DoctorPup Complimentary Service

Getting Puppy Pad Trained

Q: My new 14 wk. old puppy is in a 3 x 5 pen near my bed. I have been using 3 potty pads at a time, as I have to cover most of her pen. This is getting expensive. She also frequently lays in or plays in the area she has peed. Is it too late to have her use the puppy poo palace? I tried crating her the second night and she hated it. She has never been crated. Should I place the palace in her pen area? I would like her to eventually get used to using it outside of her pen so I can let her have the run of the house.

A: We designed the PupPeePooPalace for people who want to train their puppy to use a pad instead of primarily going outdoors. Any training system or device is best used from the start so the sooner you implement use of the palace the better your chances for success. Please take a look at the video "Training with the PupPeePooPalace" and if you choose to use the palace you must follow the suggested routine. Keep in mind that if she cries in her crate it is not the crate, it is being away from you and she must learn that it is okay and you will return. You may find this info helpful: cage whining Unfortunately every time you give in you are encouraging her crying later. The first thing to understand is that your puppy has probably never been alone before so her anxiety about that is expressed as crying or whining. Usually that will improve noticeably in less than a week if you approach it correctly. Any time you go back to her area while she is crying you are encouraging that behavior. Even an "it's okay" or "shhhh" is rewarding her whining. You have to ignore the crying and not go back until she has been quiet for at least 30 minutes or after she wakes up. Other steps you can take that may help is using a covered cage (it will still take several days to adapt), having the cage in an area where she does not see or hear you and using interactive chew toys such as Starmark Everlasting Treat, Kong Quest or Traxx, Nylabone Romp n Chomp or processed bones or antlers (Blue Buffalo). Having music or a ticking clock can also help. The most reliable solution is a second puppy but if that is not feasible try these other suggestions. Your puppy likely has spent plenty of time in a cage or other enclosure, but she probably was not alone. It is important to understand that she doesn't hate the cage, she hates being away from you or your family. Her mindset at this age is similar to a child at 3 years of age. You have to enforce a routine that includes rest periods and then she will adjust and accept that with time. Have the cage in an area separate but near, use a cage cover and once you place her in walk away and do not go back.