[Miasmommy]

I know this question is the opposite of what people generally ask, but i still need guidance getting through this change. Me and my 90% house broken 10mth yorkie/poo mix are moving from my apartment back to my parents house which has a pretty big yard that she seems to love already. The problem is she loves it too much and wants to be out there all day if let her even if im not out there with her. Do I regulate her play time or just let her play out there and how does this affect our on going housebreaking schedule. Usually she rings the bell to let me when she needs to potty but now I cant tell if she just want to play. When i dont let her out there, all she does is whine and cry at the door.
Thank you in advance for all your help. By the way, i've learned so much on this site.

 

[doxiemommy]

I'm not sure what area you're in, but, even if you're in the safest, most secure neighborhood, there are always dangers for a puppy left in a yard by herself. For instance, there could be toxic plants, or, you could have an oak tree with lots of acorns (in the right season, of course! acorns are not good for dogs), or, another dog or animal could come in the yard, or someone could take her. In fact, in some areas, there are people that steal puppies, say they "rescued" it, and then sell it.

My advice would be to regulate her play time, in that you'd only let her out to play when you are with her. As for going to the bathroom, do you give her treats when she goes potty? If so, here's what I'd do:
- if she rings the bell to potty, take her out.
- if she goes, great, praise her, give a treat, and let her play for a bit.
- if she doesn't go within a few minutes, take her right back in, no treat, no praise, no bonus play time, and go on about your day.
That way, she'll get the idea that there's a difference between potty time and play time, and if she rings the bell to potty when she doesn't really HAVE to, outside time ends sooner rather than later.

Then, if you bring her back in, and she whines at the door, or if you don't let her out, and she whines at the door, you can ignore her. BUT, also, watch her closely. That way, you will be able to see if she starts to sniff or squat, so you can rush her out.

I know, my guys are like that, too, that's why I never started the bell thing, I was afraid they'd be ringing the bell all the time, just to go out and play.

 

[rotten]

Dog door flaps are great. And would solve you problem. Check out the plants in back garden, some are dangerous to pups. But they often eat those first and get rid of the problem for you.

My dogs both perfer to be outside than in. So do i. So i moved out into my back yard and made a lounge room out there on the deck. Id follow your dogs lead, he's got it right, being outside in fresh air, beats being inside where TV lurk.

 

[Miasmommy]

Thank you for the very helpful responses, I will regulate her because i dont feel good knowing she is out there by herself. But It looks like I will be moving outside as well . Ill try to spend more time out in yard, at least once she figures out the difference between play time and potty time.