Post by Bassetpup on Mar 7, 2004 14:39:28 GMT -2
Hello, and welcome to the board. I understand that your girl is having some problems potty training. Well, that is definantly part of the breed. However, there are some things that you can do to help her along. First you really need to keep an eye on her so catch her signals of when she needs to potty. I find that Lily will start sniffing and head to the most secluded place in the room like under a table or in a corner. When you catch her sniffing, take her out immediately. As soon as she goes give her a treat and praise her! Some would say giving treats is making her expect a reward every time. Well, I say whatever works and also it is a reward to us whenever they don't go in the house so why not! Also, if you see her going in the house, make a loud noise and startle her to make her stop, then tell her no and take her outside immediately to finish. When she goes, praise and treat. Don't bother trying to scold her after the fact cuz she won't know what you are talking about and it is counter productive. I also have had some success with tethering. When I have to do something that requires my attention such as doing dishes, I attach her leash to my belt or belt loop or waist and keep her close so that I can see what she is doing. They don't like it at first, but if you give them a chewy or toy or something they will soon get used to it. You just can't give in when they complain. Stand firm and they will learn that it is just a fact of life. You will also need to establish a workable schedule. Such as take her out in the morning, after she eats, as soon as she comes out of the crate, whenever she wakes from a nap, etc. Just be sure to be consistent. You may also want to try to train her to use a bell or bark at the door when she needs to go out. I can't use a bell because i have an infant daughter that likes to ring it, but I am starting to take Lily out every time she barks whether I really think she might need to go or not! I want her to learn that barking = going outside to potty. I think she is finally getting the message. If you want advice on that, let us know. As far as her going in her crate, I know several of us on this board have had that same problem. However, most of us learned that around 4 to 5 months that behavior stopped on its own. I have to remind myself DAILY that when she goes in the house, it is my fault for not catching her signals or taking her out on schedule. Since she is so little, I recommend taking her out every 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours. They cannot hold it very long due to being so young and need lots of opportunities to potty in the proper place and be praised for it.
I bet once she matures a little and is potty trained you will never doubt your decision to have a Basset. They are the most loving, comical breed and I guarantee you will be hooked!
I bet once she matures a little and is potty trained you will never doubt your decision to have a Basset. They are the most loving, comical breed and I guarantee you will be hooked!
