Neverending poooooop!

FrenchKiss · Jul 12, 2017

After considerable back-and-forth regarding 2 vs 1 puppy we ended up getting two sisters from a litter. I have experience breeding and showing shelties (but haven't done it in over 10 years) and always set the puppies up for potty training from infancy. Given this I ASSumed these little ones would never mess their den space.(never go in their crate) Unfortunately it appears the breeder raised them in a crate constantly, basically let them mess their own space so the pups have no instinct to keep their space clean.

I work full time but have a nanny who was more than happy to help with my puppies while watching my baby. This means taking them out every 2 hours in an ex-pen and she even cleans their messes. (something I never expected but am very grateful for) I know the advice is to leash walk them outside and then praise when they go but my nanny won't be able to do this. I tried pee pads but the pups just treat them as awesome chew toys, lol!

I have even toyed with the idea of sending them to a professional trainer for a few weeks but feel very sad thinking about not being able to play and snuggle with them daily. Is there an alternative option (aside from leashing them for bathroom breaks) that I haven't considered? They are on a strict schedule of being let into their ex-pen after three meals (1/3 cup of Taste Of the Wild and a bit of pumpkin) as well as every 2 hours until 9 pm. I wake at 5:30 am and they are fed breakfast and immediately let out. The poop/pee accidents are constant.

Mush2017 · Jul 13, 2017

Morning i feel your frustration I'm going through exactly the same I had 2 pups only 2 months between them I had mush first with in 2 weeks he was going outside to wee and poo he did so well but I felt guilty about him being on his own when I went out.... so got another play mate fluzzie she's totally different she poops everywhere constantly even when she's been outside she would do something and then come back and still do more in the house I've tried leaving her out longer
2 a.m this morning and she got up I got up with her it took her outside mush was still fast asleep soon as I brought her back in she peed all in a bed so I changed that then when I woke up 5 she had pooped everywhere honestly it's like she's a little pooping machine I'm really struggling I just don't know what the best thing to do is

Also mush has started to wee in house evey now and again xx

2bullymama · Jul 13, 2017

Something to think about... when taking them potty, are you treating or praising as soon as they 'go' ? Making a big deal out of the poo/pee... do not wait or do anything prior, just use the words you want them to know for going. I have always used 'potty' and my guys know when I say potty three times, it is time for them to do their business and nothing else. Bring a high value treat to the yard with you and as soon as they finish, and I mean immediately, give that treat and praise them.

Frenchies can be a tough potty train... it took us two full years to get Cheli on a schedule and at the age of 6 he still does not give indication of having to go... we keep a very strict schedule for them.

With puppies, a good guide for potty training is .. 15-20 after a meal, immediately upon waking and immediately after a play session., if you see them playing and it seems to be settling down... quickly say 'potty' as you are taking them out the door.

davidh · Jul 13, 2017

That's what's bad about some breeders that use that type of crate with the wire bottom, so the pups pee and poop where they sleep. We do not do that, and we always (once they are weened) put the in an X-pin attached to their crate, so they can go outside their crate to do their business. Don't get discouraged, they will learn, but it will take a little longer to do so, just be patient, and keep them on a schedule, which you have done. Frenchies can be stubborn and take a little longer to potty train, but you will get there. We took in some 9 week old Frenchy pups who the woman who raised them from birth did the same thing your breeder did. We have them set up in an X-pin and some crates, and they are starting to get the idea of going outside to do their business. They still make mistakes, but slowly they will get it, plus we are getting them used to sleeping in a crate by themselves. Just give it time and be patient. Before you know it it will be all behind you. Also paper puppy pads don't work as you have found out, they love to play and chew them up. We use the cotton washable ones. You can get them online from Lennypads, they work great and last a long time. We love them. Contact them as sometimes they have used ones (which are clean and in good shape) for a cheaper price. I buy mine from a vendor at the Houston Dog show.

Cbrugs · Jul 13, 2017

As stated, the key to successful potty training is being consistent and giving lots of praise when they do go where you want them to. Puppies need to be taken out frequently and every time they go, give a treat and a big praise, make a big deal that they went. But it has to be done as soon as they go, not later as they won't know what the praise is for. I know it can be frustrating especially since you have two of them, but hang in there. It will eventually happen.

Good luck!

Mush2017 · Jul 13, 2017

Thank You for Your advice I'm sure we will get there I praise them like crazy lol the neighbours think I've gone mad... we had a good day today only 1 accident in the house

Cbrugs · Jul 13, 2017

One other thing I might add that I just thought of. How is the consistency of the poop? If it is loose/soft, you can possibly be feeding too much or it could be the actual food.

FrenchKiss · Jul 13, 2017

Thank you all so much for your constructive advice. This evening when I put them in their outside pen they immediately peed and I went nuts lavishing them with praise. They are fairly smart, they are already learning "sit" and I make them do so before I will feed them. This breed is food motivated like Whoa! When I had shelties, food and bait was hit or miss, lol.

I am feed them 1/3 cup 3 times a day. The poop is soft but formed. They get Taste of the Wild and eat it up in about 3 seconds making little snorting sounds of joy. I have the advantage of having a "pet room" in my home that was meant to be a game room/party room. It has a sliding glass door so lots of sunshine, tile floor, it's own kitchenette with fridge and a lot of space to play. This has helped with not getting stressed when they have accidents as tile is easily sanitized. I must have spent a small fortune in cleaning supplies though, lol!

Frenchie Grrrl · Jul 13, 2017

How big is their crate? Are they sharing a space? I'm thinking that is where I went wrong with my first puppy, years ago. This time I rigged a divider up and started out with a minimal amount of space, and Gus has never messed in his crate. If they are together and playing, that might make them need to go more often too. If it is a constant issue with them messing, and you don't think it's because their space is too large, I'd take away their bedding for a few days and see if that helps. Also, as someone suggested in another thread, feeding them in their crate might also help them to learn that it's a no potty zone.

You are saying that their potty pen is outdoors, right? If so, I do not think there is anything wrong with not walking them on the leash. I've had Gus about 8 1/2 weeks, and I've never walked him to go potty (we do the outdoor potty pen too).

Regardless, good luck. When we first brought Gus home at 7 wks he was pooping a good 6x a day - I can't imagine doubling that!!! :tongue:

FrenchKiss · Aug 6, 2017

Just a little update, the pups are getting MUCH better about going outside. They have an x-pen outside for potty breaks as well as one inside they sleep in at night. During the day I let them free range in the pet room with a pee pee pad down. They have FINALLY started using the pee pad with regularity which has helped with clean up.

They are funny little things, little snorts and grunts of joy while playing and eating. We've taken them for a few walks and they peeter out after only 10 minutes. Athletes they are not, lol!

Cbrugs · Aug 6, 2017

Great news!

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2bullymama · Aug 7, 2017

FrenchKiss said:
Just a little update, the pups are getting MUCH better about going outside. They have an x-pen outside for potty breaks as well as one inside they sleep in at night. During the day I let them free range in the pet room with a pee pee pad down. They have FINALLY started using the pee pad with regularity which has helped with clean up.

They are funny little things, little snorts and grunts of joy while playing and eating. We've taken them for a few walks and they peeter out after only 10 minutes. Athletes they are not, lol!

It is a process, but good to hear they are getting it!