[rooney]

I've had my 16 week old dachshund/chihuahua mix for just under two weeks now. The house training is going well--the majority of his accidents happened within the first couple days I've had him, and he's gone about four days without an accident now. I take him out every 1-2 hours when he's awake, and he's able to reliably hold it 7 hours overnight. When I'm not home, he's in his crate, and when I am home, he's tethered to a table in my living room so I can keep my eye on him. However, I do want to see if he'll start going to the door to be let out, but his tether won't allow him to reach that far. Is it too soon to allow him a bit of freedom, or should I keep him on the tether? If so, for how much longer?

 

[spotted nikes]

If you will be in the room with him, not distracted, you could let him off his tether. Just realize that if you don't supervise, and take him out if he starts sniffing, and he has an accident, it will set him back.

 

[kadylady]

You could let him just drag a leash. Then he has more freedom to move around but you can grab him quickly/easily if you need to.

 

[AKDogTrainer12]

I agree with Kadylady...Let the pup drag the leash so if you need to quickly take him out you can.