HI! I'm new and curious about house training.

[Stephanie]

I've been reading through the discussions about house training. I was curious about one thing. I've read that using a pee pad isn't a good idea because it teaches the puppy he can pee inside. So I figured I have to take him out an awful lot for the first few weeks. How often is that? I think I read every 20 minutes? Before and after playing, eating and sleeping? Ok, so what happens when I see him about to pee in the house? Do I throw a pee pad underneath him or rush to take him out? Also, what about at night when we're asleep? I think I've read to keep their crate open with a pee pad near by. Or do most of you keep it closed and take them out in the middle of the night? Please help! I need advice :D Thank you!

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

The bell worked really well for us, so I hope it works for you!! When you tie it to the door make sure it's on his level. It will still take a week or two for him to learn what it means, but ring it every time and say outside and he'll learn. We kept newspaper in his crate and he did have accidents the first couple of nights and then cried after, so I had to learn about what time I needed to get up and let him out. It's a lot of work at first, but so worth it to have him properly trained! -- We kept using newspaper in the crate until there were no more accidents. A lot of people say not to use newspaper or puppy pads and they're probably right, it just made clean up so much easier. :)

[Stephanie]

When you put the bell on the door, did you remove it when you went out to prevent it from ringing? I thought aobut that :P

[Stephanie]

Wow! That's so awesome! So does he ring the bell every time? Does he ever ring it just to ring it? hehehe.

I don't have a balcony. His play area will be kitchen (the only place with tile) and his toys and food will be in there. I was also going to put the pads near near the door, but I was told it's best not to use them because it teaches them that they can go inside. I'm still not sure if I'm going to use them. But there will be times I need to leave the house and I know he won't be able to hold it. I was told to put him in his crate, because he most likely won't go, but I'm afraid he will pee and poo all over himself :(

So when you catch him in the act do you still take him outside and show him where to use it? And when you take him outside are you carrying the hole time or do you walk him outside?

One more question :D I plan on makin the liver treats too! How long do they last in an air tight container? Do you always just freeze yours and take it right out of the freezer or do you take some out and leave it out for a few days? I'm still trying to find the storing method, but I'm not having too much luck. I know people say you can freeze it, but I was wondering how long they last after you take them out and how long they last if you don't freeze them.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!