Both Zeke and Daisy have been consitently going potty on puppy pads and in the litterbox for about a week now.  It’s nice to stay inside during the summer thunderstorms and to go for real walks without having one of Daisy’s notorious “potty battles” ensue.  So, if you’re not as lucky as me in having dogs who naturally take to the litterbox, here’s the how to guide for training:

1. While trainers caution against using puppy pads, I’ve found that they really do attract the dogs.  If you have to leave a young dog alone for long periods of time (4 hours or more), the pads are a must to save your floors.  I recommend Simple Solution Jumpstart pads, available at: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752014.
2. Make sure that you purchase a dog litterbox (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754401), which is very different than a cat one.  Dog ones have lower sides and are slightly larger than cat boxes.  If you have a puppy that still chews, start with the pads in the box instead of litter.  Most puppies are naturally attracted to the pads and will start going in the box immediately.  Once the chewing obsession ends, you can put litter in the box under the pads to start, then remove the pad if they leave the litter alone.
3. For older dogs who are already trained outdoors, take the pad and box outside.  If the dog goes on the pad or in the box, reward her.   Once she consistently goes in the box outside, move it inside.  Use the same commands as you do outside, and make sure to reward her! 
4. Make sure to keep the litterbox available at all times.  If you’re using the pads at first, keeping a used pad under a clean one will help to attract the dog to the box to potty.  You can also buy a spray that attracts the dogs.  Also, make sure to clean up thoroughly any misses around the box to prevent the dog from returning to the scent on the floor.

Good luck!  You’re now on your way to litterbox success!  Trust me, if Daisy can do it, so can your dog…

Patrick, please help me!

Potty on the floor?  Who, me?

I simply can’t believe that Mom did this to me!  I mean, after four years of loyal companionship, Mom had to bring that little brat home!  Sure, sure…  I understand he was rescued from the puppy mill seizure and all, but really–I was rescued from the streets of NE Washington!  I grew up in the ghetto and did time at the nasty D.C. Animal Shelter, not the posh doggie dens of WARL.

Anyway, the little brother brat chews on everything.  He chews on my collar and harness.  He just hangs there, teeth clenched.  This weekend, he bit the buckle on my collar and it popped off completely.  He also chews on my toys.  I got even though–I hid his Kong toy in my house.  Of course, I should give it back since he chews on everything in sight. 

I’m a little perturbed by the whole potty training routine too.  He goes out all the time.  I don’t always get to go because Mom says I distract him.  I hardly think that jumping around, howling and walking circles around him could be distracting.  When you’ve got to go, you go.  Of course, I don’t always go when I need to.  I prefer to keep the upper-hand and hold it as long as possible, that way Mom has to walk me and stay outside longer.  It’s all part of my master plan to take over the world.  I probably shouldn’t state that publicly.  Hmmm…

Oh yeah, did I mention the crying?  He cries when Mom leaves him in the play pen.  What a baby.  Okay, so I’ll admit to some crying myself when Mom leaves–but I don’t do it anymore.  That was back in my puppy, pre-training, and pre-anti-anxiety medication days.  And I’ll own up to harassing the brat a little.  I enjoy circling the pen and taunting him since I’m free when Mom’s gone. 

Overall, I guess the little guy isn’t so bad.  At least I’m not home by myself anymore, and I have someone to play with in the evening.  I’ve also learned to escape by going into my house.  Sometimes I let the baby sleep in my bed with me.  I’m also getting A LOT more treats.   I’ll admit to packing on a few extra pounds.  Mom says I start agility again in April, so I’m sure it will come off.  I just hope it does before bikini season. 

   I’ve taken over his house too!   Mwahahaha!

Potty Training:   He has been consistently going pee outside when mom is home.  Last night, Zeke went poo outside for the first time!  This morning, he immediately went potty both ways!  Apparently liver treats and lots of praise go a long way for a little dog.

Crate Training:  While there has been no more than five minutes of whimpering at night in the crate, last night was the first time there was absolutely no crying!  Not a single peep!  Zeke also slept for 8 hours with no accidents.  Today we work on staying in the crate at other times of the day.

Basic Commands:  Zeke automatically sits and looks at mom when he doesn’t know what to do, which is a great start for a future agility dog!  He is also fairly consistent with “sit” on command.  He now sits before being let out of his play pen, when his leash is clipped on and before he gets food or water.   He has started picking up his name–we will be working on that with the clicker today.  He also is starting to understand “come,” since he follows Daisy’s lead.

Meal Time:  Zeke didn’t eat much his first two days home, but today he woke up with his normal, big puppy appetite!  He is learning how to eat and drink without spilling out of his bowls.  Eating better is a sign that he is settling in.

Play Time:  Zeke and Daisy have loosened up a bit together and have become more vocal during playtime, which is typical JRT behavior.  Zeke has figured out how to jump on and off the couch, so that only leaves the bed when Daisy needs to escape!   Zeke has gotten much more confident and is holding his own, while allowing Daisy to assert her dominance.

     How did that baby get on MY couch?

Staying Warm:  Zeke also has his first coat.  He was shivering outside so badly that it was preventing him from going potty at very cold times.  He was between sizes, so I got him the larger one so it’s a little big for now.  He can grab the end of it and spin around, so it looks like he’s caught his tail.

   Mom, I don’t need my coat on inside!

  How do I get this off?

Nap Time:  As with all puppies, Zeke tends to crash and burn after play time.  He likes to curl up with Daisy when she allows it, snuggle under the piggy blanket on mom’s bed or lay in a little ball on mom’s lap while she’s blogging.

   You mean this isn’t MY bed?

   Mom’s lap is the place to be!