I'm adopting a chihuahua soon and I go to school for 6-7 hours/day. I don't want her to be crammed up in a crate for that long (She will be out with me the rest of the time and likely sleep in my bed). So I figured I would get a baby playard/playpen type thing and put her food and water bowls, a bed/blanket, and her litter pan or puppy pads in it. Would that be okay? Hopefully she would also not mind going potty outside the rest of the time, but if she will only go there, I'll let her use the puppy pads/litter box exclusively.
Also, would you recommend litter training or puppy pads? If litter training, what litter? I've heard the dog litter that they sell at PetSmart is uncomfortable for tiny dogs, but I've heard cat litter can be toxic....
Help!
2006-07-09 20:56:23 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks for answering. I do have the room, plenty, actually, but I've heard from many sources that Chi's enjoy haviing a smaller space of their own (the burrowing instinct) and confining them somewhat discourages destructive behavior. She would also have toys in there. as for the time, im hoping the six hours wouldn't be too long, would it? i mean, it would be with me for the other 18 or so, give or take.
2006-07-09 21:07:16 · update #1
A Play pen would be the best route to take as she would be too long in a crate. Using Pee Pads may work in a Litter pan if she is already trained to a litter pan, if not, try using News papers to cover the Play pen floor. Be sure to give her Safe things to chew on, not Rawhide unless you are there to protect her. But Chew Toys for Puppies is a good thing as they go through a teething time, Please make sure they are of a heavy duty Rubber toy, not something they can tear up. The Best toys to use is toys Made by KONG, here are some sites to check out for Kong Toys for Puppies.
Good luck with Puppy.
2006-07-09 21:22:15 · answer #1 · answered by fourpawsg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Pads are much better than litter pans. I've read that they can be toxic if the dog tries to chew on dog litter. Plus, the training pads have an odor on them that your puppy can smell and will be attracted to so she will only want to pee on the pads. I think it's a great idea that you get a chihuahua.But perhaps you can have someone come by to check on her and take her for a short walk and play with her for a bit so she will no have to be in a crate so long.
2006-07-10 04:55:29 · answer #2 · answered by dogluver8906 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs don't really have a concept of time. Thats why when you come home after 4 hours or 4 minutes they always act like you were never coming home and are so glad to see you! When I leave my mutts alone I always leave a radio playing. Remember their sensitive ears and have it play softly. Don't give them hard rock or anything to upset them. Choose wisely. I like the playyard idea. Have lots of toys. Rotate them so there is a newness factor. Move the playyard around the room for fresh things to look at. Chi's are really playful so when its in the playyard let it have a pillow to tear to shreds or an old newspaper. (newspapers now are soy ink so it won't hurt them but they will need a bath.) Our chi is really happy and still has an accident once in a while but chi's are one of the hardest dogs to housetrain. Don't feel guilty! Your routine will become the dogs normal life and everything will be great. Good luck. Stew
2006-07-10 10:11:55 · answer #3 · answered by Stew 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do both!! Puppy pads when in her enclosure, and outside when you are home. Chihuahua's are small, therefore they appreciate a safe place to when you are not there! Find a phrase that she will eventually recognize as going outside. Be consistant with your rituals...it doesn't take long for a chihuahua to figure out what the agenda is!
2006-07-10 04:19:37 · answer #4 · answered by iamjaycee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Litter training is better than pads.. And you can get wood pellets from just about any store, and firplace shops. it is all natural, no chemicals and less that $3.00 for a 40 pound bag.. Don't buy the stuff at petstores, they are over charging for the same thing I put in my pellet burning stove;-)
Here are some links on litter box training that are awesome!
http://www.poodlejunction.com/how_raised.htm
http://www.showpaps.com/litterbox.htm
http://www.kturby.com/litter/litter.htm
2006-07-10 04:15:10 · answer #5 · answered by Mommadog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We alway kept ours in a small crate from 7:30 a.m- 3:30 p.m and put no water but treats in. She has been doing this for 7 yrs and is now 3 lbs overweight. She never goes to the bathroom in the crate, and is fine.
2006-07-10 09:38:05 · answer #6 · answered by Chloe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you dont have room or the time for a dog I sugest not getting it because the lack of attention and space will make the dog unhappy and dogs that aren't properly cared for can go wild
2006-07-10 04:01:22 · answer #7 · answered by Clayton B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definatley puppy pads. Don't make your puppy grow up like a cat.
2006-07-10 06:44:12 · answer #8 · answered by Hey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's a puppy, it may cry for you until you return home! And don't forget it is just a baby & needs, one on one attention, all the time! At least til it's older.
2006-07-10 04:16:29 · answer #9 · answered by sqishieears 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are these little pads that have an oder to them that as far as i know humans cant smell that will teach her to go in one spot. Try petco or petsmart if you are interested. gl Candie
2006-07-10 06:09:16 · answer #10 · answered by Angel Eyes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋