Have any of you used puppy pads?

[Olive600]

Gotta figure out a way to travel with the piss pot who doesn't seem to care about being housebroken. I think puppy pads and a baby gate if the one I have is big enough to --nah, just remembered that last time I tried putting her behind the gate, she jumped over it. Yep, she boings like a spring on her back legs and then throws herself over the gate and tumbles to the floor. I'm afraid she's going to hurt herself. She can't stand being left alone or separated from me and Olive. I almost sent her back to the rescue group yesterday. But I just can't do it. She's mine even though I know that shaping my life around a dog I've had for only three weeks is a little, uhm, not exactly nuts, but close. I don't think she'll ever be 100% housebroken and I'm really trying to get my head around that being OK. Other chihuahua and dachshund people I talk to say that isn't at all uncommon. This is the dirty little secret of small dog companionship. And I've decided to refer to myself as Olive and Scarlett's companion. Owner is a no go for me. Mother is just weird. Human is a little clinical. So, I'm their companion. I'm rambling. Small dogs live a very long time, don't they?

On Edit: I forgot to ask the important question: How will it affect Olive if I put pads down for Scarlett? Scarlett's little bits of stuff are doable. Olive's bigger stuff....

[OregonLuvr]

I wouldn't use them. But that is just me. I think it sends a message to the dog it is OK to potty in the house. I think the answer is confinement and frequent outings. She just cannot have the run of the house. Telling her NO is ok too. They also need to know you are displeased with them. We all know they strive to please. My dog has only had one incident in the house and it was when I first got her. Now she is great she is easily a 14hr dog....good thing with my 12hour shifts.

karen

[retiredhappy]

I agree that it tells a dog that its okay to go in the house. Have you tried a small crate to limit his access? Baxter is my terrier/Peke mix and when I first got him he had some issues with going inside. I would walk him and walk him and walk him outside. When he finally did something I would praise the heII out of him and scold him when he went inside if I caught him in the act. Also, no access to water at night. Another method I've heard used is to put a leash on him and keep him attached to you ALL the time so he can't sneak off to pee. By the way, they don't just magically use those pee pads - you have to buy some "urine" and put a few drops on the pad so they know what its for. Hang in there. The bottom line is, if you have to use the pads, you have to use the pads. In the end its whatever works for you.

[monik7]

I don't think the pads are a good idea either. Don't get discouraged. You're only 3 weeks into this and I don't think you can expect her to learn that soon. As I said in an earlier post, it took 2 months for my puppy and I was exhausted during that time. But I was exhausted because I was so diligent about training her, taking her out frequently, and always keeping her on the leash. So just hang in there Nikki. Give her time and don't give up on her. It scares me that you thought about sending sweet Scarlett back. You can do it - both of you!!!
Sandi

[Olive600]

Sandi, no need to be scared. Scarlett's other mom loves her and takes good care of her. So sending her back would be a good thing for Scarlett if she just isn't suited for life with me and Olive. Last night she pooped in her crate when I left her for little over an hour. She'd just done her business outside. I think my mistake was putting Scarlett inside and leaving Olive out; Scarlett does better when at least one of us is with her. The separation anxiety is worse than I suspected, at least that's what I'm blaming it on.

Thanks everybody for feedback on using the pads. I agree, it's not something I want to do.

Nikki