New puppy and now going on a two week trip
Jun 29th, 2005, 08:19 AM
#21
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Do you have a crate for your puppy? That is a great way to house break them. They do not like to potty where they sleep so you put puppy out before bedtime, put in the crate and then of course potty first thing in the morning. The crate is also a good place to them to sleep or have a "time out". I will never have another dog without the crate. They also really like it generally..it is THEIR place.
Jun 29th, 2005, 08:35 AM
#22
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Ashley, Westies are great dogs! My cousins have always had them and they were always such wonderful "people."
I think the crate is the way to go. My Weime-Lab mix was crate trained from the time we got her (also in Sept.) We had about the same schedule as you and crated her during the day. She is a great dog, house trained, sleeps through the night, etc.
Our male Shiba, from the shelter, came to us crate trained. He goes in there at exactly the same time every night after going out to potty and then "asks" to get out in the morning. I think that crates are a great thing!!
There is also a book, by a group of monks that is fantastic. I don't remember the name of it off the top of my head. Will have to look this evening.
Good luck and enjoy the puppy.
I think the crate is the way to go. My Weime-Lab mix was crate trained from the time we got her (also in Sept.) We had about the same schedule as you and crated her during the day. She is a great dog, house trained, sleeps through the night, etc.
Our male Shiba, from the shelter, came to us crate trained. He goes in there at exactly the same time every night after going out to potty and then "asks" to get out in the morning. I think that crates are a great thing!!
There is also a book, by a group of monks that is fantastic. I don't remember the name of it off the top of my head. Will have to look this evening.
Good luck and enjoy the puppy.
Jun 29th, 2005, 08:36 AM
#23
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Hi Ashley,
I totally concur with the wait til September advise for all the reasons that were listed.
I volunteer at the OHS and would be happy to email you our new dog advise booklet.
Crate training is the best way to go for a number of reasons.
Our 7 year old Boxer loves his crate and sleeps there every night by choice.
Please email me if you are interested in the booklet..it covers a number of subjects and includes a sample routine for puppies.
Puppies are sooooo cute...good luck!
Brenda
I totally concur with the wait til September advise for all the reasons that were listed.
I volunteer at the OHS and would be happy to email you our new dog advise booklet.
Crate training is the best way to go for a number of reasons.
Our 7 year old Boxer loves his crate and sleeps there every night by choice.
Please email me if you are interested in the booklet..it covers a number of subjects and includes a sample routine for puppies.
Puppies are sooooo cute...good luck!
Brenda
Jun 29th, 2005, 08:38 AM
#24
I will have to chime in on the crating. Despite my ambivalence about locking down a puppy, it worked really well for us!
WE had an earlier dog that we let have the run of the house when we were home, and penned in the kitchen when we weren't. It was a mess. Often nobody paid attention to the puppy and it got into trouble...chewed things, peed on the floor, etc. We'd be mad, it would be upset, ugh.
With our current dog, we were either giving him all our attention, or he was in his "bed". He didn't ever have the opportunity to get into trouble and we never had to scold him.
The crate could be moved around, so even when we were busy. he could be right next to us. Once he was housebroken and out of the chewing stage, we only used the crate when we left him alone in the house. He actually likes his bed and will go in on his own to sleep sometimes.
If you get the September dog, you will be fine, especially since you cam come home mid-day to let him out and give him some attention. Make sure you take the dog AND the girls to Puppy training classes as well.
The main thing is that you can't just get a puppy and hope for the best, or you will have a dog that drives you crazy.
We made the committment to really work with our current dog and have been totally rewarded. He is absolutely the best dog in the whole world! (I say this as he sleeps on my feet).
WE had an earlier dog that we let have the run of the house when we were home, and penned in the kitchen when we weren't. It was a mess. Often nobody paid attention to the puppy and it got into trouble...chewed things, peed on the floor, etc. We'd be mad, it would be upset, ugh.
With our current dog, we were either giving him all our attention, or he was in his "bed". He didn't ever have the opportunity to get into trouble and we never had to scold him.
The crate could be moved around, so even when we were busy. he could be right next to us. Once he was housebroken and out of the chewing stage, we only used the crate when we left him alone in the house. He actually likes his bed and will go in on his own to sleep sometimes.
If you get the September dog, you will be fine, especially since you cam come home mid-day to let him out and give him some attention. Make sure you take the dog AND the girls to Puppy training classes as well.
The main thing is that you can't just get a puppy and hope for the best, or you will have a dog that drives you crazy.
We made the committment to really work with our current dog and have been totally rewarded. He is absolutely the best dog in the whole world! (I say this as he sleeps on my feet).
Jun 29th, 2005, 08:42 AM
#25
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Hi Ashley,
<If I wait until September, will the puppy be ok when I am gone to work?>
The general rule that you will see everywhere is that a puppy can hold his/her bladder one hour for every month of his/her age.
2 month old = may need to go out every 2 hours
(More often than that after they nap, play, eat, etc.)
<If I wait until September, will the puppy be ok when I am gone to work?>
The general rule that you will see everywhere is that a puppy can hold his/her bladder one hour for every month of his/her age.
2 month old = may need to go out every 2 hours
(More often than that after they nap, play, eat, etc.)
Jun 29th, 2005, 09:34 AM
#26
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Ok...I called the vet and I called the breeder with the September litter. Both said it would be alright to have the puppy for two weeks, and then give back to the original breeder during vacation time, and then have again. I think it will break my heart but that is what both said.
I agree with the crate idea. Would it be ok to put the crate in the dining room area and during the day leave it open with newspaper on the floor, and gates on the doorways to keep her contained to that room? At least until she is a bit older?
I agree with the crate idea. Would it be ok to put the crate in the dining room area and during the day leave it open with newspaper on the floor, and gates on the doorways to keep her contained to that room? At least until she is a bit older?
Jun 29th, 2005, 11:03 AM
#27
If you get the proper size crate, she really will be better inside it. The whole point is that she'll feel snug and safe in the crate, and can't get into trouble. Many dogs get nervous left alone in a big area and start bad habits..chewing, barking, scratching.
Why don't you just delay the pick up of the puppy? If you think it'll break your heart to give her back, think of how the pupppy will feel. She won't know you're returning.
and everthing you teach her will be lost when its replaced with the breeders rules.
Why don't you just delay the pick up of the puppy? If you think it'll break your heart to give her back, think of how the pupppy will feel. She won't know you're returning.
and everthing you teach her will be lost when its replaced with the breeders rules.
Jun 29th, 2005, 11:49 AM
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I just want to vote for the September puppy as well. I can't imagine getting a puppy and leaving it two weeks later. They are just too young.
Also, about the crate training...it worked really well for us. We have a 3 year old lab and she goes to her crate when she is really tired and wants to sleep out of the way of everyone. She knows she can go there for peace and quiet and it seems to be a comforting place for her, despite having a nice doggy bed to sleep in at night. It's also great to get her out of the way of guests when they come over, as she is inclined to be very hyper with them. We just say 'crate' and she runs in and stays in without the door being shut.
Also, about the crate training...it worked really well for us. We have a 3 year old lab and she goes to her crate when she is really tired and wants to sleep out of the way of everyone. She knows she can go there for peace and quiet and it seems to be a comforting place for her, despite having a nice doggy bed to sleep in at night. It's also great to get her out of the way of guests when they come over, as she is inclined to be very hyper with them. We just say 'crate' and she runs in and stays in without the door being shut.
Jun 29th, 2005, 12:24 PM
#29
I cannot imagine getting a puppy then going away on vacation so shortly thereafter! That sounds like an absolutely awful idea to me. I strongly urge for you to wait until you return home.
Crates are a wonderful invention used by many many many dog lovers. They are for the dog's own safety and security.
While certainly people here on Fodors are being helpful, I urge you to do your research and gather information on a more pet-appropriate website instead of a travel resource because your question is a bit of a stretch as far as being travel related IMO.
Crates are a wonderful invention used by many many many dog lovers. They are for the dog's own safety and security.
While certainly people here on Fodors are being helpful, I urge you to do your research and gather information on a more pet-appropriate website instead of a travel resource because your question is a bit of a stretch as far as being travel related IMO.
Jun 29th, 2005, 01:03 PM
#31
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You can tell your daughter that our Westie does not chase her tail. She does love to play, though, and if you get on the floor with her she loves to rough house. She knows not to get too rough, but does sound vicious because she likes to be vocal and growl as she plays.
Which brings up another subject-- the importance of puppy training. Our Westie was 9 weeks old when we brought her home one July. We knew the breeder had just one female and our pup was in a good home environment. So, like you, we opted to leave her with the breeder till after our summer family vacation. We always felt good about that choice. It's a bad thing to take a pup home too early, with too little time for socializing with the mom. And 9 weeks old may push the envelope in the other direction, but it worked fine for us and our pup.
When our pup was 10 weeks old, we began our weekly puppy training course at a great place in Denver. They told us 10 weeks was an ideal start time. We're so glad we did that, because even after 7 years, our dog remembers the basics she learned beginning at 10 weeks old.
Most importantly, they need to learn to listen to you. You are "top dog" -- not them-- and they need to learn the chain of command from day one, or they will rule the roost and you'll have problems. In fact, the first exercise I did on day one of puppy training was to get the pup to look me in the eye. It sounds simple, but it took awhile to get her to focus on me. From there on, the class just got better. You will never regret puppy training.
Westies do like to chew, so be prepared with chew toys and limiting the dog's access to the house when you're not home.
Crate training is the best and safest method for the dog, and easiest way for you. It naturally becomes the dog's safe haven, and our Westie still sleeps in her crate at night. In the car, we use a travel crate for our Westie, which again is safer than having the dog loose in the car.
Now our dog is grown, when we leave the house, she stays in our good-sized, tile-floored mud room where her crate and food/water bowls are. She is better off not having access to the whole house, for a whole host of reasons, and we can turn on the motion-detector alarm, too.
More than you needed to know, I'm sure! You will love your Westie.
P.S. The only person I ever met who had a bad experience with a male Westie, had purchased that dog as an older pup from a pet shop. Bad idea, as everyone knows. Those pups learn it's ok to pee and poop in their crates and I don't think you can ever train that idea out of them. It sounds like you're getting yours from a good breeder, though, so you'll do fine.
Which brings up another subject-- the importance of puppy training. Our Westie was 9 weeks old when we brought her home one July. We knew the breeder had just one female and our pup was in a good home environment. So, like you, we opted to leave her with the breeder till after our summer family vacation. We always felt good about that choice. It's a bad thing to take a pup home too early, with too little time for socializing with the mom. And 9 weeks old may push the envelope in the other direction, but it worked fine for us and our pup.
When our pup was 10 weeks old, we began our weekly puppy training course at a great place in Denver. They told us 10 weeks was an ideal start time. We're so glad we did that, because even after 7 years, our dog remembers the basics she learned beginning at 10 weeks old.
Most importantly, they need to learn to listen to you. You are "top dog" -- not them-- and they need to learn the chain of command from day one, or they will rule the roost and you'll have problems. In fact, the first exercise I did on day one of puppy training was to get the pup to look me in the eye. It sounds simple, but it took awhile to get her to focus on me. From there on, the class just got better. You will never regret puppy training.
Westies do like to chew, so be prepared with chew toys and limiting the dog's access to the house when you're not home.
Crate training is the best and safest method for the dog, and easiest way for you. It naturally becomes the dog's safe haven, and our Westie still sleeps in her crate at night. In the car, we use a travel crate for our Westie, which again is safer than having the dog loose in the car.
Now our dog is grown, when we leave the house, she stays in our good-sized, tile-floored mud room where her crate and food/water bowls are. She is better off not having access to the whole house, for a whole host of reasons, and we can turn on the motion-detector alarm, too.
More than you needed to know, I'm sure! You will love your Westie.
P.S. The only person I ever met who had a bad experience with a male Westie, had purchased that dog as an older pup from a pet shop. Bad idea, as everyone knows. Those pups learn it's ok to pee and poop in their crates and I don't think you can ever train that idea out of them. It sounds like you're getting yours from a good breeder, though, so you'll do fine.
Jun 29th, 2005, 02:55 PM
#33
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I'd also get the September puppy; he or she will adjust to your schedule fairly easily.
I also agree with Scarlett about the time and attention a puppy needs. We just adopted a 3mo German shepherd mix from the animal shelter a couple of weeks ago, and I tell ya, it's like having a toddler all over again!
But she's a sweetie and we're enjoying our Daisy dog.
Lee Ann
I also agree with Scarlett about the time and attention a puppy needs. We just adopted a 3mo German shepherd mix from the animal shelter a couple of weeks ago, and I tell ya, it's like having a toddler all over again!
But she's a sweetie and we're enjoying our Daisy dog.Lee Ann
Jun 29th, 2005, 03:22 PM
#34
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My Westies have crates which they sleep in and are gated into our tile floored kitchen when no one is home. I go home during the day to walk them and I'm home by 3:30 most days.
We got our first Westie at the beginning of the summer so I was home all that time with him. His half brother came 9 months later in April -- just in time for spring break. Like I said -- Westies are smart and will adapt to your schedule. Your kids will love him (her?)
Glad you checked out terrierclub -- can't have too much info!
We got our first Westie at the beginning of the summer so I was home all that time with him. His half brother came 9 months later in April -- just in time for spring break. Like I said -- Westies are smart and will adapt to your schedule. Your kids will love him (her?)
Glad you checked out terrierclub -- can't have too much info!
Jun 30th, 2005, 03:54 AM
#35
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Thanks everyone! I am going to call the summer pup breeder and see if she can hold onto the pup until we return from our vacation, without us taking it home for two weeks before the trip. Does that sound like an o.k. plan? I believe the puppy would be 13 weeks old after our trip.
Jun 30th, 2005, 05:45 AM
#36
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Our pup was 12 weeks when we got him. I think it will be great for you!
BTW- with Pup staying at his breeder til that age, he was almost completely housebroken, she used the crate, but he knew to stand by the back door when he needed to go out..when you do it, this trick is so great...
Put a piece of newspaper down in front of the door that pup will use to go out to do his business. They learn so quickly,if he has a mistake, it is on the paper by the door.
remember also, after petting the pup or playing with him, take him out to pee, they, like babies, get excited and that is what happens next LOL
I kinda wish I had a snuggly little puppy now- the way they smell and so little ..sigh.
Maybe once we are moved ((&))
BTW- with Pup staying at his breeder til that age, he was almost completely housebroken, she used the crate, but he knew to stand by the back door when he needed to go out..when you do it, this trick is so great...
Put a piece of newspaper down in front of the door that pup will use to go out to do his business. They learn so quickly,if he has a mistake, it is on the paper by the door.
remember also, after petting the pup or playing with him, take him out to pee, they, like babies, get excited and that is what happens next LOL
I kinda wish I had a snuggly little puppy now- the way they smell and so little ..sigh.
Maybe once we are moved ((&))
Jun 30th, 2005, 06:15 AM
#37
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Hi Ashley,
I think you are making a wise and unselfish choice.
That will be the perfect age for your puppy to join you, any good breeder does not allow the pup to come home before 10 weeks anyway (so I have been told).
And I ditto what Scarlett said, by keeping he/she there while you are away, the pup should have a good jump beginning the road to potty training.
I am happy you are waiting until you return from your vacation. I also was thinking how crazy any household can get before leaving for a big vacation, I am glad you pup won't be there wondering what is going on and will join you and your family after you are well rested and have returned home.
Having all your puppies needs as far as supplies goes already in hand before you bring pup home will also help in the process.
That nice long flight will be great for reading up on what to do and what not to do.
There are indeed like babies, it will aid you considerably if you know what to do before he comes home.
If you put the time into now you will be so grateful down the road!
Best wishes, Tiff
I think you are making a wise and unselfish choice.
That will be the perfect age for your puppy to join you, any good breeder does not allow the pup to come home before 10 weeks anyway (so I have been told).
And I ditto what Scarlett said, by keeping he/she there while you are away, the pup should have a good jump beginning the road to potty training.
I am happy you are waiting until you return from your vacation. I also was thinking how crazy any household can get before leaving for a big vacation, I am glad you pup won't be there wondering what is going on and will join you and your family after you are well rested and have returned home.
Having all your puppies needs as far as supplies goes already in hand before you bring pup home will also help in the process.
That nice long flight will be great for reading up on what to do and what not to do.
There are indeed like babies, it will aid you considerably if you know what to do before he comes home.
If you put the time into now you will be so grateful down the road!
Best wishes, Tiff
Jul 2nd, 2005, 07:33 AM
#38
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Good decision Ashley. I'm glad you are doing what's best for the pup.
Scarlett, my friend has the last of the Standard Poodle litter and I am amazed how much the pup has learned. These are show dogs and pup is already learning to set the show stance.
Such an incredible playful ball of fur! Maybe you'll get one to snuggle in Portland
Scarlett, my friend has the last of the Standard Poodle litter and I am amazed how much the pup has learned. These are show dogs and pup is already learning to set the show stance.
Such an incredible playful ball of fur! Maybe you'll get one to snuggle in Portland
Jul 2nd, 2005, 07:43 AM
#39
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starrsville, Pup, being a show Standard Poodle himself, is as much of a snuggler as I can cope with right now LOL he insists on trying to get in my lap when I am on the sofa.
I am thinking of a small companion for him, perhaps a cat..somehow I cannot see me being dragged down the street by TWO big dogs
I am thinking of a small companion for him, perhaps a cat..somehow I cannot see me being dragged down the street by TWO big dogs
Jul 2nd, 2005, 08:30 AM
#40
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Its better to get the puppy use to its new family and to papertrain it first. I adopted 2 mutts from the Humane Society (these dogs shouldn't be overlooked as pets because they aren't purebred) but that is another story, but I would have never just adopted and then shortly after left them when they were in the process of getting use to me and my home.
