Question on housetraining a border collie puppy?

Question

I'm bringing home a border collie puppy relatively soon, and I was wondering if it would be a tremendously bad idea to leave the puppy inside a pen for a few hours while I'm at work and my kids are at school. This won't last long, as my kids will soon be getting out of school for Christmas holidays. If I do have to resort to this, should I leave anything as liner (the floor is tile)? What type of toys should I leave?

Answer 1

For afew hours at a time this is fine and actually ideal for house training. Crate training is the best proven method. You leave the pup crated anytime it is not actively being watched, played with, eating, or outside doing it's business. The crate should be no larger than the pup to have room to stand up, turn around, and lay down. Anything larger and it could use it as a bathroom. Dogs won't go where they sleep or eat. You could still leave a couple of small toys and/or a bone in there for her to keep occupied. My dog LOVES those loofa dogs from PetSmart! This isn't cruel either as a small crate is actually comforting to a pup as it makes it feel warm and secure. Like their own little safe house. Good luck! Border collies are so cute!!

Answer 2

I crate trained every dog I have ever had. It is a really good method. If you don't have an actual dog crate (sort of like a very small wire kennel) you can use a small bathroom. Definitely cover the floor of the cage, kennel, area with lots of newpapers. Don't leave food and water unless you have to be gone for more than 4-5 hours. Toys that can be washed are OK -- if the puppy poos on the floor and then the toy gets in it, it needs to be washable. It takes a few months to housetrain a puppy -- I doubt that you will be able to do it over Christmas break, but good luck!!

Answer 3

this depends on how old your puppy will be and what a "few hours" means. the younger your puppy is, the shorter the time needs to be. but if in a safe environment, a 3 month old puppy should be fine for maybe 2-3 hours max if you don't want accidents. if accidents will be inevitable, make sure to take them to potty right before they are left alone and do not leave food or water with them. it sounds cruel, but when left alone, dogs mostly sleep the boredom away and prevents them from drinking water and suffering for hours trying to hold it in.

if you opt for a pen, a liner is not a good idea, unless you're planning on paper-training. just use a good quality cleaner to eradicate all smells, even ones we don't notice but the puppy will use as a marker for where to go next!

the best option is crate training. if you like, search for a question about housebreaking a boxer puppy and you will find an explanation how this is done. crates are better than pens, especially with a new puppy. you never know, this little guy may turn out to be a champion climber and escape artist. the crate is safer and provides him with a cozy den that he will love.

as for toys, only leave him with safe digestible or nondestructible chewies, like nylabones or kongs. do NOT leave him unsupervised with stuffed toys, squeaky toys, rawhide bones, or anything else of that nature. dogs will surprise you. my doberman puppy eviscerates everything she can get her mouth on, while my 7 lb. miniature dachshund can destroy kongs, one of the toughest toys on the market. a VERY good dog toy company is orbee.

the reason why you should not leave edibles such as rawhides, greenies, pig ears, etc. unsupervised with your puppy is because some dogs will chew them too quickly and swallows large pieces that cause stomach blockages and either expensive vet bills or death.

good luck with your puppy! gotta love those border collies.

Answer 4

You should crate train your puppy. Your baby will feel far more secure while you are away if she is in a crate. Talk to your vet on how to do this successfully. A 'kong' is a great toy that you can fill with treats that will keep a puppy busy. The crate needs to be just big enough for her to turn around in comfortably and lined with something soft. Feed and water her and take her for a brisk walk (it will be good for both of you!) before you stick her in there for hours. Give her a treat and praise her when she enters the crate (don't force her) and don't make a big deal about leaving. It would be great if someone could check on her halfway through the day until she is used to it. Good luck!

Answer 5

Just reading your questions prompted me to ask and tell you the following as it seems as if you would be the first time owner of one of these great but "fanatical" dogs. Border collies are probably the most intelligent and active dogs alive. House training goes fast. My worry is the fact that you will be leaving the dog for a couple of hours - 5/6? to his/ her own devises (when its grown up). It is my personal experience that border collies could cause you more grief when left to their own devices as they were bred to work and be EXTREMELY active. They need lots of space and devices to burn energy.

Twice I`ve taken border collie rescue cases. Don't get me wrong, they are great dogs, but they suit a specific lifestyle, and if you made the wrong choice, you're stuck with a dog you will come to hate for the next 15 odd years.
Have look at: http://www.bcrescue.org/bcwarning.html

Answer 6

Glad the pup will only be alone a few hours at a time

What does the breeder recommend?

Any busy toys you can give the pup will be great
There are sooo many great chew toys

Would a small swimming pool fit in the middle of the pen? If so you could add a good quality (larger pieces) of sawdust/cedar.

Answer 7

As long as the puppy is taken out right before and after it is left alone, it will be fine. you should put something down, just in case. Leave the pups favorite toys, but a stuffed Kong toy will keep them busy for quite a while.

Answer 8

actually leaving your puppy in a kennel is the perfect idea. there isn't anything there for him to tear up. he'll need something to chew on and something that will squeak or play a song to him. as he might get a little lonely. you definatly need to put something down on your floor unless you want it all over the floor the pen, the toys, the food, and the puppy. I've also attached a link to crate training...very effective and very not frustrating for you but maybe for your kids.

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/crate_training.html

Answer 9

its ok to leave the pup alone for a couple hours but give him some toys to play with a make sure he has water to drink. he will be fine i have the same breed and had no problems until teething started very smart breed too

Answer 10

Keep your pup on a regualr schedule. take it out after it plays, eats, and when it wakes up. when you take him to the door to dont pick him up and carry him unless its and emergency. walk him there like on a leash or call him and tell him lets go outside. so he learns where the door is and where to go when he needs to go. dont forget to praise him alot when he gets outside. some people even give them a little treat like cherios so they know they are doing goof. leave chewy toys. nothing he can choke on.