Introducing Honey.....

[JessieEssex]

This is Honey, she's a 14 week old Jug (Jack Russell / Pug) with a bit of Border Terrier in the mix. We've had her for two weeks - a lot of hard work but she's a very clever and loving little thing.

Just a couple of things -

• she loves her crate and happily goes in it at night, but there is always a wee in there in the morning, and sometimes a poo. She doesn't cry out in the night - should we be taking her out in the night even though she doesn't 'ask' or just ride this out and assume she'll soon be able to hold on longer? She's usually in there from about 10.30-6

• we are getting there with house training, but if she poos inside it's always in the same spot. Can you recommend anything to deter this? We have a spray from PAH which is supposed to take the smell (that she can detect) away but it doesn't seem to have worked.

• does everyone do puppy training classes? I've already taught her a few things and she's really eager to learn - am I naive to think I can do it myself?

Thanks all!

Anyone? I think this message got a bit lost in the mn crash yesterday!

Congratulations - she is beautiful.

I crate trained my cocker spaniels and we never had any mess in the crates in the morning. I assume that you take her out for a wee, etc just before you put her in? May be best to ride it out as if you start letting her out in the night she may get used to it.

I always wash any areas of defecation with a solution of biological washing powder & water. The enzymes in it should get rid of the smell.

I took both of mine to puppy classes but it didn't do much good. If she's smart and willing to persevere you should be able to train her yourself.

Thanks Mimi, yes she goes out right before we put her in and she loves going in there. I agree that I don't want to start getting her up in the night as it would start a habit. I only wondered if perhaps the crate is too big? If she can do her business and get away from it rather than sitting in it. I could get a smaller rate but seems a bit mean! On the subject of crate training, she goes in there happily at night and uses it as a safe haven in the day. The children know not to bother her when she's in there. Is she therefore 'crate trained'? Or is there more to it - it seems too simple!
Will try the bio solution, thanks.

She's gorgeous!

Yes take her out in the middle of the night - no talking, no playing, just out, toilet, praise, back in.

If you see her go to that area take her straight out.

Training classes are invaluable. She needs them so that she learns to listen even when there are distractions, you are bound to learn something new and it is great to see all the other puppies. You will also get a lot of different people handling the puppy under controlled conditions, practicing not jumping up and puppy classes should include supervised play time with other puppies

*crate not rate!
As for training, our vets do 'puppy parties' which I'll take her to for socialisation, but I'll give training a go myself. She already gets down on command and stops biting with a loud 'ow'!

She's gorgeous. Is that her special 'posing for the camera' face?

Second what Booboostwo said. Training classes will teach you how to train you dog. Well worth going.

I'd be wary of the "puppy parties", they can tend to be a bit of a free for all with all the puppies loose at once and running riot. I'd ask if you can pop along to one first to see what they're like before taking your puppy.

The crate may be too big for her - can you get her a smaller one? She shouldn't have much room to move around.

booboos thanks - if I did take her out in the night, how would I know when she doesn't need it any more?
I think I will do some training classes, for the reasons that you mention. pigs she is rather good at posing!
trionic that's good to know - I don't want to undo any good work!
mimi I had wondered if that was the case - I'll see if we can get a smaller one as she is rattling around in this one!

Can anyone shed any light on my earlier question about crate training - are we 'done' or is it an ongoing thing?
Thanks all...

What a super puppy! Have you thought about "shortening" her night? ie Take her out later at night and get up earlier in the morning? After her morning toilet I would put her back in her crate until you get up at your normal time and take her out again.
I would definitely take her to training classes, more socialisation and you might meet someone who you could walk with sometimes? Know several "only" dogs who love meeting up with friends for walks!

She sounds crate trained! With most dogs it is very quick because they like their crate.

The crate should be large enough to allow her to stand, turn around and lie down, so if it's too big it may be part of the problem. I'd wake up and take her out at night for the next two weeks, then try overnight again and see what happens. Simple Solution is brilliant for cleaning pee and poo.

Puppy classes should not be a free for all. The person running them should assess the puppies, age, size and temperament, and let them play off lead a few at a time. All the activities, e.g. handling, should be explained and supervised.

Hmmm, maybe her crate is a bit big for her...

Her crate is definitely too big for even - it's going to be too big when she's fully grown too by the looks of it.

Definitely mimi! I will be shopping tomorrow...