You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/9 week old puppy peeing in her bed

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/28/2010


Question
I have a 9 week old puppy who we have had since she was 6 weeks. I am having a very hard time training her, I was instructed to train her on a pad as she is too small to go outside right now.
She is a Shih tzu Yorkie mix.
My question to you is why has she twice now pee'd in her bed? Once over a week ago and again yesterday, both times she just walked over squatted and pee'd then acted as if nothing happened.

Answer
She probably doesn't know the difference between a puppy pad and her bed. To her they seem the same. No dog is too small to go outside if you pick her up and carry her. Granted if you have 10 feet of snow that might be an issue. But you have to be able to walk outside so where ever you walk is where she should be training to.

If you train her inside to go on pads she will NOT want to switch later to outside. I have seen it over and over again. Puppy pads are the worst thing to train a dog to unless you always want her peeing and pooping in the house. Not a good idea.

Right after her meals, I mean when the last bite is gone, you put on her leash and pick her up- take her outside and let her walk around until she goes. Then give her a little piece of her puppy food as a treat. Do this after every meal and in between if she looks like she needs to go. That means you getting bundled up while she is eating.

I know it's a pain, but it is what you need to do to housebreak her properly. You must be consistent and you must take up these pads or she will still think she is supposed to use them. If she pees inside you just tell her gently, OFF, then take her outside.

Do not yell, do not punish her and do not rub her nose in it. Just take her outside, let her walk around and even if she doesn't go, reward her and bring her in.

That is how you housebreak a dog. Little or big, it's the same thing.

It's not easy, but after a month or two you will wonder what the fuss was about.
Good luck!
Let me know how she does later on.

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.