Potty Training While Full-Time

I was working when Gavin came home. I kept him in my small galley kitchen, with a crate and a doggie potty (U go dog). He figured it out pretty quick, actually.
A bathroom would work as well, or an x-pen in a larger kitchen.
He didn't have any issues moving away from the potty tray after about 6 months, either.
I still bring it out when I know I will be having a long day just in case, but he is REALLY good at holding it for long periods.
 
Cindy said:
I was working when Gavin came home. I kept him in my small galley kitchen, with a crate and a doggie potty (U go dog). He figured it out pretty quick, actually.
A bathroom would work as well, or an x-pen in a larger kitchen.
He didn't have any issues moving away from the potty tray after about 6 months, either.
I still bring it out when I know I will be having a long day just in case, but he is REALLY good at holding it for long periods.
Click to expand...
How did you transition from the tray to normal potty training? Was there any learning curve where he thought it was ok to go in the house, or did he immediately pick up that going in the house was only ok on the pad?
 
Last edited:
ev99 said:
What would you saw seperates a great breeder from all the others around? Right now we are going off of look of their females, membership with the ASSA, and how nice they seem in their emails!
Click to expand...

This is a much longer discussion than a post can offer. It sounds like you're on the right track though, if you've started with breeders listed with the ASSA. That's a good place to begin. Visit the breeders that you can, look at the dogs there and how they're kept. Ask what testing they do of the breeding stock. Do they show? Do performance sports? What are the parents' temperaments like? Ask to see their purchase contract. Is spay/neuter required and if so, at what age?

The breeder you choose should be someone that you will have a relationship with for the life of your dog. You should be able to call the breeder with questions, for advice, grooming tips, etc. If your sense is the breeder is not interested in that kind of communication, walk away. Our puppies (and their owners) are family members for life, and if a puppy home can't keep their dog at any point, we want to know. If your puppy has a problem, you should be able to call the breeder for advice. I hope this helps!
 
Ann said:
This is a much longer discussion than a post can offer. It sounds like you're on the right track though, if you've started with breeders listed with the ASSA. That's a good place to begin. Visit the breeders that you can, look at the dogs there and how they're kept. Ask what testing they do of the breeding stock. Do they show? Do performance sports? What are the parents' temperaments like? Ask to see their purchase contract. Is spay/neuter required and if so, at what age?

The breeder you choose should be someone that you will have a relationship with for the life of your dog. You should be able to call the breeder with questions, for advice, grooming tips, etc. If your sense is the breeder is not interested in that kind of communication, walk away. Our puppies (and their owners) are family members for life, and if a puppy home can't keep their dog at any point, we want to know. If your puppy has a problem, you should be able to call the breeder for advice. I hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Yes this has given me more to think about! Thank you for your reply
 
ev99 said:
How did you transition from the tray to normal potty training? Was there any learning curve where he thought it was ok to go in the house, or did he immediately pick up that going in the house was only ok on the pad?
Click to expand...

Whenever I was home, we went outside once an hour for potty. he picked that up really quick. And once his bladder got bigger, no accidents during the day. I left the potty out in my bathroom for at least a year just in case but it was never used. So now, if he HAS to go for some reason (gets sick) when I'm not home he goes in my bathroom! He remembers that as the place his potty was.
 
Cindy said:
Whenever I was home, we went outside once an hour for potty. he picked that up really quick. And once his bladder got bigger, no accidents during the day. I left the potty out in my bathroom for at least a year just in case but it was never used. So now, if he HAS to go for some reason (gets sick) when I'm not home he goes in my bathroom! He remembers that as the place his potty was.
Click to expand...
that sounds like it worked really well! My fear would be the dog would learn when you are home equals outside, but you gone equals free to go inside. It sounds like Gavin really got the hang of it though! gives me hope for training my future pup, even when i'm gone for the day
 
I'd also suggest, if you are working, to get a puppy that's slightly older, rather than an 8 week old. Even an extra 2-4 weeks will help. That way your pup will have had some training before it arrives with you and are more able to be left for long periods. They also tend to be a little more confident by 10-12 weeks, and will be up to date with vaccs so you can spend the time you have getting out and socialising.
 
Caro said:
I'd also suggest, if you are working, to get a puppy that's slightly older, rather than an 8 week old. Even an extra 2-4 weeks will help. That way your pup will have had some training before it arrives with you and are more able to be left for long periods. They also tend to be a little more confident by 10-12 weeks, and will be up to date with vaccs so you can spend the time you have getting out and socialising.
Click to expand...
Would most breeders be pretty open to keeping them an extra 2-4 weeks? This is something I've considered, especially since I've read puppies get bladder control around 12 weeks, but didn't know if it was something breeders often did.
 
ev99 said:
Would most breeders be pretty open to keeping them an extra 2-4 weeks? This is something I've considered, especially since I've read puppies get bladder control around 12 weeks, but didn't know if it was something breeders often did.
Click to expand...

Unless there's some reason a breeder can't keep a pup for you (travel, medical etc) most breeders would not have a problem keeping a puppy for a few weeks longer if you explain your circumstances.
 
Ann said:
Unless there's some reason a breeder can't keep a pup for you (travel, medical etc) most breeders would not have a problem keeping a puppy for a few weeks longer if you explain your circumstances.
Click to expand...
Awesome! I will make sure to bring this up with the breeder we decide on
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top