Modern Puppies - Puppy apartment

BennyTheBulldog · Feb 8, 2016

Ok, so my puppy has been in his Modern Puppies - Puppy apartment since I got him at 8 weeks (he is now 6 months). Basically he has never had to hold his potty, which is good heath-wise, however has brought on its own issues of headaches.

I used to keep the side door open, which was fine for awhile, then he got lazy and would pee with only his front paws on the potty pad, and basically miss all down the side of the cage.

I then closed that, where he would have to go through the front and he would do the same. Pee with his front paws in the potty area, and basically miss and pee all over his bed. Now when he is locked in his cage when I am away, this is not an issue, he pees where he is supposed to.

The interesting thing is, he never misses poop. Its always right where he should go. I do take him outside as well where he pees and poops. I guess I am looking for suggestions.

Here is a link to what I have, and a photo.

Puppy Apartment - Indoor Dog Potty

MaplesMommy · Feb 8, 2016

I guess Im not a big help, but maybe it would be best to train him to go potty outside? Or is there a certain reason why you prefer him to use the pads?

In my understanding most people only use them when they are wee little ones and are only learning where to go potty (& when).
With 6 months he should be able to control his bladder &bowel for at least a few hours.

Id personally be a little worried to 'spoil' him a little too much by letting him go on the pads all the time& the older he gets the harder it will become to 'retrain' him to go potty outside only.

hannah · Feb 8, 2016

MaplesMommy said:
I guess Im not a big help, but maybe it would be best to train him to go potty outside? Or is there a certain reason why you prefer him to use the pads?

In my understanding most people only use them when they are wee little ones and are only learning where to go potty (& when).
With 6 months he should be able to control his bladder &bowel for at least a few hours.

Id personally be a little worried to 'spoil' him a little too much by letting him go on the pads all the time& the older he gets the harder it will become to 'retrain' him to go potty outside only.

Agreed!!

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BennyTheBulldog · Feb 9, 2016

MaplesMommy said:
I guess Im not a big help, but maybe it would be best to train him to go potty outside? Or is there a certain reason why you prefer him to use the pads?

In my understanding most people only use them when they are wee little ones and are only learning where to go potty (& when).
With 6 months he should be able to control his bladder &bowel for at least a few hours.

Id personally be a little worried to 'spoil' him a little too much by letting him go on the pads all the time& the older he gets the harder it will become to 'retrain' him to go potty outside only.

Suggestions? Should I get him a new crate? Which kind?
When these potty apartments are purchased, the size it determined by their adult size. Right now he uses the potty over night and while I am at work.

BennyTheBulldog · Feb 9, 2016

A photo of him, why not &#55357;&#56838;

View attachment 7997

MaplesMommy · Feb 9, 2016

Hm the problem now is,that to him its fine to go potty in his crate...You will have to retrain him and start asking him to only go outside (pretty much like you housebreak a puppy). He will be able to control his bladder,so now you just need to get him to understand that he is not supposed to go in his crate anymore.
Id maybe move the crate into a new spot, clean it really well to get rid of his old 'potty scent' & go from there.

I might have misunderstood, I thought he also goes in his crate when you're home because you said he is fine (he aims on the pad) when you're away,but he makes a mess otherwise.

BennyTheBulldog · Feb 9, 2016

He also had access to his cage while I am home and pees in it. I just don't agree with him having to hold it while I am at work. Right now he goes potty both outside and when he decides to go inside. To help better understand, maybe watch the video on their site if you have time.

BennyTheBulldog · Feb 9, 2016

Modern Puppies - Indoor Dog Potty - Potty Training A Puppy Fast & Easy

MaplesMommy · Feb 9, 2016

I watched the video and I think its a great thing! However I think if you dont nip his current potty habit in the butt, you will have a rough time house breaking him later on.
I dont know how long you work,but a 6 mths old can hold his bladder for a few hours; depending on your work hours it might be best to get a dog walker during the day.

In my personal opinion I wouldnt give him the option anymore to go potty inside,or at least not when you are home.

Alice Kable · Feb 9, 2016

We have always had a pet door so the only time we used patty pads ever was when Buster was a baby in Feb. and it was nasty cold outside. I agree that your boy should be doing all of his potty outside by now.

BennyTheBulldog · Feb 10, 2016

Just wanted to update on my new strategy. I have moved Bennys Crate upstairs in my room. He is only allowed in his crate to sleep and use the potty pad when I am not home or sleeping. While we are home he has no access to the potty pad. He had no accidents yesterday and this morning. He seems to understand to go to the door to go outside to potty. With this setup he will not have to hold his potty for long periods which is not healthy.

So far so good