[jamiearg8791]

I am going to be getting a pitbull puppy soon and I'm trying to figure out the best way to house train it. I work 9-5 but I will be getting a dog walker to walk the puppy at least once (if not twice) during the day while I am gone. I'm not sure if I should crate it during the day because I know it won't be able to hold it for too long as a young puppy. And I don't want to do the puppy pads because I don't want to confuse it. Any advice?

Jamie

[Curbside Prophet]

Well, I got Elsa as a pup, and I was in the same predicament as you will be in. I recommend taking some time off work the first week your pup is home, although I know that may not be possible. The first few months may be extremely difficult for you in managing housetraining. I would prefer crate training over paper training, however, since you'll be gone for long periods of time, I believe paper training may be best here, in a puppy proof enclosure like a pen, or confined area in a kitchen. Paper training may be confusing to your pup, so you'll have to make going outside extra special for your pup with rewards and praise. This is something you and your dog walker will need to work hard at to make the transition successful, keeping in mind that it could take up to a year, and be perfectly normal, before you can trust your pup. Having a dog walker is an excellent idea, and an idea I would not abandon even if Elsa and I had success without one. It took Elsa about 6 months with paper training and outdoor praise before I trusted her...just to give you an idea.

[LoveLilly]

I have a small papillon so their bladders are even smaller. What we did was from 8-12 weeks old she had her crate divided between bedding & potty pads. We cut a door in the divider to help create the division better. She was in her crate while we worked and a pet sitter came in from 12-12.30. she used her pads religiously and never wet her bedding. By 3 months she stopped using her pads little by little. first during the morning shift, then overnight and then in the afternoon. We then at 3 1/2 months old graduated her to a regular crate with only bedding and she continued to hold it. She is never in her crate for longer than 5 hours during the day and 7 hours overnight. But she basically told us when she was ready. Then at 4 months of age after no accidents, she now has her open crate attached to a 4x4 play pen and all goes well as long as she is let out no longer than 5 hours. At first she did have pee accidents, but only for a couple days as she got used to her larger area of freedom.

[Dulce]

Originally Posted by jamiearg8791

I am going to be getting a pitbull puppy soon and I'm trying to figure out the best way to house train it. I work 9-5 but I will be getting a dog walker to walk the puppy at least once (if not twice) during the day while I am gone. I'm not sure if I should crate it during the day because I know it won't be able to hold it for too long as a young puppy. And I don't want to do the puppy pads because I don't want to confuse it. Any advice?

Jamie

I have a Pit Bull, and I grew up with them, so I know what these puppies need. They need LOTS of OWNER contact, and LOTS of attention. (Liek any pupppy needs) A puppy needs an owner who is home more than just a few hours a day (whether you have a dog walker or not)

Pit Bulls need EXTRA EXTRA attention simply for the fact that they have certain traits that need to be immediately corrected, or kept from happening at all. Pits can be destructive when left alone, and need to be watched constantly.

CRATE TRAINING is THE best option for ANY dog. I still use the crate with my adult Pit, and it works fantastic. If I leave her at home roaming the house alone, she tears everything apart, and urinates in inappropriate places. When she's crated, she's a perfect angel. My house isn't destroyed, and she hasn't urinated everywhere and I'm happy, and she's happy.

Throw a Kong in there with your pup that's filled with peanut butter, canned food, treats, kibble, etc. That will keep your puppy occupied, and hopefully prevent excessive barking!

If you want MORE info on Pits, go here: "www.pitbullforum.com"
VERY helpful people who are experienced. Dog Breed Information Center®, DBI

If you need more info, you can IM me I know lots about this