so, Santa is bringing a puppy this year.

Banjo String

Anyway, as title says, after very careful consideration, we've decided Santa can bring a pup this year to our house.

We've two kids, one 3 past, the other will be one next month.

Anyway, for different reasons, but mainly because after a bit of research, we've decided a labradoodle will be our chosen breed. Reasons being they're apparently great temperaments and don't shed hair.

The thing we're stumped on, is how do you go about getting a pup that will be the appropriate age on Christmas week?

Ie, do we look around now for breeders that have pregnant dogs or whatever?

Both my wife and I come from families were dogs have always been present, so we know what we're letting ourselves in for, but we're clueless as to making sure we've a pup at a certain time of year.

Anyone any insight, to both owning and caring for a labradoodle, or how to get a puppy in the time frame of Christmas week?

Thanks in advance.

borderlinemeath

Banjo String wrote: »

Anyway, as title says, after very careful consideration, we've decided Santa can bring a pup this year to our house.

We've two kids, one 3 past, the other will be one next month.

Anyway, for different reasons, but mainly because after a bit of research, we've decided a labradoodle will be our chosen breed. Reasons being they're apparently great temperaments and don't shed hair.

The thing we're stumped on, is how do you go about getting a pup that will be the appropriate age on Christmas week?

Ie, do we look around now for breeders that have pregnant dogs or whatever?

Both my wife and I come from families were dogs have always been present, so we know what we're letting ourselves in for, but we're clueless as to making sure we've a pup at a certain time of year.

Anyone any insight, to both owning and caring for a labradoodle, or how to get a puppy in the time frame of Christmas week?

Thanks in advance.

I have a feeling your post may be deleted or locked, because puppies at Christmas time/Santa bringing puppies is a very, very contentious subject. No good breeder will let anybody take a pup to be put into a household for Christmas. It's very overwhelming bringing a pup into a new home at any time of year, but Christmas week? For a Christmas present? Think of all the activity, the hyperactivity, the dinner preparations and all the food that the puppy may unintentionally get hold of that can be potentially damaging to it's health. The housetraining accidents when you have enough to be dealing with. The fact that relatives might come and visit and overwhelm a puppy even more, or the fact that you might want to go visiting relatives and either bring a puppy with no housetraining or leave a puppy at home to potentially chew and destroy new toys, the tree, decorations etc (you can't just get a crate and leave a new puppy in it, you need to do training).

Anyway, after all that. A labradoodle isn't actually a pure breed. It's a cross breed. And you won't find any reputable breeders with 'christmas puppies'. In fact you won't find any reputable breeders at all because cross breeds cannot be registered with the Irish Kennel Club. Although as all the 'designer' (ie stupid cross breeds with silly names) breeds go, it is perhaps the most sensible as it was crossed for a purpose (as a guide dog) but it opened the floodgates for dodgy breeders and puppy farms to manipulate and market cross bred dogs as 'designer' dogs. You also have no guarantee that the coat will be non shed, it's another marketing gimmick that 'breeders' have thought up. You could have a dog with a wiry coat, a curly coat, because with cross breeds you have no guarantees, coat wise, and in particular health wise unless you are looking at a pup that is the result of 6 generations of crosses, and the parents have been health tested for their breed conditions (for Labs, the main one is hip dysplasia/ arthritis and poodles can also suffer from HD, along with a myriad of other conditions.

My advice would be to have a stuffed toy dog for Christmas day, and maybe a lead/collar/bed (along with other Santa gifts) and have research done prior to Christmas and hopefully in Jan/Feb you may get the pup you want. Alternatively, as so many other people seem to find out, puppies are hard work and shelters and rescues are usually inundated with unwanted Christmas puppies in the months following Christmas, so you may well find your new family member in rescue.

Banjo String

Definitely food for thought^

boomerang

I'd agree. Christmas week is mayhem without adding a little pup into the mix. I would get "small" pressies for each of the kids, including some things the pup will need (e.g. bowl, collar and lead with ID tag, chew toys etc.) for the kids to open on Christmas Day too, with a promise that pup will be coming in the New Year, when the right pup comes along. If you badly want a pup's arrival to co-incide with Christmas, you might end up choosing a pup based on availability, rather than temperament, health and how good the breeder is. Don't rush into it at all OP - this is a "purchase" that you're going to live with intimately, day in, day out for the next 10-12+ years and will be a huge part of your kids' growing up. So take your time and do your best to make a well-informed choice.

There's no such thing as a dog that won't leave some degree of fluff/hair/dust in their wake. The shedding can be a concern before you bring your pup home, but really, once you get to know them and love them, the shedding issue recedes into the background. It's just something that comes with having a four-legged family member. You'll gladly take the bit of shedding, for the daily laughs and smiles that go with having a pooch.

TooManyDogs

Like the others said, Christmas is a disaster of a time to bring a puppy into the house, so I won't repeat what the others have said but also agree that maybe Santa would bring a dog bed or collar and lead etc.

Christmas pups are always a contentious subject because the only reason to plan a litter for that time of year is to make money, and if money is the primary driving factor then I'd be worried about the conscious thought gone into choosing the parents. This hybrid can also prone to the health problems of the lab and the poodle so make sure they've been health tested. Good breeders will avoid the Christmas market like the plague because they don't want to be taken for a back yard breeder, but it's the good breeders who won't allow their pedigree dogs breed with a different breed. So if you find someone breeding them I'd be quizzing them on why they're breeding and if you get a sniff of 'money' or 'cos they're popular' type answers then run away.

Also look into the hybrid, there are more types than simply Labradoodle - F1, F1B, F2, F3 etc

cocker5

OP...

Here's my thoughts.

While I understand its a "lovely" idea Santa bringing a pup and the excitement on christmas moring would be amazing you really need to think out side the box on this one...

as the other posters have mentioned only the worst "so called breeders" have pups available for christmas, its a money making racket without any thought for the bitch, pups or new dog owners - so in a sense (without any intention on your behalf) buy purchasing a pup at xmas you are fueling this situation.

Also IMO its a not good idea to get a pup from santa, IMO your showing kids pups are easily gotten (and in a lot of cases easily dumped in Feb 2014 too - DEF not saying you would do this but mnay many people do). If I were you I would get a pup in the new year, bring the kids along to "help" pick out the pup, make a big family deal of it, if they have to wait for the pup, and its not a "santa surprise" they will appreciate it more as they will have wanted / waited longer.

Giving the kids leads / bowls for xmas would be a great way to get them ready for a pup. You can make the kids "feel" like they are part of the decision making - a family decision to get a pup, which IMO is far more responsible than a pup from "santa".

Now dont get me wrong I know lots of kids ask santa and get a pup etc.... my sisters kids wanted a dog asked santa each year for a few years until my sister explained "Santa can only make toys, not live creatures" so they all picked a dog together, around June I think, the fact that it wasnt xmas morning and it was a joint decision etc maens they were far more excited and more apprective of the pup.... Just my opinion.

As another poster pointed out there is no such thing as a non shed dog - these are animals, with fur, they all shed, but lots can be done to reduce shedding - Regular brushing, clipping, salmon oil etc.

also labradoodles are non predigree dogs at premium prices, they are also quiet big in size.

OP im gonna be very blunt and say this I have grown up in a house with dogs all my life, as did my OH, so we decided to get our own cocker spaniel.... he's 8 now and the most amazing dog ever (well I am biased) BUT for the first 18 months - 2 years he was a NIGHTMARE... and if im honest we have no kids if i had a 3 year old and a one year old in the mix i would have completely cracked up!! it took ALOT of time, patience, training etc to get him to where he is today and if i had kids also I wouldnt have had the time for all three.......personally I would wait until your kids are 5 and 3 ... they will be able to understand the pup better ie how to behave around the pup, the "mouthing" pups do etc.... to not pull on the dog etc.... these are all issues that could lead to biting etc they are very very young at the moment and adding a pup to the mix is a receipe for diaster.... but that just my personal opinion.


Best of luck with whatever decision you make, I hope my points help somewhat

cocker5

cocker5 wrote: »

Also IMO its a not good idea to get a pup from santa, IMO your showing kids pups are easily gotten (and in a lot of cases easily dumped in Feb 2014 too - DEF not saying you would do this but mnay many people do). If I were you I would get a pup in the new year, bring the kids along to "help" pick out the pup, make a big family deal of it, if they have to wait for the pup, and its not a "santa surprise" they will appreciate it more as they will have wanted / waited longer.

Giving the kids leads / bowls for xmas would be a great way to get them ready for a pup. You can make the kids "feel" like they are part of the decision making - a family decision to get a pup, which IMO is far more responsible than a pup from "santa".

Couldn't agree more, this is a much, much better approach

DBB

I have not much more to add to the very sound advice given above. Pups are very, very hard work, it is like having a new baby in the house, but this one has sharp teeth and doesn't wear nappies!
I will also say op, it is really difficult to manage a small pup around kids so young. Toddlers and dogs are a really awkward mix, and combining the two requires almost super-human supervision. Your children will (not might, will) be bitten repeatedly by a playful pup, and I'm afraid I've lost count of the amount of young dogs who have been turfed out of their well-intentioned but naive homes, leaving terrified children who don't like dogs any more behind them.
I would also encourage you to reconsider this idea for another few years, at least until your kids are old enough to be able to follow instructions reliably.

When you're ready, truly ready, then this will be a good starting point for you:
http://www.dogstardaily.com/taxonomy/term/182

Queen-Mise

cocker5 wrote: »

OP...

While I understand its a "lovely" idea Santa bringing a pup and the excitement on christmas moring would be amazing you really need to think out side the box on this one...
personally I would wait until your kids are 5 and 3 ... they will be able to understand the pup better ie how to behave around the pup, the "mouthing" pups do etc.... to not pull on the dog etc.... these are all issues that could lead to biting etc they are very very young at the moment and adding a pup to the mix is a receipe for diaster.... but that just my personal opinion.


Best of luck with whatever decision you make, I hope my points help somewhat

I agree that it is a lovely idea, although maybe not entirely practical just yet. I think a birthday mid year is a better time, during the summer. You could go around the shelters around the time, leading up to the birthday, get the dog stuff needed. It will give you the time to research the dogs, see what dogs are good with kids, a dog would have to be bomb proof... Some breeds aren't really suitable typically.

And as poster above said - kids are not gentle. I'd wait till youngest is three anyway. At least then, they will be more able for walks, and running around woods etc. And then they are better able to understand that picking the dog up by the paw or ear hurts.
My daughter used to treat the dog like a moving doll, used to have to watch her like a hawk.

And then you are only toilet training one in the house:D

tk123

If you wait until the kids are a bit older they can take part in the puppy classes too. The ones I went to with my pup were great because the trainers gave advise to parents and also guided the kids on how to do some of the commands and explained to the kids what to do if the pup is mouthing them and jumping up etc. There were some younger kids there who got afriad when the puppies where having their offlead playtime and had to be lifted up/one parent took them outside while the other stayed in etc.

Are your kids sleeping thru the night - if so get used to waking up again to take the pup out to the loo!

wexie

Many good points raised so far.

Just to add one of my own thoughts : house training a pup is a much more pleasant afair in spring summer. No snow, frost, dark etc. etc.
You'll also be much more inclined to be outside playing with the kids and pup.

Banjo String

Excellent points raised folks.

After a lengthy discussion this morning, we've decided on the bed/kennel/lead etc as Santa gifts.

We can then choose a pup in Feb/March with the kids, this will take the pressure off, and also enable the kids to be part of the choosing process.

The above, many well thought out posts abd opinions are only one of the many reasons I love this site.

Thanks again.

Banjo

cocker5

OP,

Thats great you've all made the right decision.... you will have time to choose the "right" pup for you and your family.

Also Im sure the kids will be delighted when they get their new friend.... away from the santa distraction, xmas craziness!!

I know this is a little premature BUT here are some posters to help your kids understand (in kids terms) how to interact with a puppy / dog.... Hope these help once your new addition arrives!! these may help to try and avoid any negative situation between your young kids and the puppy.

Best of luck

borderlinemeath

That's really good to hear OP. It's not every poster that is willing to take advice on board when it goes against what they want to hear. So many times, particularly on this forum, and usually about the purchase of a pup or a dog - advice is given out and not heeded. Then usually there is a follow up thread a few months down the line, looking for help and solutions to problems encountered that could so easily have been avoided had the advice been taken in the first place.

As another poster quite rightly pointed out, spring/summertime is a far better time for bringing a pup into the family. As you say, the children can be involved in the choosing and also the willingness to go outside for toilet training, the longer days and (hopefully) better weather.

I know you also mentioned you wanted a dog that was non shed. There really isn't any such thing, all dog will shed but some breeds more so than others, so unless there's allergies to consider I wouldn't rule out a breed based on their shedding. What I would ask you to ask yourself - how much time and effort are you willing to put towards grooming? A lot of breed coats need regular upkeep, brushing daily, grooming every 6 weeks etc. (A labradoodle coat can require regular grooming). A brush down daily outside can really help with the dog shedding hairs indoors.

Good luck with your search and when you do get your new family member make sure to come back and post a picture:).

Banjo String

Absolutely border line.

I'm here for the advice, not an argument lol.

An Easter dog will do us fine lol.

I'll definitely throw up a few pics when he or she arrives.

sadie06

Just to say that Labradoodles can be absolutely huge, and it is very difficult to predict their adult size with any real certainty. I met a lovely one recently down in Castlecomer Discovery park and was shocked at the sheer size of her.

alroley

Labradoodles often don't get the poodle gene of no shedding.
In fact, I know one labradoodle that sheds like crazy.

Why not go for a standard poodle?
They don't need to have the classic poodle cuts.
They can be left fuzzy http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8482112327_cc973777d3_z.jpg

My osky is a miniature poodle, he doesn't shed, he's very intelligent, and an absolute dote
But maybe I am biased

Knine

I love poodles, imo these lab/poodle crosses do not compare to the real deal

However everywhere I go with my Spinoni, he is called a Labradoodle :mad::mad:

It makes me want to cry at times.

Banjo String

Knine wrote: »

I love poodles, imo these lab/poodle ces do not compare to the real deal

However everywhere I go with my Spinoni, he is called a Labradoodle :mad::mad:

It makes me want to cry at times.

Sprocket from Fraggle Rock!

Knine

I would like to clarify that the yellow object in the background is actually a playdough toy.

Just saying like :eek:

wexie

Knine wrote: »

I would like to clarify that the yellow object in the background is actually a playdough toy.

Just saying like :eek:

Banjo String

Knine wrote: »

I would like to clarify that the yellow object in the background is actually a toy.

Just saying like :eek:

Fixed that.

/puts on soft music, turning down the light.

What kinda toy?

Whispered

Sorry to interrupt............. :pac:

But wanted to add to the above comment about doodles being very hard to predict. I know one doodle who is the height of a deerhound, maybe a bit taller, while subsequent litters from the same bitch and dog (bred only 6 months apart approx - which again highlights the types of breeders involved in my opinion) are much smaller. I know a doodle who is TOTALLY unlike these original doodles that I met, different hair, different body shape, different size and different personality. In all, I see 5 doodles regularly and they are all different.

anniehoo

Knine wrote: »

I would like to clarify that the yellow object in the background is actually a playdough toy.

Just saying like :eek:

Would never have noticed until you said it. I literally LOL'd ....a few times :D:D

tk123

Knine wrote: »

However everywhere I go with my Spinoni, he is called a Labradoodle :mad::mad:

My retrievers are always called Labs or more annoyingly 'golden labradors' :rolleyes:

sadie06

That surreal moment when Animals and Pets morphs into After Hours.....:D

sparkling sea

I have 2 labradoodles, if you are thinking of getting one I would highly recommend an Australian Labradoolde as they are less likely to shed. There is a really good breeder in Wexford.

Labradoodles are brillant dogs but like all dogs they are hard work and need to be looked after and they need to be walked a couple of times a day. Train them well and you will have no problems but it you don't them you probably will.

Ah_Yeah

There is the most beautiful Labradoodle at the yard where I have a horse on loan:



One thing I will say, he is the most beautiful dog with the calmest temperament (albeit, a little dim ), but they really do need good care taken of their coats. He is an outdoor dog, so even more important, but it's so easy for his coat to get matted, and that's when it starts to hurt, and then they can potentially lose chunks of hair, which is worse So regular brushing and cleaning

Amazing dog though, one of my favourites!

sionnaic

cocker5 wrote: »

OP,

I know this is a little premature BUT here are some posters to help your kids understand (in kids terms) how to interact with a puppy / dog...

These are brilliant!!

Banjo String

Promised you guys an update when we got our newest family member.

Here is Lulu.

She's a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle.

The madness begins.






Edit, can a mod resize these pics? I'm not sure how to.

grey_so_what

I love Lulu!

Many happy days ahead to all of ye!....

Thank you for posting the pics!

xxx

Thoie

If you see me crawling under your kitchen table and curling up with her, just ignore me - I'll just be there for the cuddles!

Banjo String

So, first morning in, not too bad actually. Not a whimper from her all night , but a few poos, and wet patches on kitchen floor (where she was confined to)

Had a mat laid out and tried encouraging her to do her business there, but it will take a while. I suppose I may just resign myself to getting up an hour before everyone else for cleaning duties until she's trained.

Thank god for steam mops and insence sticks

Hooked

Hey OP

A lot on here are like myself, are not a fan of newspapers and pads for toilet training. Confuses the pup.

Here's some food for thought. And again, this is our experience - so take from it what you will.

Both our dogs are crate trained (this takes building up to). And using the crate, as well as getting up with the pup two or three times a night (every 2-3 hours) had our latest edition, Jack - toilet trained over a weekend.

Pups don't want to go where they sleep.(in the crate) And their bladders are not able to hold it, so will go every 2-3 hours - hence the getting up through the night. And taking him out regularly during the day.

Whenever he peed in the grass, he'd get huge praise and a treat. Copped on almost immediately. (We'd say 'go pee' as part of the training). Pups usually poo after a feed. So again, high praise when he did that too.

We did this for 6-8 weeks. Felt like longer, but that's all in the past now.

And having 2 crate trained dogs, means we can take them everywhere. Hotel stays, holiday house lets, and as of next weekend, camping trip number 5.

I'm a big fan of crates, in case you haven't guessed!

Best of luck with her! She's gorgeous.

Banjo String

Hooked wrote: »

Hey OP

A lot on here are like myself, are not a fan of newspapers and pads for toilet training. Confuses the pup.

Here's some food for thought. And again, this is our experience - so take from it what you will.

Both our dogs are crate trained (this takes building up to). And using the crate, as well as getting up with the pup two or three times a night (every 2-3 hours) had our latest edition, Jack - toilet trained over a weekend.

Pups don't want to go where they sleep.(in the crate) And their bladders are not able to hold it, so will go every 2-3 hours - hence the getting up through the night. And taking him out regularly during the day.

Whenever he peed in the grass, he'd get huge praise and a treat. Copped on almost immediately. (We'd say 'go pee' as part of the training). Pups usually poo after a feed. So again, high praise when he did that too.

We did this for 6-8 weeks. Felt like longer, but that's all in the past now.

And having 2 crate trained dogs, means we can take them everywhere. Hotel stays, holiday house lets, and as of next weekend, camping trip number 5.

I'm a big fan of crates, in case you haven't guessed!

Best of luck with her! She's gorgeous.

Very good points, I read online about crate training previous, but after reading your explanation, and the fact that she could 'travel' with us would be an added bonus.

I think I'll head to Argos later and pick up a crate, couple of questions.

Would I be better with the wire crate or plastic sides, wire at front?

Also, what would you recommend for treats, she is 9 weeks old, ten on wed.

She's a lovely little thing, very affectionate and she seems good with the two kids. (who are slowly learning they're boss, not the dog)

Something else, the guy we got the dog from tells me it's microchipped, has given me a sheet that I need to fill out and post away, and there's a forum with stamps on it as proof. However theirs no vet signature and the diagram of a dog detailing where the chip is is blank (no x marks the spot)

I'll be taking her for her last shot which is due on Friday, so might get vet to confirm chip is in or not.

Thanks for all the advice.

Hooked

Q. Very good points, I read online about crate training previous, but after reading your explanation, and the fact that she could 'travel' with us would be an added bonus.

A. I'm actually replying to this on my phone, at the dinner table. The 2 boys are beside me, in their open crates, waiting to be told they can go out. Well, to be fair - they're waiting for a bit of bacon. Cute hoors. Crates are great. When guests call, if we're hoovering or cleaning and it's raining out. Not forgetting night time. I sleep soundly, knowing our 2 are safe and quiet indoors.

Here's the proof:



Q. Would I be better with the wire crate or plastic sides, wire at front?

A. Either or TBH. My dad has a mix of both. We used the wire ones (they collapse flat, dogs travel in boot), and once Jack outgrew his and was toilet trained, I put him in with Hugo. Hugo used to have that while crate to himself. Until I divided it. www.jebbtools.ie is a great site for cheap crates. Or done deal. Get a crate just bigger than the dog. Any bigger and she'll use the opposite end as a toilet, so they say! Argos will rob ya!

Q. Also, what would you recommend for treats, she is 9 weeks old, ten on wed.

A. Depending on how sensitive her tummy is, I personally only treat using one or 2 pedigree puppy markies (each one broken up into 4), the odd small bit of bacon, sausage, cheese, etc... Too many treats aren't good. The lads in maxi zoo are not allowed to treat our two with their own stuff, only with the treats we bring with us. Most run through them. Not nice.

What are you feeding her by the way? There are a lot of threads on here about good quality feed. Not the vet recommended stuff. Get a good quality kibble - not pedigree or cheap supermarket stuff. Trust me, what you feed your dog will help with a lot of teeth, skin and other issues. Have a read of BARF or RAW feeding threads.

Q. She's a lovely little thing, very affectionate and she seems good with the two kids. (who are slowly learning they're boss, not the dog)

A. As lovely as she is, and as good as our two are. Kids are kids and dogs are dogs. Be sure and never leave unsupervised. Not that you would... If she nips or bites, teach her a soft mouth by having 'time out' or yelping in 'fake pain' to teach her what's right and wrong. Again, there are plenty of great folk and threads on here about same.

Some good points here:



Q. Something else, the guy we got the dog from tells me it's microchipped, has given me a sheet that I need to fill out and post away, and there's a forum with stamps on it as proof. However theirs no vet signature and the diagram of a dog detailing where the chip is is blank (no x marks the spot)

A. The vet will find it quick enough (usually at the back of the neck or along the spine) or your local maxi zoo may have a scanner. Have her scanned, check the digits against the paperwork. I think you can register that stuff online. We did ours with fido.ie.

Q. I'll be taking her for her last shot which is due on Friday, so might get vet to confirm chip is in or not.

A. As above, vet will find it pretty quick. Be sure and have her chipped IF for any reason she hasn't got one. Quickest way to reunite ye if she's ever lost. And get a good quality tag on her collar to boot! We get ours from www.identitag.co.uk. Pet shops have basic ones.

Q.Thanks for all the advice.
A. No prob at all! The guys and gals on here are great!!! Each owner has their 'own' tips and tricks. So take mine with a pinch of salt. They work for me! I mean, us!!!

Banjo String

Ok guys, here's the latest update, and a very big cry for help or advice.

Lulu has settled in very well, but we're finding it nigh on impossible with the house training.

For various reasons, (mostly though my oh reckons it would be cruel) crate training hasn't happened, we decided to go down the traditional route, news papers, also taking her out at regular intervals to the same spot, but it's got and miss with her tbh.
In saying that, it's about 3 weeks since we've had a poo in the house, they're was one night during last week, but I'm not too concerned as it was at night in fairness, and I understand they can only hold it in for a limited time.

Last night I walked her around an estuary, Prob half hour /40 min walk, nothing, not a pee or poo, even in my car, but as soon as she got in the living room, down she went and peed. :mad:

She's also peeing when she greets us, in the mornings, again, I'm not too concerned as i understand these are excited pees, or submissive pees.

She also has been growling at the children a few times.

In fairness, I haven't witnessed this as it happened when I was at work, therefore I can't tell if it was a play growl, or aggressive growl.


Anyone any tips, before she's banished from the inside of the house , permanently.

I absolutely don't want this, but my wife is at her wits end. Born worth cleaning pee, and in fear of a child being bitten.

VonVix

Banjo String wrote: »

Ok guys, here's the latest update, and a very big cry for help or advice.

Lulu has settled in very well, but we're finding it nigh on impossible with the house training.

For various reasons, (mostly though my oh reckons it would be cruel) crate training hasn't happened, we decided to go down the traditional route, news papers, also taking her out at regular intervals to the same spot, but it's got and miss with her tbh.
In saying that, it's about 3 weeks since we've had a poo in the house, they're was one night during last week, but I'm not too concerned as it was at night in fairness, and I understand they can only hold it in for a limited time.

Last night I walked her around an estuary, Prob half hour /40 min walk, nothing, not a pee or poo, even in my car, but as soon as she got in the living room, down she went and peed. :mad:

She's also peeing when she greets us, in the mornings, again, I'm not too concerned as i understand these are excited pees, or submissive pees.

She also has been growling at the children a few times.

In fairness, I haven't witnessed this as it happened when I was at work, therefore I can't tell if it was a play growl, or aggressive growl.


Anyone any tips, before she's banished from the inside of the house , permanently.

I absolutely don't want this, but my wife is at her wits end. Born worth cleaning pee, and in fear of a child being bitten.

Newspapers in the house? Get rid of them, far too confusing for the puppy. Think about it from her point of view, why is it okay for her to go in the house sometimes but then sometimes it's not?

Also, NEVER give out to a dog for peeing/pooping, if they go in the house, it's ultimately your fault, clean it up and scold yourself!

I got mine potty trained when I taught them a command associated with doing their business in the right place, I noticed they always would want to pee when they got home, so I ALWAYS brought them straight outside the back garden after a walk. The keyword I like to use is "get busy". The progression went like this.

1. Dog pees in appropriate area, reward with treat, say "get busy good!" praisepraisepraise! Repeat x5 or more.
2. Wait until dog is obviously looking for a place to go, usually circling an area and sniffing intensely, say "get busy", wait until dog pees, say "get busy good!" reward, and lots of praise.
3. Go out randomly during the day if you don't think your dog has been out for a while. If your dog stares at you, point to the area the dog usually goes and say "get busy", reward with a treat and praise.

Once consistent, you can gradually phase out the treat, but do give lots of praise anyway.

Crating is great mainly for the fact that if she has to go to the vets or the groomers, chances are she'll end up in a crate one way or another, having crates being a positive/safe place makes these experiences less scary for a dog.

Have the children been rough with her? Growling is totally okay, never punish it, if she is growling she means back off. Whatever is happening around her is making her uncomfortable, so best acknowledge it and do your best to make her feel safer.

And like you said, there are play growls, if she was tugging on something or playing ball, some pups will make happy growly noises. But it is a matter of being there in order for you to be able to tell the difference.

andreac

Get rid of the paper asap! ! That's your problem. As long as you continue yo allow your dog to go on the paper inside it will never learn that outside is where you want them to go.

I highly recommend crate training even if you just do it to help toilet train your dog.

mymo

I crate trained both my two, older boy was starting toilet training when I got him, "do your business" was the phrase used. I got up and carried him outside every time he looked like going, after food, after he had a drink, the minute he woke, or got out of his bed during the day and got up twice during the night.
He was completely trained with very few accidents in about a month (I still took him out at night, or if he asked at night until he stopped asking at about 4.5 months).
The younger girl was brilliant and followed his lead, was trained in a couple of weeks.

The crate is a safe place to hide during the day for a rest, a chew on a toy, or just to chill out while you mop floor or Hoover etc.
It's important to carry pup outside straight from crate so they don't get a chance to pee on the way.
Praise is the best thing, wait as long as it takes, and get rid of the paper.
Watch her like a hawk!

The growling could be her asking for a rest or bit of peace, she's a baby and will tire playing with kids. Another reason to crate train, teach kids that's her safe spot, to be left alone.
My boy is 6 now and if I put up his crate he's in like a shot, even now.

crustybla

+1 on the crate training. Start with putting a treat in it for her but build up slowly to closing the door. Remember it's her safe haven. Never put her into it as punishment. She will learn to retreat to it when she's wants to be left alone. You could make her bed in it but don't close the door on her at night yet. I think they can hold their wee/poo in for an hour for every month old they are. We first closed the door at night when our guy was 6 months and he never whined or soiled his bed.
As for the growling, as was said, it could be play growling but tbh it's probably her warning the kids to back off sometimes as was previously said. My guy is 20 months old but since we got him he's been very wary of my now 5 yr old son. He has growled at him several times, my husband blames the dog but I 100% blame my son. I've told him over and over how to behave around the dog but he's boisterous and giddy and he makes the dog nervous sometimes. He lunges at him and grabs at him.
I know how your wife feels, I went through phases of thinking our 7 kilo furball was a killer but they test their boundaries at that age. Try take a deep breath and take it slowly. There is lots of good advice here and on the internet. We're on our first dog too so I understand your concerns.
Best of luck with her, she's a beauty!
(As I finish this I've just caught my son hurling a slipper at the poor dog. The poor dog loves when he (my son) goes to bed!

DBB

Try to get things in perspective here OP... your wife thinks the crate is cruel, but is on the verge of banishing a young pup into the garden for peeing in the house and being a handful around the kids?!
It doesn't sit well, sure it doesn't?
If your wife is very resistant to using a crate, a playpen is a brilliant alternative, I personally much prefer them as they're, well, nicer! They're also not as prone to being dismissed as cruel by owners who feel uncomfortable about crates.
Here's the sort of thing I mean:
http://www.zooplus.ie/shop/rodents/runs_fencing/eight_sided_runs/outback/126789

The growling at the kids is probably playful, but even if it is, you, your wife and kids need to know how to deal with it.
Would ye consider doing a one-to-one puppy session with a good trainer in your own home? You would get a HUGE amount of benefit from just one session, from dealing with growling, biting, rough play, and foot-grabbing, to housetraining, to basic obedience, to troubleshooting.
All of which will seriously reduce the chances of pup being banished to the garden.
If it comes to banishment, then to be perfectly blunt, let puppy go sooner rather than later. It's not an option in terms of good welfare and quality of life for a dog.

Banjo String

Ok guys, latest update....

Taking her outside to the back garden immediately after eating /walking and playing, and if no pees, returning out the back every half hour or so.

Lavishing praises on her each time she pees, but tbh, they're few and far between..


90% of the time she thinks I'm bringing her out to just sit down, or lie down. Sometimes she'll sniff around, chew sticks, or try to head off to her kennel.

I have now started to take her out with a lead in to prevent her straying off, I'm basically trying to make the whole thing boring for her...... , until she pees, then I'm praising her, giving her treats etc.

What's confusing me however, yesterday I brought her out regulary at 20 min intervals in an attempt to get her to pee, nothing.


After an hour and a half, still nothing.

I bring her back to the kitchen, where she lay on her bed, and niagra falls. Pee every where.

6am this morning, my wife comes down stairs, no pee, no poo (so progress) but when she was preparing her puppy nuts, she wet her bed again.

No more growing at the kids. They've been warned by us that she needs her space, leave her alone when she's lying down or sleeping, and especially when she's eating.

We've a good dog, already able to sit, lie down, and high five on command, but the house training is tough.

In not so sure even crate training will work, seeing as she's already soiling get own bed in the kitchen .

It's slow and it's tough, but we'll get there. I keep telling my wife we'l be looking back on this and laughing.

aonb

OP how old is the dog??

GREAT that the children are learning that Lulu HAS to be allowed her space. Its especially important that the children realize NEVER to be at her when she is eating. What dog wont react badly if she is asleep/resting and a child comes poking or dragging at it. So sounds like you are on top of that.

Its a bit odd that the instant she LAY on her bed she pee'd like Niagra... Was that like a totally spontaneous pee? Like she lay down and had no control over the pee? It might be an idea to have the vet check her over if that was the case?

(not knowing how old she is, its hard to give any advice)

andreac

But did your wife let her out the minute she came down to her? She should have brought her straight out as she would have needed to go so when she wasn't let out she just went as she needed to go.

Banjo String

andreac wrote: »

But did your wife let her out the minute she came down to her? She should have brought her straight out as she would have needed to go so when she wasn't let out she just went as she needed to go.

She's at work right now, but Ill be talking to her soon, I dont think she would have done anything different from our normal routine..

That's go in kitchen, open back door, put dog in garden, open garden shed and fetch food, fill bowls with food and water.

I think it may have been an excited pee this morning I'll ask when I get a chance.

Were getting there though

Tranceypoo

Banjo String wrote: »

She's at work right now, but Ill be talking to her soon, I dont think she would have done anything different from our normal routine..

That's go in kitchen, open back door, put dog in garden, open garden shed and fetch food, fill bowls with food and water.

I think it may have been an excited pee this morning I'll ask when I get a chance.

Were getting there though

Is your wife staying outside with her on a lead waiting for her to pee as well? If she put her outside then was out there herself getting food etc the puppy was probably more interested in that than in peeing, you and your wife need to be doing the same routine, if you're going out with a lead on the pup then your wife should be doing it too.

Banjo String

aonb wrote: »

OP how old is the dog??

GREAT that the children are learning that Lulu HAS to be allowed her space. Its especially important that the children realize NEVER to be at her when she is eating. What dog wont react badly if she is asleep/resting and a child comes poking or dragging at it. So sounds like you are on top of that.

Its a bit odd that the instant she LAY on her bed she pee'd like Niagra... Was that like a totally spontaneous pee? Like she lay down and had no control over the pee? It might be an idea to have the vet check her over if that was the case?

(not knowing how old she is, its hard to give any advice)

Hey.

She's 17 weeks. We have her 5 weeks today.

I don't think it's a medical condition tbh, I'm now beginning to wonder if she's genuinely confused as to where it is she's actually meant to be peeing. :mad:

Seems strange though that a dog would soil the place it sleeps.

Banjo String

Just off the phone.

The dog peed on the bed before my wife even opened the kitchen door. We have an all glass door between the living room and kitchen.

When my wife opened the hallway/sitting room door, she said the dog immediately started to pee once it seen her. She clapped her hands in an attempt to distract her and immediately took her out.

tk123

Banjo String wrote: »

I'm now beginning to wonder if she's genuinely confused as to where it is she's actually meant to be peeing. :mad:

I hope the angry face is for yourself and not the pup?

TBH you're cutting off your nose to spite your face by not confining/crating her to speed up training. Homestore and More in Blanchardstown still had puppy pens left yesterday - I don't think they were even €10? Jebbtools.ie have cheap but good quality crates with next day shipping. A crate/pen is a den for the dog - the see it as a safe place not a jail. First place my dog went yesterday after he came home from a stay at the vet was his crate.


Anything that's being soiled needs to be washed with bio washing powered btw to break down the enzymes - otherwise they'll keep smelling where they wee'd last time and go there again and again..and again!

I'd also suggest adding a word/phrase when she does actually go to the loo outside as well as the praise/treats because you'll be able to say that and she'll just go. You have to stick it out though - my pup was extremely lazy and would try to go asleep when I took her out - I'd have to lift her up off the ground again and again until she went even if it took 20 mins. Now when I bring her out say at night I just have to say the magic word once and away she goes