bleary-eyed

Kerry · 01-13-2007, 07:59 AM

Oh boy. She was up early.
Now, people. I do have a college education and consider myself a fairly intelligent person. My math skills aren't what they should be, but they never really were...

Why am I standing in the rain, panicking about how to handle this little 5 pound ball of fluff? Here's a schedule I thought might be useful but so far today it hasn't really worked:

for NON WORKING OWNER(s):
GEN. TIMETABLE FOR 8-Wk to 12 WK. OLD PUPPIES
6:00 AM . . . Go out.
6:10 - 6:30 AM . . . Free period in one room.
6:30 AM . . . Food & water IN CRATE for 20 min., then REMOVE food & water from crate.
7:00 AM . . . Go out.
7:15 AM . . . Free period in one room.
7:45 AM . . . Back in crate.
10:30 AM . . . Go out.
12:30 PM . . . Go out, then give water.
12:45 PM . . . Free period in one room.
1:15 PM . . . Back in crate.
3:00 PM . . . Go out.
5:00 PM . . . Food & water IN CRATE for 20 min.,
then REMOVE food & water from crate.
5:30 PM . . . Go out.
6:15 PM . . . Back in crate.
8:00 PM . . . Water (in crate).
8:15 PM . . . Go out; REMOVE water for the rest of night.
8:30 PM . . . Free period in one room.
9:00 PM . . . Back in crate.
11:00 PM . . . Go out; crate overnight.

What do you think? I'm confused about what to do between 10:30am and 12:30pm...
She was fine last night and went to sleep at 11. Up at 5. I brought her out. Do I wait until she has both peed and pooped? What if we're out there for 20 minutes and she does nothing? Back in?
This morning, she is whining when we put her in the crate. I put a treat in there to lure her, but she doesn't really eat the treats. Even outside, I offer it to her but she doesn't seem to know what to do with it! I can ignore the whining, right? For how long, though?
See what I mean? I've turned into an idiot.

poofywoof · 01-13-2007, 02:03 PM

You could try tethering the puppy to you with a leash as you go about your daily routine for the 10:30 am to 12:30 pm time slot. I would recommend this IF you think the pup has done the appropriate business outside. Let the puppy bond with you as you clean the house, wash dishes or watch TV. Hook the leash to your belt loop, around your waist (will need to be longer) and let her be near you every possible moment. This will keep her where you can keep a close eye on her for any signals for the need of a potty break.
Also, you could read Puppies For Dummies and learn about "Stationing" your puppy in a specific spot in each room of the house.

poofywoof · 01-13-2007, 02:09 PM

If your puppy isn't interested in the treats at all, you should try to find another kind- One that she LOVES. If you are offering a cruchy treat such as a Milkbone or similar hard biscuit, try something SOFT, and very Smelly. There is an abundant assortment of "Training treats" at your local Pet supply store. Try to find the best compromise of healthy and delicious, so everyone is happy. You can't motivate or Lure her with something she doesn't give a hoot about!

poofywoof · 01-13-2007, 03:12 PM

One more thing, if you take Puppy out first thing in the AM and wait 20 min but she doesnt potty, then do not allow the free play period. Put her back into her crate for 15 min or so and try again.
As you continue to follow your schedule you will quickly see any need for adjustment of the schedule. For instance if she never "performs" outside at one of the scheduled pottybreaks you could alter the time, or eliminate that break for one that works better for her needs. This is THE advantage of a schdule: if you pay attention you'll be able to predict her, and she can predict you. Eliminates a lot of disappointment and confusion for everyone!

DogAdvocat · 01-13-2007, 07:39 PM

Your schedule looks good, except if by "free period" you mean a play period, then I'm a little concerned about the last water being before the last play period. Puppies get thirsty when they play. I know what you're trying to do (keep her dry overnight) but I think I'd allow her that one more drink.