Thank you all for your advice. She was calm on our bed; we have a purchased bed for her, and she slept there last night. She has now started whimpering again, so I am bringing her up. Perhaps the owners let us purchase her when she was too young to be away from her Mom. I will take her out again, then bring her up.
As for everyone else, I will respond a.s.a.p.; I am sorry but I have to try to get some sleep. I have certainly got great advice on this thread.
Even my 14 year-old daughter, who wanted the puppy, is upset because she keeps her awake with her crying.
Thanks, everyone. You can always count on Freepers for great advice.
Julie
I also agree with the person who advised you to find a way to allow her to socialize with another dog(s) for the next month or two if possible.
Just to clarify, when I said I would be tempted to let her sleep right next to me for the next couple of weeks because she’s so young, I wasn’t talking about her being in the box at that point.
Again, though, I’m not an expert. Maybe someone who has experience with puppies this young can comment.
Hey, Julie. I hope you are asleep as I write this. ;-). Just wanted to say that especially a female dog is very unlikely to pee all over the house as she gets older.
If she is still doing that once she has acclimatized to the surroundings, do some research on kidney/bladder infections.
Worst thing you can do is let them sleep in your Bed, cage training is the best thing you can do, they actually like the cage as it gives them safe feeling, security. And you will need to have them secure at times when you are not home [unless you don’t mind having your house destroyed. I have owned and raised over thirty Dogs and have found this method to be the easiest and least stressful for the dog.
Figure she can wait one hour per month of age between pees. They also have an unlimited supply of urine. Most puppies will automatically try to get as far from their sleeping and eating places as possible before pooping.
They will pee not only for relief, but out of frustration or manipulation or trying to be submissive. Never yell, never hit or punish. Just say *NO*, remove them to an appropriate pee place and always reward them when they do what you want.
We set up a puppy bed in the kitchen and it is gated. Put down puppy pads. Used enzyme cleaner the first few weeks for accidents. We also placed an old, clean comforter at the foot of our bed for nighttime and just got up every hour to take him out. Make sure it is a comforter you can easily throw out at some point, as they will chew it as well as sleep on it. We also made sure he had some stuffed animals larger than he was to sleep with. Some will fight with their beds, as though it is a toy. At that point, just watch for their favorite sleeping place that is also on an easy to clean floor, hopefully with a gate they can see through and make up a bed there for nighttime. You are lucky, as it is summer. Our boy was born in August and we were housetraining in colder weather.
When you take the pup out, make happy, happy talk. Take him to the same spot for pees, keep repeating your special word (piddle, pee, whatever). For a really young puppy, just pick them up and carry them outside at first. Otherwise, the act of walking will trigger the pee response. Reward immediately with lavish praise and happy sounds when the pup obeys. Poops happen right after a meal. Feed, then out. Walk as far as you can and the pup will before encouraging a poo. React the same way as for a successful pee.
Watch the pup. They will signal, each in their own way. Ours would start nervously pacing, looking for a spot. He doesn’t bark much and now his signal is to suddenly sit, look over at us and sort of hang his head when he wants to go out. We were not successful using doorknob bells, but it works with some.
Training takes about 3-4 weeks for an 8-week-old.
I have never used crates. I have had 2 Akitas and they are terrified of the crate. We made a large fenced pen and had our dog out there for some period of time every day the weather allowed. Provide a *den* or other protected spot. Provide shade, water and food if it is going to be several hours. Make it large enough that they can go to the furthest corner to poo, if necessary. Check often and play there with them, some times. They do need to learn to spend time by themselves and the fresh air is good for them. If everything is fine and you have work to do or need to leave for a short time, ignore plaintive crying to be let out. You should be able to spy on their pen without them seeing you so they will know to spend some time alone.
Dogs want to be with their people. You have a baby and you need to be patient. They grow up really fast.
Just remember, that if you train your pup to sleep in your bed, when she is a large adult, she will still sleep in your bed and straight-leg you right out of it. Put the puppy bed close enough that you can pet her at night, instead.
No matter what, be consistent.