kielkowski

Hi All

Just thought I'd introduce our new BH Puppy 'Snoop' who is now 18 weeks and living with myself and my partner in the UK.

He is our first Basset Hound and already an adorable, much loved member of the family and keeping us very busy!

Although we have done much research I have a quick question - At 18wks should we expect Snoop to be able to hold his bladder through the night, we have been given so much conflicting advice. Also we are taking him out to relieve himself evey couple of hours during the day is this too often?

Any advice much appreciated!

murraysmom

I always put a new pup next to my side of the bed in a crate with a nice soft blanket. When he has to relieve himself, he'll fuss and wake you up- take him out to his potty place, praise him, and go back to sleep. This teaches the pup that when he signals you, you'll take him out - it's a big help with housebreaking.

I would take a pup that age out whenever he wakes, after playing, and every 2 hours or so- a strict schedule helps in housebreaking also.

I ignore accidents (don't scold),and clean with vinegar and water so that he won't be attracted back to that spot.

When you take him to his place, give him a command like "tinkle" or whatever, and when he does his business, praise praise praise.

If I have to leave for more than a couple of hours, I don't lock the pup in a crate, because a young pup cannot be expected to hold it for long periods of time. Rather, I put his crate with blanket in a fenced area like a kitchen or laundry room, leave the crate door open so that he can go in and sleep, and put newspapers outside the crate so that he can pee there.

A special toy like a stuffed kong that he gets only when he's left for a long period can ease his anxiety about being left alone.

That's what has worked for me over many years with many puppies.

Other people may have other suggestions that work for them- I think the main thing is for you to decide what you're comfortable with, and then be consistent.

Mikey T

It matters not what others may ar may not have been able to do at his age it only matter what he can or can't do. As to whether or not every two hours is required it comes down to activity level. a do that is up and a bout will need to pee more often than a dog that rest mores. I would not wake a dog to take the out but generally speak every time a puppy gets up from resting they need to go out, and the same for after activity and often time in the middle of activity if it is prolonged. You will of then hear while dod my puppy pee in the house when I let him out just 15 minutes earlier. Wekk activity makes urine.

from Housetraining Your Puppy one of my favorite house training articles.

Every dog is different and you need to be able to make minor adjustments as the need arises

kielkowski

Thanks to everybody for the advice, Snoop is doing really well - I'm an over protective new parent!

Yogi's Mom

Welcome! We would love to see pictures of Snoop!