"Speaking of Shiatsus, I've recently acquired a two month old Yorkie and she shiats everywhere. I'm new at this and would be eternally grateful for any "potty training your puppy in a New York minute" tips. Thank you."
What's worked for us and our dogs:
1.Take your dog out immediately after eating or drinking. Have set meal times, like morning and night. Do not allow grazing all day--leads to frequent and erratic pooping.
2. Take your dog out at additional times, walking quickly or playing with them. This speeds up the elimination process.
3. After the desired effect, PRAISE them profusely with words or treats or both.
4. Use the same word for going out and when they eliminate. In the house: "Do you have to go potty? Outside: "Go potty?" in an encouraging voice. Praise "Good dog, you went potty!" or similar.
5. Do not reprimand your dog unless you catch him in the act. If you do catch him, say "No" sharply and take him out. If he does it outside, praise profusely.
6. Be patient. Two months old is still so young. Some dogs take several months to get it right every time. They'll get it eventually.
7. Be wary of using newspapers or "puppy pads" in the house-- it works for some dogs. But unless you bring the newspapapers or pads ouside for them to make the connection, some dogs never get that they shouldn't go in the house.
8. If your dog's bathroom habits are unusually frequent, check him out at the vet. Could be a physical problem.
Good luck!
Thank you so much for the advice and well wishes. I've got my fingers crossed.
Great advise, SS. One thing I would add though, based on recent experience, is to get the dog outside immediately upon waking from a nap - that is when my Chesapeake mix puppy really turns into a pee fountain LOL.
She can make it all the way outside now, she used to get about 10 - 12 steps till she squatted, but bladder control is getting a lot better at 13 weeks.