. Some are even litter box trained.
We did take her to the park on Sunday since the sun was warm and the wind was not blowing as it does much of the time here.
If you could be here and see her you would see one very happy content puppy.
If I failed to answer your questions it is because I cannot remember what all was written above.
Pat
O.K. First of all I don't want to have problems here with anyone of you. I came here for friends.
I will try to address the questions I can remember.
FIRST - Whomever it was that made the comment about pulling out the disabled card. No, I had not planned to tell anyone here that we are both disabled. The only reason I brought that up is that people kept asking why I do not spend a lot of time outside this time of year. I do in summer, but it has not been warm here for the past 3 weeks. I cannot take the cold wind, we can see Mt. Ranier and Mt. Adams from our yard still completely snow covered from last winter. The wind is always a west wind, that wind is very cold coming off that snow in addition to it only being in the 60's as of late. That is why I cannot tolerate being outside much. Those of you who have never dealt with arthritis and fibromyalgia do not have a clue to the pain we suffer and we do what we can to protect ourselves too.
SECOND - Someone said was it wise to get a puppy. Certainly, why not? Many disabled people have pets. Since we cannot get out a great deal she is the joy of our lives and the sunshine in our days.
THIRD - SOMEONE ASK ABOUT PLAY. We spend hours with her a day. We play ball with her, she loves to fetch anything, she is already learning to sit, stay. She has interactive dog toys etc. She is really a very happy puppy. We will be going to puppy socialization classes on Sunday afternoons for a while, and then later to loose leash walking classes, and after that to puppy training.
She gets lots of play and attention.
FOURTH - RELIABILTY - It may be hard for some to visualize that this tiny puppy now 13 weeks old and 1 1/2 pounds could suddenly just "Get it". Believe it or not, she is completely house broken. She is even having free run of all the house now except the bedrooms. It does not matter where she is, usually as close to me as she can stay, but if she is in another room and has to go, she comes to one of us and sits down until we ask "Do you need to go out?" Then she jumps up on our legs.
Since I first posted this question it has now taken care of itself. She only wants to go out now to potty and when I think she is done I ask "Are you ready to go in?" and she goes back to the door and up the steps.
FIFTH - Someone just ask above if she is on a leash. Most definantly. We are in the country, there are preditors, we are next to a highway and no our yard is not fenced. She does have a fenced yard that will be ready very soon though the way she now wants to come right back in I doubt she will want to be out in it much alone. My first tiny toy was like that years ago. In fact, she was so particular that she did not like getting her feet dirty. She wanted out and right back in not that I made her do that. This one is now taking on those characteristics. These very tiny babies are mostly this way.
SIXTH - I realize that a majority of you here have larger dogs. Perhaps you cannot wrap your mind around the fact that a dog small enough to fit in the palm of my hand does not need a huge excercise place. Many tiny dogs live in apts in large cities and hardly ever go out. They lead happy, long and healthy lives. Some are even litter box trained.
We did take her to the park on Sunday since the sun was warm and the wind was not blowing as it does much of the time here.
If you could be here and see her you would see one very happy content puppy.
If I failed to answer your questions it is because I cannot remember what all was written above.
Pat
Last edited:
I'm very glad to see that you came back here. Most of us on this forum truely want to help you, that's why we take the time out of our day to come and write sometimes long replies and advice.
What they meant by that was, maybe it would've been more practical to get an adult dog who doesn't need the huge amount of socialization and doesn't have the energy of a puppy.
I'm so happy to hear that you're getting her into training classes. Yay for you!
I think it is hard for you to visualize that we KNOW what a 13 week old, 1 1/2 pound puppy looks like. I have worked with tiny chihuahuas and poodles in training classes, as have many here, and many here have also worked with them in other places like vet clinics.
I am very happy that she's completely potty trained, there are many jealous puppy owners reading this right now!
Dogs get cues from humans - what they like, what they're scared of, can most of the time be taken from how their humans feel about the situation. If you don't like being outside, your puppy will pick up on that and she will probably not like being outside either. The problem is, at this age she needs an extremely large amount of new experiences - she needs to be able to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of being outside to develop the way she needs to. That is why we're stressing how important it is to let her go outside and play, it's very different than playing inside.
What they meant by that was, maybe it would've been more practical to get an adult dog who doesn't need the huge amount of socialization and doesn't have the energy of a puppy.
I'm so happy to hear that you're getting her into training classes. Yay for you!
I think it is hard for you to visualize that we KNOW what a 13 week old, 1 1/2 pound puppy looks like. I have worked with tiny chihuahuas and poodles in training classes, as have many here, and many here have also worked with them in other places like vet clinics.
I am very happy that she's completely potty trained, there are many jealous puppy owners reading this right now!
Dogs get cues from humans - what they like, what they're scared of, can most of the time be taken from how their humans feel about the situation. If you don't like being outside, your puppy will pick up on that and she will probably not like being outside either. The problem is, at this age she needs an extremely large amount of new experiences - she needs to be able to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of being outside to develop the way she needs to. That is why we're stressing how important it is to let her go outside and play, it's very different than playing inside.