National Scoop The Poop Week on April, 2024: I have a 6 week old puppy! But I need help on potty training him!?

National Scoop The Poop Week 2024. National Scoop-the-Poop Week National Scoop-The-Poop

You poor thing, you are between a rock and a hard place and you, your parents, your floors and the puppy are suffering because of mistakes by the breeder.

I am feeling so bad for you that I am afraid this is going to be a very long answer. I hope it helps.

First, take a deep breath: You can get through this and you are doing a good job. It is great that he is starting to get the peeing part down and you are praising him when he goes outside. You are on the right track.

Please get a reputable book on puppies (such as "Before and After You Get Your Puppy" by Dr. Ian Dunbar) and share it with your parents.

Also let your folks know that the puppy is too young to be away from its mother (8 weeks is the minimum and in some states in the US it is illegal to sell a pup under this age.) and for that reason, expecting the puppy to be easy to housebreak is unreasonable. Although he is getting the "peeing" down, he will have set backs---so be prepared.

Like you said, housebreaking can take time just like with people----BUT there are also some things a pup is incapable of at certain ages just as YOU were incapable of certain things at certain ages.

Such as walking or teething----expecting a 3 month old human baby to sprout teeth like a 6 month old---or crawl or anything like that, is just unreasonable.

As you know, MOST of housebreaking is getting the puppy outside at the right time and rewarding them like crazy---hand him tons of treats when he potties outside and praise like crazy. Also wait about 2-3 minutes after he pees to give him time to poop. Always stay with the dog and have it on leash when it goes out to potty. This is key!

Confine him to a crate or x-pen when you are not watching him

like a hawk.If he starts to circle and sniff, scoop him up, run outside and put him where he needs to go potty. Praise like crazy and hand out treats. (Keep them in a pocket)

The goal: potty outside equals a big pay day.

***The treats don't have to be big dog biscuits. Either feed him his regular dog food OR EVEN BETTER get something yummy and age-appropriate (ask the vet) and break it into SMALL chunks. Three tiny pieces of a treat the size of the white part of your fingernail is more exciting for your dog than one lump of treat. AND too many treats is not good for his tummy

You must also confine him in a small crate or pen when you can't watch over him so there are fewer accidents.

If he has an accident, do not use bleach or another cleanser on the floor. Bleach smells different to dogs than people. Find an enzyme-based cleaner like "Nature's Miracle" and follow the instructions. I know this stuff works because I have seen it used in shelters/training centers in the places where they train puppies and don't want any spot on the floor to smell after an "accident".

What makes it so hard for your pup is that he can't "hold it" for any length of time, and he is also used to having his mum help clean up after him a bit.

At 8 weeks he may be able to hold it about 2 hours at most. I don't know how long a 6 week old pup should be able to hold it---but it can't be long.

Plus, any running around, excitement, eating or drinking can make the urge to go even worse. (The tummy gets full and pushes and bowels and bladder empty to make room.)

Another factor--when you got the pup at 5 weeks he would not have been fully weaned yet, and eating regular puppy food so soon may be doing a number on him.

Poor tyke and poor you.

Take him to a vet and get him checked and make sure his shots are on track. Bring him to the vet in a crate and do not let him have contact with any other dogs or even the ground they are walking on. Carry him.

If you have other questions/issues you might even want to contact the breed club rescue or a reputable all-breed rescue for advice on helping a pup this young. (Try the national breed club or www.petfinder.com) They won't want to take the pup away from you---but they will do everything humanly possible to help you train and keep the pup.

Once your parents understand that the pup you were sold was not ready to be sold yet---or ready to be housebroken---they will have more sympathy. Compare it to buying a house that is unfinished: the sheetrock walls are up, the carpet is in, the plumbing is in and the electricty is wired but there are no faucets or switches yet. It looks like a house and you can live in it---but it is not completely ready for occupation.

Then follow the advice in Dr. Dunbar's book and it will be a huge help. Pay particular attention to the parts about socialization with people and other dogs, AND bite inhibition***

Bite inhibition is something the mother dog starts teaching pups---but yours did not get the benefit of these lessons---and good bite inhibition means less likelihood of a dog biting as an adult EVEN WHEN he is provoked.(Like when a 45 pound kid falls out of an oak tree onto a sleeping arthritic dog. My son did this and was NOT bitten by our dog.)

Take the pup to puppy kindergarten when he is older and this will help him learn the rules of human society and canine society at the same time.

Best wishes, sweetie on working with this pup. Get the book----it will be a big help---and post here if you need more help. I will look for your posts.

Pet friendly parks/ cafes / activities in the uk?

York Racecourse (AKA The Knavesmire)

An (obviously!) large grassy area much used by York locals for dog walking.

LIMITED ACCESS ON RACE DAYS

Please remember to 'Scoop the Poop'

Trebah Gardens

Cornwall 01326 250448 Dogs are welcome in the garden and on the beach, all year round. On a lead at all times please.

Water bowls are available outside the Visitor Centre and we offer complimentary poop scoops to dog owners on arrival. There are 4 dog bins provided within the garden.

Helmsley Walled Garden

Helmsley, North Yorkshire 01439 771427 five acre garden, originally built in 1756, has recently benefited from 15 years of extensive restoration.

The Double Hot Border forms the gardens central spine, extending for 120m it explodes with colour from June to September.

Off the main spine we have a selection of smaller garden rooms including a contemplative garden, a white garden, rose and peony borders and new for 2011 a cottage flower garden.

Trelissick Garden - National Trust

Although dogs can't go into the garden (except assistance dogs), the estate has miles of woodland walks and open parkland for you and your dog to enjoy. Car park charge. Please clear up dog waste and dispose of it sensibly

Westonbirt - The National Arboretum

Westonbirt, Gloucestershire 01666 880220 We don't just "allow" dogs at Westonbirt, we positively encourage them. Together with their well-behaved companions, they can explore, off the lead, the sights and smells of Silk Wood, (which covers two thirds of the Arboretum), and the whole of The Downs area. (At certain times of the year sheep and cattle may graze The Downs, so please keep dogs on a lead near livestock).

Tremenheere Sculpture Garden, Gulval, Nr Penzance

A major new attraction in West Cornwall. Situated in a sheltered valley the woods, streams and exotic and sub-tropical planting provide the perfect backdrop to inspirational artworks.

Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the garden and the outside seating area of the café

Roundhay Park - Leeds

You can explore the park by the many paths and trails, choose from our featured walks.

What better way to enjoy your activity than talking a walk in our beautiful Park - open every day, whatever the Season.

Roundhay Park in Leeds has been named as one of the region's leading green spaces in the Good Parks

Glastonbury Abbey Glastonbury Abbey welcomes dogs on leads - stunning 36 acres of parkland

Caerhays Castle & Gardens Gorran, Cornwall 01872 501310

The gardens are open to the public normally from February to the beginning of June, due to the gardens being a spectacular spring garden. There are structured walks around the garden giving views over the Estate and grounds, the lake, and out to sea. Dogs are welcome in the gardens on leads

Botanic Gardens & Cafe - Churchtown, Southport

Nationally renowned for its floral displays. It is popular with local people and visitors alike. Located in picturesque Churchtown. The park is open 7 days a week, every day of the year. A great day out for all the family. Entrance is free. Dogs welcome on leads. Well behaved dogs also welcome in the Botanic Cafe.

Hesketh Park & Cafe, Southport Less than one miles walk from the vibrant resort of Southport lies Hesketh Park. This 34 acre Park has a small dog friendly cafe, where treats are often available

North York Moors National Park Walking with your dog. The countryside is a great place to take your dog for a walk. Be a responsible owner and make sure your dog is always a welcome visitor to the North York Moors.

Pencarrow

Bodmin, Cornwall 01208 841369 We ask that dogs are kept on a lead around the immediate vicinity of the house and Peacock Cafe. However, once you are approaching the woodland walks, pease do let your dogs off the lead for a good run.

Marston Vale Forest Centre The park and visitors centre are open all year round. And entry's free! Easy parking and trouble free access for everyone, the Forest Centre is a natural place for your family to come and explore

The Yorkshire Arboretum, Kew and Castle Howard - York, YO60 7BY Tel: 01653 648598

Thousands of trees from around the world in a stunning 150 acre landscape of vistas, lakes & ponds.

Woodland walks • Café • Tours • Family activities • Events • Tree trails • Group visits • Outdoor education Dogs are very welcome on leads throughout the arboretum, and off the lead in designated areas providing that they remain under control. Dogs are not permitted inside the cafe, but are welcomed on the cafe terrace if well-behaved