Housebreaking a Miniature Pinscher

I have a 10 week old miniature pincher puppy and I am having no luck at all on house training him. I also have an 18 month old daughter that refuses to leave him in his crate to crate train him. I've tried the house training pads and he started using them and then he just stopped and does his business wherever he wants.

I take him outside and he runs around and won't go and when we come back inside he does his business in the floor. I'm at a loss as to what to do with this puppy. I need to get him house trained! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Teresa from Lowell, OH

Answers:

Housebreaking a Miniature Pinscher

Honestly, crate training is your best option. I have a 5 year old Min Pin. You need to find a way to keep your child out of the cage. How about putting a baby gate across the doorway where the dog is?

Make sure you take the puppy out first thing in the morning, last thing at night, and right after eating. (03/17/2007)

By BJ

Housebreaking a Miniature Pinscher

The biggest thing is never use paper training, it only confuses the dog.
If your pup poops on the floor, show it to him and in an angry voice tell him bad, no, whatever words you prefer. Then pick up the poop, take it and the pup outside. Set the poop down, show the pup, and praise him. He will learn where in the yard is acceptable, and that in the house isn't.

The vet will tell you that until they are at least three months old, most dogs really do not have control of their potty ability. Be patient and be firm.
If you feed your dog at regular times, keep an eye on how long after eating he does his duty. Try and take your pup outside until the duty is done, and remember to praise, praise, praise when you get the desired result.
Good Luck. (03/18/2007)

By Linda Datavs

Housebreaking a Miniature Pinscher

You should talk to your vet about what to do. Also, you should try to teach your daughter to leave the dog in the kennel when he is not being dealt with directly. Good luck! (03/19/2007)

By Robin

Housebreaking a Miniature Pinscher

Our puppy is now almost 6 months old. I learned early (web info) that they can only hold urine for about as many hours as they are months old (ex. 2 months old, 2 hours and they need to go). We got out the leash, said "Buddy, let's go outside potty." and took him out on the leash. Praise with "Good Boy to go outside potty!" and a tiny treat by hand and it shouldn't be long.

Buddy looked forward to "outside potty" time and would even pick up his leash by mouth and bring it to us. Several months ago, we installed a sliding glass patio door panel with a dog door in the bottom and he comes and goes as he needs to. Haven't had an accident in months. Buddy is now 6 months old and a real joy! (03/19/2007)

By Carolyn C. Arnow

Housebreaking a Miniature Pinscher

Crate training has worked for my three dogs. There is a lot of info online, just google "crate training" and you will find excellent instructions on how to do this. (03/20/2007)

By Claudia-MD