Kingdom of Pets

Posted by Ashraf
Jul 23, 2011

Hi,
I am planning to obtain my own German Shepherd at my home apartment. Having purchased and having gone through both eBooks: "Secrets to Dog Training" & "The Ultimate House Training Guide" - I am pretty convinced that the best age to obtain my GSD puppy should be 8 weeks.

I am now faced with 2 problems raising a GSD in my apartment flat:
1. I do work for several hours I leave home at 07:00 & return around 18:00
2. My wife who doesn't like pets but is accepting it at home provided she has nothing to do with it.

Base on the above am planning to be taking my puppy at work (Factory) within the working hours of the day and have him with me at home, so I will have it at all times. Now going to house training, I do want to follow the Direct method to have my puppy do his pee/poo outdoors. I shall have 2 crates for it, one at my work place and another at home, and I will be continuously supervising it. I do have the following questions please:

1. Is it possible to have the puppy House Broken in 2 places at the same time?

2. The puppy will spend about 3-4 hrs in the car (about 1.5-2hrs/stretch) 5 days a week. Is that ok for an 8wk puppy?

3. When at home I shall have all the time to be playing and enjoying my puppy, now, for work (my working time excluding the car travelling is about 7 hrs.) How do I keep the puppy busy? Can I have it crated with toys and check upon it every now and then at intervals not exceeding 2hrs.? (I shall be taking it outdoors for its biz.)

4. How many hours of sleep does the GSD puppy at 8wks, 12wks.....4 months & 6 months need per day (approximately )

5. When do you think I could be able to keep it at home only till my return from work? OK. I have my daughter at home that could take him out in the afternoon to do its biz. once she's back from school.

6. Do you think the puppy will be happy with such a system?

7. What is your opinion in general for that strategy and what are your reservations or advice to ensure that it could work?

Thank you so much

Ashraf

Posted by misskris
Jul 23, 2011

Hi!

I am not a professional, by any means, but I am raising my pup and have had dogs all my life. Daisy is almost 14 weeks old. I got her at 8.5 weeks of age from a friend who raised the litter with lots of human interaction and love. So, here are some answers I can provide for you based on my personal experience. Please try to get as many opinions as possible, though, because as i said before, I am no professional!
- First and foremost, be sure to use a reputable breeder, definitely NOT one you think might be a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. I would go to the breeders house and observe where the litter was raised - be sure it was in a place with close human interaction and someplace that looks very clean.

Next, here are some answers I can provide for you based on my experience with my pup.

1. Yes, it's possible. I have been raising Daisy (mixed breed, but mostly border collie) for the past month and a half at my townhouse and my parents house. She resides in both places. It took about 2 weeks to potty train her completely in both places. Just be sure to use the same, consistent method when you potty train your pup in the two different places. (take them to the SAME area in the two places, take them out often, etc...) Dogs are so smart, the pup will catch on quick!

2. I think this seems long for a pup at 8 weeks, but I could be wrong. From the second DAY I got Daisy, I started taking her on car rides. The safest way for us to travel was to put her in her crate, so I suggest this (as soon as your pup is crate trained - don't just shove them in there for the car ride, or they might be scared of their crate). She had trouble the first week in the car. She whined and a couple times, she urinated in her crate, but by the second week, it was magical! She fell asleep before we were even out of our driveway and slept soundly until we arrived at our destination. If your pup does this, you won't have the problem of them urinating, however, if they are awake the whole time, they might have to eliminate. IF they do eliminate in their crate, the last thing you want is for them to feel comfortable sleeping in their pee or poop, as that might make it harder for you to housebreak them. But if you have no other choice, I'm sure they will get used to the car ride quickly!

3. Can't speak to this one as someone is almost always with Daisy. When we can't supervise her, we confine her to the kitchen using a baby gate. I don't think, however, a pup would be able to stay confined in a crate for 7 hours. I think they might need a little bigger area, like a playpen, maybe? They have those at petsmart or petco. I might be wrong, but I am thinking they need a little more area to move about. You are correct that the pup will probably need to be taken out AT LEAST every 2 hours. When Daisy was potty training, she needed to go out every hour at least. I think once she was comfortable with the idea that we were going to take her out when she needed to go, she held her pee longer, so now we are taking her out every 3 hours or so.

4. try googling this one, I think it's 18 - 20 hours for an 8 week puppy and it decreases from there. Not sure of the exact amount though, but I can tell you pups play VERY hard, then all of a sudden, they drop down and fall fast asleep in like 3 seconds!

5. It would totally depend on your pup. Some catch on much quicker and don't experience as much separation anxiety, or any, for that matter. Others are very unsure and need to be slowly broken into your absence. You will know by the second week you have your pup what is best for them. But, I would suggest breaking him in by leaving for longer and longer intervals before finally leaving him for the whole day. And, also, don't forget, if you are leaving him in the house, confine him until you are sure he won't hurt himself or your furniture!

6. Again, depends on your pup. There are so many different people with different situations and dogs learn to live with whatever we are dealing with. That's why they are so great, I think. They love us unconditionally and don't ask for hardly anything in return. I think as long as you are consistent, patient, and give your pup the love and confidence he needs, he will be happy with whatever system you need to place him in.

The most important things for us have been socializing Daisy (it is REALLY important to socialize them to all different types of people ASAP, like before they turn 12 weeks is optimal time). Take him to puppy class so that he can socialize with other dogs as well, in a safe and controlled environment. Crate training was a must for us as well, and potty training will take over your life for the first few weeks, but that's how it is. I suggest taking time off for the first couple weeks you have your pup, if that's possible. This is a crucial time and being there as much as possible to provide consistent training and behavior expectations will make the rest of your life with your pup much easier.

The book is great. I used lots of advice from the book to train Daisy, especially the direct method potty training advice. Good luck with your pup! I guess the best advice I could give is "don't give up" even if the beginning is hard. The first few weeks you will be sleep deprived and discouraged, probably, but fight through it. We are so happy that we did, our Daisy is the biggest blessing we could have ever asked for!

Posted by Ashraf
Jul 24, 2011

Hello misskris,

Thank you so much for taking all the time to attend to all my questions and answer them one by one.....I really appreciate your effort. Maybe you're not a professional but I could see that your replies make a lot of sense and are a reflection of your experience.

I have noted all your comments, and will surely apply all, and keep you updated.

One question: while potty training your pup in the 2 locations simultaneously, did it ever get confused? and was it house broken at the same time within the 2 locations? Also now that its about 14 weeks, do you get any accidents?

Once again thanks a lot misskris

[QUOTE=misskris;6939]Hi!

I am not a professional, by any means, but I am raising my pup and have had dogs all my life. Daisy is almost 14 weeks old. I got her at 8.5 weeks of age from a friend who raised the litter with lots of human interaction and love. So, here are some answers I can provide for you based on my personal experience. Please try to get as many opinions as possible, though, because as i said before, I am no professional!
- First and foremost, be sure to use a reputable breeder, definitely NOT one you think might be a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. I would go to the breeders house and observe where the litter was raised - be sure it was in a place with close human interaction and someplace that looks very clean.

Next, here are some answers I can provide for you based on my experience with my pup.

1. Yes, it's possible. I have been raising Daisy (mixed breed, but mostly border collie) for the past month and a half at my townhouse and my parents house. She resides in both places. It took about 2 weeks to potty train her completely in both places. Just be sure to use the same, consistent method when you potty train your pup in the two different places. (take them to the SAME area in the two places, take them out often, etc...) Dogs are so smart, the pup will catch on quick!

2. I think this seems long for a pup at 8 weeks, but I could be wrong. From the second DAY I got Daisy, I started taking her on car rides. The safest way for us to travel was to put her in her crate, so I suggest this (as soon as your pup is crate trained - don't just shove them in there for the car ride, or they might be scared of their crate). She had trouble the first week in the car. She whined and a couple times, she urinated in her crate, but by the second week, it was magical! She fell asleep before we were even out of our driveway and slept soundly until we arrived at our destination. If your pup does this, you won't have the problem of them urinating, however, if they are awake the whole time, they might have to eliminate. IF they do eliminate in their crate, the last thing you want is for them to feel comfortable sleeping in their pee or poop, as that might make it harder for you to housebreak them. But if you have no other choice, I'm sure they will get used to the car ride quickly!

3. Can't speak to this one as someone is almost always with Daisy. When we can't supervise her, we confine her to the kitchen using a baby gate. I don't think, however, a pup would be able to stay confined in a crate for 7 hours. I think they might need a little bigger area, like a playpen, maybe? They have those at petsmart or petco. I might be wrong, but I am thinking they need a little more area to move about. You are correct that the pup will probably need to be taken out AT LEAST every 2 hours. When Daisy was potty training, she needed to go out every hour at least. I think once she was comfortable with the idea that we were going to take her out when she needed to go, she held her pee longer, so now we are taking her out every 3 hours or so.

4. try googling this one, I think it's 18 - 20 hours for an 8 week puppy and it decreases from there. Not sure of the exact amount though, but I can tell you pups play VERY hard, then all of a sudden, they drop down and fall fast asleep in like 3 seconds!

5. It would totally depend on your pup. Some catch on much quicker and don't experience as much separation anxiety, or any, for that matter. Others are very unsure and need to be slowly broken into your absence. You will know by the second week you have your pup what is best for them. But, I would suggest breaking him in by leaving for longer and longer intervals before finally leaving him for the whole day. And, also, don't forget, if you are leaving him in the house, confine him until you are sure he won't hurt himself or your furniture!

6. Again, depends on your pup. There are so many different people with different situations and dogs learn to live with whatever we are dealing with. That's why they are so great, I think. They love us unconditionally and don't ask for hardly anything in return. I think as long as you are consistent, patient, and give your pup the love and confidence he needs, he will be happy with whatever system you need to place him in.

The most important things for us have been socializing Daisy (it is REALLY important to socialize them to all different types of people ASAP, like before they turn 12 weeks is optimal time). Take him to puppy class so that he can socialize with other dogs as well, in a safe and controlled environment. Crate training was a must for us as well, and potty training will take over your life for the first few weeks, but that's how it is. I suggest taking time off for the first couple weeks you have your pup, if that's possible. This is a crucial time and being there as much as possible to provide consistent training and behavior expectations will make the rest of your life with your pup much easier.

The book is great. I used lots of advice from the book to train Daisy, especially the direct method potty training advice. Good luck with your pup! I guess the best advice I could give is "don't give up" even if the beginning is hard. The first few weeks you will be sleep deprived and discouraged, probably, but fight through it. We are so happy that we did, our Daisy is the biggest blessing we could have ever asked for! [/QUOTE]

Posted by misskris
Jul 25, 2011

no problem. I had a lot of difficulties the first week I got Daisy and was unsure about if I made the right decision. After reading an awful lot, and talking to a LOT of people, I realized that the first month is the hardest, but if you keep the faith and push through the difficulties, your dog will be the BEST friend you could ever ask for. I can't imagine my life without Daisy now and it was so worth the few weeks of sleeplessness and vigilant training!

For the potty training, yes, she still has accidents. She NEVER had a #2 accident in the house (knock on wood! haha). She just doesn't feel comfortable going unless she's outside. She does, however, have a pee accident once every three or four days or so. Every dog is different - I've heard of dogs getting potty trained in a few days and other dogs taking MONTHS, even some over a year...so I can't tell you how it will be for your dog, but I can tell you that if you keep a consistent potty schedule (every 45 minutes or so, after EVERY meal, after waking up from EVERY nap, for the first month or so) your dog will get it much quicker.

I don't know if I mentioned, but be sure to give them a TREAT every time they potty outside. Some people will disagree with this method, as the dog will learn to look for a treat when they potty outside later in life, but I used it and I was able to wean her off the treats pretty easily. Now, I'll throw in a treat once a day or so, just to keep her guessing, so that she's still motivated to pee outside and not in the house. Also, if you do have accidents in the house, be sure to clean with enzymatic cleaner (the kind specifically from PET stores so they are safe for dogs) so that the dog cannot smell where they went, because they might think it's safe to go there again.

If you have any other questions, ask away! And I would love to hear all the updates when you get your pup!

kris

Posted by Ashraf
Jul 26, 2011

Thank you very much kris for your posting, of course I don't mind giving treats, till such time am sure the pup has been completely house broken.

I have taken note of all your points and should I have any questions I shall definitely get back to you.

Once again thanks for again ad I wish you all happiness too with your puppy.

ashraf

Posted by KOPCaroline
Jul 26, 2011

Hey Ashraf,

Just a brief note (for now, have to get to class!) -

its definitely a workable situation with you and your pup, it will just take dedication from you! Puppies are easily trained in multiple houses for housetraining, so I can't see why it wouldnt work for your home and work. You had a lot of questions, so I'll be back this afternoon to get into those, but so far I agree with misskris! Its definitely do-able!

I will say puppies are a LOT of work, so the times youre planning to have him in the car/by himself may be hard at first, but I can offer more advice this afternoon.

I just didnt want to ignore the post, so will be back in a few hours!

Posted by KOPCaroline
Jul 27, 2011

Back again! Heres what I think

1. As I said before, definitely possible! Like misskris advised, just be sure to train the same way in both locations. Dogs are pretty smart, especially when it comes to housetraining usually, so I doubt you’ll have problems

2. I would say you’d need to stop at least once an hour for an 8 week old puppy, preferably more. I got my dog at 8-9 weeks old, from a place about 45 minutes drive from home. We stopped twice on the drive back. Puppies need to pee a lot, and can have issues with car sickness at younger ages, nevermind just needed a stretch! I would advise you to leave early if your dog is going with you so that you can have multiple stops on the way to work. Your pup will be much happier!

3. 2. If youre crating it without pads – that is, with the intension that it shouldn’t use the bathroom in the crate at all – then you’ll have to check on the 8week old pup more than once every 2 hours. If you leave it in a larger crate with toys (which should work ok for work) and you don’t check on it often, you run the risk of it getting the idea that its ok to go to the bathroom in its crate/playpen. All it takes is a few accidents in the crate to make it that much harder to train out of it.

So yes, it is ok to leave a puppy confined for a couple hours (tops) to play. You can get interactive toys like Kongs and squeakers to keep him entertained, and he’ll be more than happy to sleep in there. Just be sure youre seeing to bathroom needs!

4. Obviously this varies from dog to dog. I’m not honestly sure of hard numbers of hours dogs sleep at various ages, but it works like humans – younger they are, more they sleep. Puppies will spend a LOT of the day asleep, they wear out quickly! By 6 months, however, it’ll probably be a whole new ball game – my own dog was a bundle of energy by 4 months.

5. If youre going to keep it at home all day without being let out at all, I would wait until much older. And this comes with the proviso that you let him out just before you leave and as soon as you get home. 8 hours or so is manageable – dogs can do it easily overnight – but during the day when they actually WANT to be active, its harder. Once your daughter is around to take him out in the afternoons, it’ll be easier – I would say my dog could handle that type of schedule by 4-5 months.

6. I think dogs are inherently happy with whatever routine they grow up with. This is what your pup is going to live like all the time, so why wouldn’t he be happy with it? As long as you spend quality fun time together too, I think your pup will be loving and happy.

7. Overall, I can’t layout specific steps for you to take, because I don’t know the ins and outs of your apartment, drive, job. But, in general, just BE CONSISTANT. Don’t use being busy at work as an excuse to ignore the dogs needs, ever. Don’t use being late as an excuse not to stop and let puppy out. I think you’ve obviously thought this through a lot and are dedicated to having a happy dog, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Get into a steady routine as soon as possible, and I think your dog will be awesome!

Thats my take. I think you're going to see amazing results, you genuinely care about the welfare of the pup, and seem super excited to get one. I'm happy for you! Keep us updated please!

Posted by Ashraf
Jul 28, 2011

Hello KOPcaroline;

Thanks a lot for your extensive reply, your answers are so useful and practical. In fact am trying to weigh all options before I take up that step.

Once again thanks a lot and I shall certainly keep you posted with any developments.

Cheers
ashraf

[QUOTE=KOPcaroline;6955]Back again! Heres what I think

1. As I said before, definitely possible! Like misskris advised, just be sure to train the same way in both locations. Dogs are pretty smart, especially when it comes to housetraining usually, so I doubt you’ll have problems

2. I would say you’d need to stop at least once an hour for an 8 week old puppy, preferably more. I got my dog at 8-9 weeks old, from a place about 45 minutes drive from home. We stopped twice on the drive back. Puppies need to pee a lot, and can have issues with car sickness at younger ages, nevermind just needed a stretch! I would advise you to leave early if your dog is going with you so that you can have multiple stops on the way to work. Your pup will be much happier!

3. 2. If youre crating it without pads – that is, with the intension that it shouldn’t use the bathroom in the crate at all – then you’ll have to check on the 8week old pup more than once every 2 hours. If you leave it in a larger crate with toys (which should work ok for work) and you don’t check on it often, you run the risk of it getting the idea that its ok to go to the bathroom in its crate/playpen. All it takes is a few accidents in the crate to make it that much harder to train out of it.

So yes, it is ok to leave a puppy confined for a couple hours (tops) to play. You can get interactive toys like Kongs and squeakers to keep him entertained, and he’ll be more than happy to sleep in there. Just be sure youre seeing to bathroom needs!

4. Obviously this varies from dog to dog. I’m not honestly sure of hard numbers of hours dogs sleep at various ages, but it works like humans – younger they are, more they sleep. Puppies will spend a LOT of the day asleep, they wear out quickly! By 6 months, however, it’ll probably be a whole new ball game – my own dog was a bundle of energy by 4 months.

5. If youre going to keep it at home all day without being let out at all, I would wait until much older. And this comes with the proviso that you let him out just before you leave and as soon as you get home. 8 hours or so is manageable – dogs can do it easily overnight – but during the day when they actually WANT to be active, its harder. Once your daughter is around to take him out in the afternoons, it’ll be easier – I would say my dog could handle that type of schedule by 4-5 months.

6. I think dogs are inherently happy with whatever routine they grow up with. This is what your pup is going to live like all the time, so why wouldn’t he be happy with it? As long as you spend quality fun time together too, I think your pup will be loving and happy.

7. Overall, I can’t layout specific steps for you to take, because I don’t know the ins and outs of your apartment, drive, job. But, in general, just BE CONSISTANT. Don’t use being busy at work as an excuse to ignore the dogs needs, ever. Don’t use being late as an excuse not to stop and let puppy out. I think you’ve obviously thought this through a lot and are dedicated to having a happy dog, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Get into a steady routine as soon as possible, and I think your dog will be awesome!

Thats my take. I think you're going to see amazing results, you genuinely care about the welfare of the pup, and seem super excited to get one. I'm happy for you! Keep us updated please! [/QUOTE]

Posted by misskris
Jul 28, 2011

[QUOTE=KOPcaroline;6955]
But, in general, just BE CONSISTANT. Don’t use being busy at work as an excuse to ignore the dogs needs, ever. Don’t use being late as an excuse not to stop and let puppy out. I think you’ve obviously thought this through a lot and are dedicated to having a happy dog, so it shouldn’t be an issue. Get into a steady routine as soon as possible, and I think your dog will be awesome!
[/QUOTE]

Great advice, Caroline! I'm sure Caroline knows a TON more than me, so you might want to listen to her first. HEEHEE...

But, yes, please give us updates on your puppy situation! It's the best when we can all share with one another and I love hearing about other peoples pups as well!

-kris

Posted by KOPCaroline
Aug 23, 2011

Hey ashraf,

Just wondering how the situation is going? Did you get your puppy?

Posted by Ashraf
Aug 23, 2011

Hello Caroline,

Thanks a lot for asking, in fact plans have changed but am getting my puppy around 1st week of November. Scenario of taking the puppy to work is no more feasible. I shall soon write you more details with my thoughts to seek your advice.
Thanks a lot

Posted by KOPCaroline
Aug 26, 2011

Cant wait for the arrival! Will hear from you soon, and I'm sure we can help with any concerns you have

Posted by Ashraf
Aug 27, 2011

Hello Caroline,

Thanks a lot for your help. As mentioned in my last email I have some change in plans in respect of raising my new puppy in 2 locations (home & work). I have come to realize that taking the pup along at work won't be that feasible. As an alternative am planning to take it to a kennel boarding home during my working time as it is on my way. The only thing is that the kennel will not accept the pup before its 12 weeks and with its vaccinations. Another thing, is that I can have only 2-3 weeks off which I shall devote to house break the pup and get more bondage with. Having said that, I am now left with 2 options to choose from:

1. Get a pup at 9-10 weeks:
In that case I will have 2-3 weeks to potty train him the Direct Method and feed him during specified hours, and at week 12 I shall complete the necessary vaccines and enroll him at the kennel. In that case I lose the advantage of having my pup at the ideal age of 8 wks giving him the necessary socializing that is most critical from 8-12 weeks + avoid any habits that the pup may inherit from the owner that could not be working with me.

2. Get the pup at 8 weeks:
In that case the dog will have to be left at home for 2 wks till reaches age 12wks to vaccinate him. This will mean that I should:

a. Potty train the pup with the Direct + Indirect Method, do you think this is possible within 2 weeks? Can I start Potty training him for outdoors, and then (when he's fairly ok?????!!!!!!) I could start on the newspaper? How soon can a GSD pup learn provided am really consistent?

b. I will have to keep it confined in its crate for short times, feed him with stuffed toys ....kong, .....plastic toys.....etc....to keep him amused...and later confine him for longer times (which is the objective to reach when am away) but in a small room with having the crate open with newspaper at the opposite end of the crate and a pot of water - I shall of course keep his toys staffed with the required food dose, so he will be eating and chewing.

What is your opinion and advise? I know am very meticulous and perhaps very theoretic, because I do lack the experience and am quite sure that when am into that not only other things will come up but again I could see myself what more is required....rather than assuming & guessing.

Once again thanks a lot.

Posted by KOPCaroline
Aug 29, 2011

Hey Ashraf,

Its definitely better to be open to advice and ideas than just plow into an idea and figure out too late that its not working - so dont hesitate to ask anything on your mind or voice concerns! Here to help as much as possible!

Ultimately, this choice is yours - you know your specific situation better than anyone here, and we can only give you our opinions based on how we read your posts. That being said, this is my opinion

I'd say either wait to 9-10 weeks of age to bring puppy home, or bring him home earlier and use the crate. I got my GSD mix pup at about 12 weeks, and it took him a week or so to pick up on house training, so trying to get 2 ideas at once into a young pup in a new environment probably wont work very well. They are a very smart breed, but they are just babies! Sometimes even after a couple weeks of perfect house training they can relapse, have accidents, etc. And housebreaking isnt your only problem - you might want to train him not to bark incessantly, not to chew things, not to bulldoze through your closet, etc, etc, etc.

Waiting til 9-10 weeks of age is realistically only "setting you back" bonding for 1-2 weeks max. And if in the meantime puppy is at home with his mom, he'll never know. The breeder likely will let him do his thing with whatever siblings he has there until you pick him up. Even if he picks up some training from the current owner, you will easily be able to re-train him to your home when you get him. And he will bond with you without a problem - after all, you'll be the one comforting him in a new environment where he wont know anybody else! Like I said, I got my dog at 12 weeks and had no worries with training or bonding. Try not to let this be a huge concern.

If you get him earlier, you can start crate training him from the start, which will ultimately make having him home later easier if you intend to keep on with a crate (sounds like you are planning on this). Using the newspapers will be likely be easier if you start out using them as soon as you get him. That being said - he will likely whine a bit when you leave him for the first while - most pups do. I'm not sure if thats going to be an issue, but you'll need to make sure he's entertained, fed, watered, and has ample space to use the bathroom and not get in it after. This system also allows you to get a baseline training programme with him going before he goes to the kennels, where he might pick up training from people there.

Both ways have pros and cons. It just takes thought as to what you think will ultimately work best for you AND the puppy - remember to try and be fair to him as well! I think the kennel daycare sounds like a great solution - it will help him socialize and be entertained/stimulated throughout the day. Great job for finding that

Hope everything goes well!

Posted by Ashraf
Aug 31, 2011

Hello Caroline,

Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes I tend to prefer the earlier crating as I can foresee the situation in the future. I shall certainly get back to seek your advice should I get any further questions.

Once again thanks for all your great support & help.
Ashraf

Posted by bkpierce
Sep 1, 2011

It is entirely possible to have a puppy housetrained in two locations. It is all about consistency. Just remember to crate him in the car with you and he should sleep all the way. Also remember that an 8 wk old puppy needs to eat at least 3 times a day so you will want to add that to your routine. Happy parenthood.

Posted by Ashraf
Sep 4, 2011

Thank you so much bkpierce, I have taken note of your advice, and yes consistency is the most important factor in the whole process.
Once again thanks a lot, wish you all the best
Ashraf

Posted by teresa1234
Sep 6, 2011

I bought a 13 week old shih poo and 13 week old mini schnauzer. THey are great dogs and learn fast. But my shih poo has started marking all over the house. He won't stop and we have been firm and taken him out said pee here and put belly band on him he pees thru them. I am needing advice what to do cuz my mini schnauzer doesnt do it and I don't know how to stop my shih poo from marking. Hes soo young and cant get neutured yet and advice would be appreciated

Posted by KOPCaroline
Sep 9, 2011

Hey teresa1234,

Just wondering, do your two pups show any issues with who is dominant over who? If your shih poo is trying to establish his dominancy over your schnauzer, the marking may tie into that.

You should try to help them establish a household hierarchy - feed one first at every meal (probably the shih poo), say hello to one first every time you come home, pet one first, give one toys first, etc etc. Whenever an opportunity arises to "choose" one dog first - choose the one that is more dominant. Its not picking favourites or giving more attention or love to either dog, its just getting an order goin. It may help with the marking.

Any other stressors that arose when your pup started marking? New people, new experience, anything like that? Even a new piece of furniture can set some dogs going on this sort of behaviour.

As you said, neutering should also help, but since that can't happen for a while, try to figure out if anything specific set this off, and try to start on the household order thing Hopefully this helps!

Raising Puppy within 2 locations.....