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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Does anyone fancy a 'puppy survival' thread?

999 replies

SkeletonSkins · 15/02/2017 16:09

Just wondering whether anyone else has got a puppy recently and in the same boat as us? Interested to hear how how others are getting on.

We've had our 8 week old puppy for a few days now and things are okay... he's a complete cross of lots of different breeds so enjoying trying to work out what in him!

House training seems to go great and then at night he just sits there in the middle of the grass not wanting to even walk around! Never mind wee!

Our older dog isn't particularly impressed but has been good with him so far. Just looking forward to him sleeping through the night without needing a wee. Completely forgot how having a puppy completely takes over your life for a little while!

OP posts:
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bluetongue · 01/05/2017 00:59

Hi Duck I know that feeling well! I won't lie, there were some tears the first night I had Bluepuppy due to feeling a little overwhelmed by the long term commitment and worry that my puppy wouldn't eat. Now, a bit over a week later things are much better. Lots of it for me was simply fear of the unknown.

What sort of puppy are you getting?

BiteyShark · 01/05/2017 06:17

Duck I had that feeling lots during the early puppy weeks as I found it hard although toilet training in the middle of winter when it was -4 probably didn't help.

Some people seem to breeze through that period and even if you don't it doesn't last for long. Mine is now 7 months and I would say when he got to around 5 months everything seemed so much easier. My DDog is on his holidays at the moment and I am missing him terribly. He is now so easy going in the house and is such a part of the family.

PetraDelphiki · 01/05/2017 10:09

Puppy much happier this morning....one per outside, one of each on the kitchen floor :-( ho hum I'm sure he will get it!

BiteyShark · 01/05/2017 11:35

Petra glad DPup is feeling much better.

DuckDuckGoosey · 01/05/2017 12:35

Thanks blue and bitey. He's a Labrador. Hopefully everything will be ok!

aliasjoey · 01/05/2017 13:21

smashie we use puppy pads because I work part time. He has no problem understanding about also going outside (although he is a bit older, 5 months)

He doesn't use the pads unless he has to, prefers going out. I've started waiting a short while (less than 5 minutes) to take him out, just to get him used to the sensation of his bladder and being able to hold it. We just stay in the kitchen while I do some laundry or other quick job. He has the option of using the pad, but usually waits.

If in the lounge he used to go on carpet, his preferences are (in order)

Outside
Carpet
Puppy pad
His bed
Tiled floor

aliasjoey · 01/05/2017 13:24

However we have a setback as he has started widdling if he's excited!

He's only recently done that, and it means we have to take him straight out if we arrive home or he wees on our feet lol

PetraDelphiki · 01/05/2017 15:15

Ok do I teach puppy to go outside not 10 seconds after coming back in? It's hard to tell if he's going (grass)...and waiting out for 20 minutes would seem to give him enough time, then instantly pees when he comes in :-(

BiteyShark · 01/05/2017 15:25

Petra if he is going as soon as you come back inside I think you have to literally wait outside with him until he goes for as long as it takes then go manic with enthusiasm. It sucks having to wait what seems like a life time (I remember my DH bringing me a cup of Brew once when waiting) but sometimes you have to literally wait until they can't hold it any longer and then with the over the top praise they start to associate outside = good (inside no praise). When you say it's hard to tell if he is going outside, is the squatting for a pee not obvious?

GypsyWanderer · 01/05/2017 15:46

I feel like I am living outside at the moment. I have studied outside, had breakfast outside etc. It wouldn't be too bad if it was better weather!

I think once you start getting more toilet outside than inside he will get the message if there is praise or treats etc. It's just getting in the rhythm of it. I think some pups also hate the cold or wind or rain. Mine love the outside but less keen if it is cold so that could also be a factor depending on where you are.

BiteyShark · 01/05/2017 15:54

Yes I found toilet training sucked but when they finally get it and you don't have accidents inside it is so nice not finding any surprises Smile

CornflakeHomunculus · 01/05/2017 16:20

Petra if he's in the habit of going inside as soon as he comes in one option is to bring him in, carry him around for a few minutes (or even just a matter of seconds) then take him back out, pop him down and try him again. More often than not if they haven't been previously (or if they already need to go again) they will as soon as you put them down.

If you haven't already it can also really help to start associating a word with him going. It's not a command as such, just a word or phrase to help remind him why he's out there!! I use "go wee" and "go poo" for mine and it's still useful now they're adults if they're distracted by something or if we're visiting somewhere new and I'm able to expressly tell them where is the right place for them to go.

PetraDelphiki · 01/05/2017 16:28

He's not really squatting - standing with back legs a bit spread but he does that when he's looking at things too :-(

Will try coming in and back out...not looking forward to doing this in the rain tho :-( poor puppy is going to be very unimpressed!

GypsyWanderer · 01/05/2017 16:36

Cornflake has the right idea if your pup is small. I swear it would have been so much harder for me if I didn't have small dogs. If I know she should need a wee/poo but she hasn't been (sometimes this is after 3 hours and plenty of water!) then I carry her around with me while I do my jobs or make a drink etc. Then take her back out and this continues. The mornings are worse as she tends to do about 3 wees and 2 poos in the first hour she wakes. I find carrying really helps and I did the same with my older dog. I only do it if I am sure she must need a wee and I'll stop when she is toilet trained.

aliasjoey · 01/05/2017 17:41

If I think he needs a wee but won't go, he comes inside for 10 minutes but has to stay in the kitchen.

If I'm not sure whether he already went, I have a feel underneath for dampness- do remember to wash your hands though!

And when we upgraded from regular treats to little bits of chicken breast or corned beef he improved remarkably...

Original poster
SkeletonSkins · 01/05/2017 19:24

alias glad it's not just me that used to feel for dampness!

If they go outside and they're messing about and not actually going for a wee, I don't wait outside with them for ages as they're not getting the job done. I give a few minutes, then bring back inside and try again in five minutes. Often I would carry puppy or directly play with him so couldn't wander off and wee. Then I'd take him back outside.

We had all this with toilet training though and it's cracked now - you will get there! Just keep going.

Lovely walk today with friends. Our boy is behaving so well and I think it's a lot to do with going on lots of walks with our friends adult sensible dogs.

Treated myself to the dyson v8 vacuum which has massively helped with puppy destruction mess - it hoovers up all sorts!

Hope all our puppies are doing well.

OP posts:
PetraDelphiki · 01/05/2017 19:32

Dampness when he's on damp grass doesn't help :-( and my hands seem to be wearing away from all the washing!!!

BiteyShark · 01/05/2017 19:49

Petra invest in good hand cream. Mine were a mess for weeks and still not back to pre dog state as you do seem to have to wash hand million times more when you have a dog.

When the weather is better cut the grass, much easier to see if they have peed on short grass (or just wait until the pee has killed the grass and all you have left is brown patches Hmm)

PetraDelphiki · 01/05/2017 22:42

Excuse puppy brain...feeling puppy not floor works!! Grass has dead patches already from too much feed and weed so no changes likely there!!

Funkymoover · 01/05/2017 22:42

Hey everyone. How lovely to see new puppies. They are just adorable. Glad to hear your pup has recovered ok Petra!

Eddie is doing pretty well. This weekend has been a busy one. Had lots of people over yesterday which wore him out I think as he has been particularly lazy today just dozing in his basket. Had an exciting afternoon visiting my parents for dinner (two wees on her floor😞) then a walk home which should be about 20-25 mins but took us 40 as he had to sniff every patch of grass and lamppost on the way 😂 Back to abut of routine tomorrow so he will get a walk in the morning of about 40 mins on the way to school and then a lunchtime visit from granny as my mum is coming to do his lunch while I am working.

I get a couple of days off this week as I'm off to London to see Ed Sheeran with some girlfriends so leaving hubs in charge of the pup and the kids from weds morning till late afternoon Thursday. I bet I get more messages and calls about the Doggo than about the kids 😂
He has figured out how to get onto the sofa while I am out so his bed is getting used less and less. Currently snoozing in bed #2 while I catch up on emails but he will be turfed out for a wee and sent to bed shortly as I'm shattered
Puppy classes starting tomorrow so we shall see if he is as much if a show off as I think he will be

PetraDelphiki · 01/05/2017 22:57

I have to leave dd(10) and puppy overnight Thursday - thankfully my niece is coming to stay with them...it's easier to arrange a sleepover for a 10 year old!!!

Have come to the conclusion that expensive bars of Italian soap (from tkmaxx) do the least damage to my skin...

bluetongue · 02/05/2017 00:55

Eddie's getting bigger Funky Smile

Bluepuppy turns 10 weeks today. Someone has added a turbo charged button to my Whippet baby. Anyone who has had a sighthound puppy will understand Grin

He's whacked his head a few times while doing zoomies in the last two days. He's also pulled up a section of carpet near my bathroom. Good thing it's getting replaced soon anyway ...

PetraDelphiki · 02/05/2017 06:49

Ooh success this morning - took him straight out to pee and he did - starting to lift a leg!!! When do they start doing it on things? The he came back in and rushed himself out 2 mins later to poo! My poor lawn...but YAY!!

BiteyShark · 02/05/2017 07:00

Well done PetraPup :)

I think my dog doesn't know he is male as he still doesn't cock his leg at 7 months. My lawn is terrible, we have just bought some grass repair seeds for lawns affected by dog pee to try and repair it but I think it will be a lost cause.

bluetongue · 02/05/2017 09:55

Love how we all get so excited about wee and poo in the right place Grin

I wish we sttill had the pointy hound thread. It's hard to judge how a Whippet puppy should look at 10 weeks compared to chubby lab puppies and little fluffies. Bluepuppy is 5 kilos which is just over 11 pounds. He was 8.7 pounds at his 8 week vaccinations. Does that sound okay? He does look and feel a bit on the ribby side but is bright eyed and full of energy.

My anxiety is partly because my last pet had pancreatitis and bowel issues for 2 years before she died Sad I guess it just puts me on guard for similar problems.