HELP! - Puppy refuses to potty outdoors!

[A332]

I've had my daschund/chihuahua pup for 3 days now and I have probably made about 50 trips with her outside from early in the morning to very late at night, and she simply refuses to relieve herself outside...

I've even taken the papers she's used inside and placed them on my porch very close to the front door so it's a simple trip out... I stay out there with her for 10-15 minutes, and although it is a bit cold with some snow here... it gives her more than enough time to do her business...

I don't know what to do... as soon as she comes in she goes sniffing and looking for the papers... I can't seem to get her to go outside, and I use simple and consistent commands each and every time... she just starts whining and does not want to stay outside...

Someone help me please! This is my first dog and I've always wanted a dog so badly.. but I feel helpless and I don't want to have to take her back to the store...

 

[CreatureTeacher]

Please don't take her back to the store!!!! I'm not even going to go into how horrible pet stores are to their dogs. Just please don't take her back.

From what you say, I would guess it's the cold. I have known many small dogs that just wouldn't go outside in the cold. Remember that even if it doesn't seem cold to you, she's a lot smaller and the cold gets to her very quickly. I know how she feels; I hate to pee sitting on a cold toilet seat.

I would bet that when it warms up, she won't be able to get enough of being outside. But until then, you might think about getting her a litter box. I've taught 3 small breed dogs to use litter boxes--it's not as hard as you'd think. I find that they don't like to have more than about a half inch of litter, and they don't like the granular rocky stuff. There's a great brand you can get at most feed stores and PetSmart that's made from corn, and it seems to work well for dogs. And, if she happens to eat a mouthful, it won't do any permanent damage. (I would guess it would give her one heck of a bellyache, though.) Get one of the boxes that has a little dip in one side that she can step over to get in easily. You don't want her to have to jump. Since she's already keyed into peeing on papers, just start moving the papers closer and closer to the litter box until they're actually in the box. Don't put litter in at first, just the papers. Then you can take out some of the papers and put in some litter, or simply start putting more and more litter on top of the papers as she becomes used to it. Phase out the papers slowly so she realizes that it's not the thing she pees on, but where she pees that matters. If she pees on the floor, soak it up with some papers and put it in the litter box. If she poops, just toss that in there too. She'll get the point that this is the new bathroom. Praise her every time she goes in the box on her own, and throw her a big party when she potties there. Keep the box clean; no one wants to hang out in their own waste.

Besides, how cool is it not to have to get up and take the dog out when it's snowing? And you could take her anywhere with you! It's really a valuable skill for her to have, and it's really pretty easy to teach.

This is my best idea. I sure hope it helps! We'd love to see some pictures of your girl!

 

[A332]

I am happy to report my little girl Tasha has taken two successful potty trips outside... I think we are on to something now... persistence pays... I just am a new dog owner and just couldn't see to have it work.. but she's done both outside with lots of praise from me!

http://members.shaw.ca/masonboi/tasha

Thanks!

 

[Renee750il]

That's great! Just bear in mind that she's going to have an occasional accident for awhile. One thing to watch - after you feed her, she'll probably take a little nap, then play for a few minutes - then she'll need to go. That's always helped me keep on top of the bathroom breaks.