We just rescued 4 precious beagle/lab mix puppies (2 girls, 2 boys). They're about 8 weeks old, and were never wormed until we got them yesterday. The worm issue seems to be getting better, and we plan a vet visit soon. We're planning to take care of them for about a month & resolve their health issues & find good homes for them- our hands are full with the 2 beagles we already have! I have 2 main questions: how should I work with them on potty training, and how should we crate them? They're crated together now, and they're not having a problem using the bathroom where they sleep. If I separate them will it help? And should I take them outside to pee one at a time? One more question, how much exercise do they need? We play with them as much as possible, but do have to keep them crated intermitently during the day and at night. Thanks for any advice!!
2006-10-16 08:41:37 · 3 answers · asked by Laura R 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks everyone for the great advice! They certainly are a handful, but are making progress. They're pretty content to stay in the crate with they're toys if we're not playing or pottying, but they're still peeing quite a bit in the crate. We have a small kennel we're going to set up for them so they can have a little more room to play during the day when they're by themselves & so they can use pee pads (once they learn). I have to be gone 8 hrs 2 days/wk and have been rearranging my schedule this week to come home midday to feed them & take them out to potty and play. But I have to get back to my schedule next week and am slowly adjusting their midday feeding time. Our vet says they're doing great, so if we can just get their toilet habits under control we'll be in good shape. Any thoughts on socializing? It's really hard for my husband & I to get one on one time with each of them without having to clean up an accident or deal with another puppy.
2006-10-17 09:02:06 · update #1
One more question. They weren't beging fed enough before we got them, and we're now feeding them the recommended portions for their size, divided into 3 meals a day. I have to feed them one at a time to keep them from going nuts and to keep the 2 bigger pups from eating the runts' food. Even after they've eaten they beg for food for a long time (they try to climb my kitchen cabinet to get to the spot where they see me spooning out their food). Are they getting enough or is this a sign they're still hungry & need some extra food for a while? My 2 older beagles had weight problems because we unknowingly overfed when they were little (they're fine now) and I don't want to get these little guys off to a bad start with their eating. Thanks!
2006-10-17 09:21:43 · update #2
First off, thank you for wanting to do right by these little ones!
Crate them any time you can not keep your eye on them...it will keep them safe. You can crate them together, it will make things easier on them as well. The longer they spend with their littermates, the more "well rounded" they will be.
Most wormers you buy OTC do not kill all worms...so be aware. Pick up all poop immediately and bleach the area. Some worms are easily transmitted to people, so take caution.
Get them fixed before adopting them out! That way, you will prevent more pups from being born that will probably wind up homeless. You can get a cheap spay/neuter certificate at http://www.friendsofanimals.org
Puppies tend to sleep alot, so crating them through out the day and night will not be a problem. Just be sure they are taken out every 2-3 hours to go potty. They need to be taken out after every nap, every meal, and also during indoor playtime, as they can have a "sudden accident" while immersed in play. Three meals a day is also recommended for pups this age. Since you have 4, I would take them out potty 2 at a time, or one at a time. It will make things more manageable for you.
Another thing I suggest is getting puppy kongs for them to chew on. You can put their kibble, with a few bits of cheese and hot dog in it as well. This will give them something for them to chew, and will keep them busy as well.
Puppies will let you know when they are done playing...they crash! Letting them romp and play together until they wear out a couple of times a day, as well as chasing a ball around with you, will be good. Do not take them for long leash walks, as they are not up to that yet.
Start training them to "sit" and "down" now...they will pick it up very quickly! I have a simple method for each, and will share that with you if you like.
Please email me at libertydogtraining@yahoo.com with any more questions! I'll be glad to help!
http://www.geocities.com/libertydogtraining
2006-10-16 09:26:26 · answer #1 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good luck training multiple dogs!! they really need to be trained one-on-one. but the potty issue... keep them crated if you can't watch them closely. take them out all together (to save time) and then let them play alot before you bring them back in the house. play pens work great for smaller dogs, but they will pee/poop if left unsupervised.
2006-10-16 09:29:07 · answer #2 · answered by tampico 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crate them any time you cant have your eyes on them its not cruel, it will help them not to have accidents.
2006-10-16 08:48:04 · answer #3 · answered by Amy O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋