I need help with tips on housebreaking my 6wk old puppy...?

Question

I am having the hardest time house breaking my 6wk old puppy. Last December I had got another puppy at 7 weeks, and it took me less then 3 days to house break him. This new puppy is female, and just so stubborn, I've had her a week, and there is little improvement. I've tried the crate training, and that didn't work, I can't get her used to it, no matter what I try. So that option is out! I don't know what else to do, I'm not sure if her age is a factor into how hard this is. If someone can please give me any tips or advice, thanks!!

I am having the hardest time house breaking my 6wk old puppy. Last December I had got another puppy at 7 weeks, and it took me less then 3 days to house break him. This new puppy is female, and just so stubborn, I've had her a week, and there is little improvement. I've tried the crate training, and that didn't work, I can't get her used to it, no matter what I try. So that option is out! I don't know what else to do, I'm not sure if her age is a factor into how hard this is. If someone can please give me any tips or advice, thanks!!


Yeah, I know it was early for her to leave, but I knew the lady was giving them away regardless and I knew that she'd be in a good home with me. As to training with the other puppy, I am a smoker, and smoke outside, so each time I went, I'd take him. I do the same with her. I have had other dogs, and never had this much trouble. Just when I think she's getting it, it's like she takes 2 steps back...

I do take her out every time she eats, plays, drinks, wakes up or chews on things as I was told by vet... I just seems nothing is working. I'm not sure what else I can do...

Answer 1

At 6 weeks, she doesn't have enough control of her body to be reliably housebroken. Keep using consistency and patience with the crate-- she'll get used to it if you wait for her to relax or be quiet before you let her out of it. Start slow. Put her in with a treat and let her come out. Then close the door for a few seconds while she's eating. Then close the door and sit next to the crate where she can see you. Gradually work up.

If she soils the crate and then screams to be released, the best option is to have two crates and take her from one crate without a fuss and place her in the clean one right next to it, then take the dirty crate out of her sight for cleaning. This way, the pup learns that screeching doesn't get her released (since she goes right back into another crate) but doesn't learn to be comfortable in her own filth.

This pup is really far too young to have been taken from it's mother, and you're suffering the consequences with the difficulties you're having. You will need patience and persistence, and will need to stick to a schedule and take the puppy outdoors often-- perhaps every 15 - 20 minutes while she's awake. When she has an accident, don't get mad or your training will only take longer, just clean it up and go on. Some pups catch on far quicker than others. Also be aware that she will seem to catch on, then have an accident. It happens. She's a baby. Also, her bladder doesn't necessarily grow at the same rate as the rest of her. Many pups will suffer housebreaking setbacks during stages of rapid growth since they drink and eat more, but their organs may not yet have caught up. Most pups over the age of 10 weeks can be pretty reliably housebroken within the period of a week or so as long as you watch them like a hawk and whisk them outside when they need to go. Crate when you can't watch. By 4 - 5 months of age, the pup should be able to be trusted to 'hold it' until you let him out as long as you aren't unreasonable in your expectations.

You may want to invest in an X-pen (Exercise Pen) until the puppy is older. These are enclosures that are made up of foldable wire panels. They allow the puppy more room than a crate, and many accept them better. Cover the bottom with newspaper and keep it clean. Put a few toys in, and something for the puppy to sleep on. I always use one instead of a crate with a puppy if we will be away from home for long periods of time since there's room for the pup to eliminate and still have room to stay clean. It really helps with housebreaking.

Here's an example: http://www.dog.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=192197+024

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Six weeks is much too young for a puppy to understand housebreaking,and it's not physically able to hold it's urine or feces for more than an hour or so at this age.I don't know how you broke the other puppy,but it's nearly impossible for a puppy under four months of age to be totally housebroken.I would continue the crate -training;she will get used to it,but too much crate time can cause the pup to use her crate as a potty,then you'll really have a hard time.I would take her out as soon as she wakes up,after she eats,or plays,when she circles or sniffs as if she's looking for a place to go.Take her to the same spot in the yard,and tell her to go potty,then when she does,praise her lavishly.Don' t let her run loose in the house until she starts to catch on,and then keep a close eye on her.She should do OK ,and be house -trained by the time she's 4 months old.

Answer 3

Here is what u should do get ya dad or some one to fence of an area near a tree where u want it to go then take it there every single time it wakes up from a nap, eats, drinks, goes for a walk, and plays and every 2 to 3 hours and leave him in there till he goes DON"T take him out till he does once he dose do it PRAISE him for being a good boy with a treat or just a nice pat if he DOESN'T"T go in 10 Min's or so take him out then try again 10 Min's later if he goes inside DON"T YELL at him he DOESN'T"T NO right from wrong but u do if u catch him in the act make a loud noise pick him up and take him to the spot and give him the command toilet or whatever u want and all ways reward the good ignore the bad behaviour.

REMEMBER their r 3P'S to successful dog training PATIENCE PERSISTENCE AND OF COURSE PRAISE

hope this helps any probs email me [e-mail]

Cheer's good luck

DUGGIE

Answer 4

get puppy pads to train them ..toward the door !!
it may take a while ,but hang in their and be patient with the lil one.....each week put the pad just a wee' bit closer to the front or back door which ever you prefer her to go potty out!

also you can find the pup pads at walmart and other stores...any kind will do!

when you can, rub her gently on the lower tummy with some warm water on a wash rag to stimulate her to go potty..then if she does make sure you are near the puppy pad and place her on it quickly, but not to frighten her.\

However,don't over do the stimulated thing cause it may cause her to rely on that instead of naturally going on her own...

Good luck!
Ps remember to get the dog fixed at age 4 to 5 months!

animal welfare /rescuer/owner for 30'yrs

Answer 5

shes only 6 weeks old, she really should have been taken away from her mother and littermates yet. just keep up with taking her out right after she eats, drinks, sleeps, and plays. it will help in time