Paper train

[TibbiePop]

Hi folks,

I recently adopted a 15 wk old pup. I had intentions of crate training her but this is my dilema. I leave the house at 6:15am and don't return til about 6:15pm. Her being as young, I didn't think she'd be able to hold it for 12 hrs, so I penned off my half bath with a baby fence so she wouldn't feel isolated. In the half bath I placed her crate with the door removed, a litter box lined with papers and also placed paper surrounding the outside of the box. At bedtime I keep her in crate in my bedroom. When I hear her whine, I'll bring her to the half bath but she doesn't do anything. If I attempt to place her back in her crate so I can go back to bed, she'll begin to bark so I'll have to stay up or have her wake my partner or possibly the neighbors ! When I think she has to go, I'll point to the litter box and repeat "in your box" several times. She'll hop into the box and just stare up at me but I'll praise her each time she does so at my request . I always seem to catch after the fact though. Taking her for outdoor walks is pretty much the same thing. She'll walk along with me but has yet to do anything...until we're back indoors . And would it do any good since she's indoors the majority of the time. Anyway, I'm becoming sleep deprived (max 5 hrs) and I'm really feeling disheartened because I know a pup shouldn't be alone for so long a stretch. I feel like it's going to be a while before she grabs the idea that she should use the box. Not to mention she has her poop for a snack if I'm not there to wrestle it from her ! I'm hoping for some positive feedback for this weary new pup owner.

Thanks

[Dax]

This might sound harsh, but find another home for the pup and adopt an older animal. Your schedule is made more for an animal about 4-6 years of age.

The pup will be happier as will you. OR if you can take the animal with you to work in a crate so you can let it out every 3-4 hours would also be advisable.