Puppy stages

[Rachel & Nathan]

Hello everyone. We are very new to doodle kisses and goldendoodles. Our sweet baby is 8 weeks old and we are asking that you put any helpful tips on potty training or just tips in general!

Thanks in Advanve,
Rachel

[Sue]

Hi, just recently joined Doodle Kisses as well as we have a new puppy ( 11 weeks old). It has been 3 weeks since we brought her home and things have been challenging to say the least....It does get better, it it does get easier and she will eventually sleep through the better part of the night....My first tips would be....take her out through the same door each time you take her out to potty, repeat the words..go pee go pee pee...and praise when she does it....I have also found that crate training has made things easier as well....She has had 1 accident in 3 weeks and that was the first day....Let me know if you have any other questions as I am in the same boat as you.....btw - she is so cute and curly!!!!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Raymond - you have a very smart doodle puppy! LOL  Mine are adults and they will try to hold it as long as possible when we have triple digit weather and I do not blame them!  He is still very young and with time, he will be following you right out and doing his thing.  Puppyhood is so much fun (except for the potty training part).  Every time he is successful have a party with lots of woo hoos and treats!  They aim to please and get the message quickly that they have done something good.  Good luck.

[Cathy Murphy]

Hi , I will be following this- We have a 91/2 week old named Finnegan!  A few pee accidents (near the door) but has made it out for poop!  Had an accident in the crate once.  I reward all outside potty with a piece of kibble and praise!  He has been drinking lots of water due to 90 degree heat which means more trips outside!!  :) 

[Sooner Mom]

I'm a few weeks ahead of you.  My main tip is be consistent and realize that you are training all the time so be aware of that...sometimes we think we are reinforcing one thing when from the dogs perspective we are reinforcing something else.  Don't praise something that seems cute now as a puppy but won't be cute in 6 months.  It's better to ignore it if it's too soon to correct it.  Also, fewer words are better than more words with a puppy.  You can't fix everything about their behavior at once.  We decided to just focus on one or two things at the most.  

This is my first time to crate train and I love it.  Why didn't I know about this before! Our pup loves her crate and puts herself in the crate.  I took lots of hints from here on how to get the pup introduced to the crate.  I found 13 weeks to be a turning point for our puppy.  Most of all ENJOY your puppy.  We are totally in love but it has been so much work that I am glad the love outweighs the work.  

[Rachel & Nathan]

Thank you for all of the advice! I'm amazed already at how quick these puppies catch on! Consistency is obviously the main tip and hopefully we can master this potty training!
This site is awesome!!

[Rachel & Nathan]

One more question if you don't mind. We've had our puppy since Friday and every poop is runny and almost just liquid. Could it be nerves, transitioning, or should we try something new? We thought it may be the treats we give her to reward pottying, because it's new to her tummy.. Any suggestions.?

[Raj and Teddy]

Hi Rachel,

We have 11 week plus puppy that we are training right now. From my experience the following has worked.

1. Have a schedule and following it. Feeding times (7am, 12pm, 5pm), water to be taken out @ 7pm. We give ice cube past 7pm when its hot so our puppy can lick it for few mins. Our puppy was sleeping from 11pm-5am and now we have gradually have him on 10:30-6:45am schedule. He does potty more regularly (one in the morning when he wakes, another after breakfast, one close to lunch and then multiple time in the evening). We use poochie bells and that helped. When its hot, I don't push the puppy, only take him for few mins for pee and bring him inside. He has been consistently doing both pee and potty outside and now we take him out every 2-2.5hrs.

2. Please keep him on his kibble for most of his food and use the kibble as a treat for any training. Please don't introduce any foods. I initially started adding peanut butter, apple, and low fat yogurt but that was not a good idea. Also the lose potty could be due to stress.

Raj

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

There is a huge chance that the pup has parasites.  Take a couple of fecal samples to the vet.  In the meantime, do not change any foods or treats that the pup didn't come to you eating.  If the pup has Giardia, it is imperative that you thoroughly clean up all areas he has gone/goes.  Join the  puppy madness group.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree....I would take a stool sample to the Vet asap.

[Ron English]

You might want to mention this to the vet when she goes for her first checkup and shots, just to be sure. Sometimes they arrive with some puppy "conditions" that might require some treatment.

[Sooner Mom]

Rachel and Nathan you have been given some great advice here and I am sure your vet will insist on a complete fecal exam if these symptoms persists.  However, my pup had the same issue and after extensive testing and treatment for symptoms we have just now resolved the issue.  Our pup did not have parasites.  It took us 5 weeks.  I am just sharing so if your are dealing with something besides parasites you will know it can be handled and don't give up.  It is frustrating but doable.  Be patient no matter what this issue might turn out to be, or it may just be transitory.  Good luck!