Hello!

I just adopted a 3 month old Golden Retriever mix yesterday from my local Humane Society. She is my first "real" puppy--I've raised my Husky/Shepard mix (Colby) from 10 months old and up and now he lives in CA with my Mom and her dog. I've been very familiar with training methods, since I've gone through obedience training with Colby and worked for years at a vet office. However, with the new puppy (Cara), I'm having some trouble with crate training/house-breaking.

First of all, I'm taking Cara out about every 30 minutes to see if she'll go potty outside in our backyard. She drinks lots of water and this seems like a good amount of time for her pea-sized bladder (pun intended.) However, most of the time, she refuses to go outside, even after staying with her for 40 minutes... and by that point we need to go back in because it's so hot. BTW I live in Arizona.. so it's about 108 even at 10am. I know I'm supposed to keep her outside until she does her business, but she hardly will go outside and then as soon as she's back inside, she'll go on the floor. Any suggestions on how to minimize her indoor eliminations and maximize her outdoor usage?

In addition, we're crate training her. I've hidden treats in her crate, fed her inside the crate and given her praise when she goes in. I also make sure her blanket and toys and all with her, even ensured a peanut butter and chicken jerky laced kong is with her. But once she gets locked in even for a short amount of time, she puts up such a fuss and racket that the neighbors can hear her... seriously. She's so loud and obnoxious that the neighborhood dogs start barking, even a couple blocks away. It's ear splitting and very very very annoying. I've been told to ignore her (extremely high pitched and frantic) barking and yelping until she's calm and quiet and then let her out with praises. However, she will carry on for at least an hour, sometimes more. I would really appreciate any tips or advice so that Cara learns to deal with her crate... and my roommates and I can get a decent nights sleep.

Thanks...

You got the pup from a shelter! Congrats! Were you told how long she was at the shelter?

Puppies that come from shelters, even the big fancy new ones, get very shell shocked due to all the noise, people poking their fingers in to pet them and what not. She was allowed to potty in her kennel area. Sometimes young pups take a bit longer for them to be taught to go outside after the shelter experience. Stick to a schedule that works for the both of you and don't miss a single moment of it.

Kick her butt outside to go potty! Yes, it may be hot.. Don't leave her out there for any extended periods without any water.. but she needs to go outside. If you feel bad for her and don't want her to overheat, then go out with her. Let her know its OK. Praise her when she potties outside. Make the outside experience a good one. Don't just push her out the door, close it and peek through a window. She is just a baby. She needs you to guide her. Weather should not stop you or your pup from going outside. I live in Co. It gets pretty hot here.. The other day it was 103 by 11am -- all my dogs went outside, did their business and came back in immediately. Your pup just doesn't know what to do which is why your having problems.

Keep her in view of you when she is inside with you. If she pottys in the house, you can correct her. Don't punish her.. Don't pull out the newspaper or rub her nose in it.. Just startle her by going "eh eh" loudly.. then immediately, in a high pitched happy voice.. say OUTSiDE!. Grab puppy and run for the door. Punishing a puppy for potting in the house at this age is only going to make her fear you and she will start to sneak off and potty in rooms. If you can't catch her doing it, you'll never correct the issue. Also, I always advised people to NEVER let your pup watch you clean up the mess. Mama dogs clean up after puppies.. Its time to grow up. When puppy is outside.. clean up the mess real quick. There are a lot of solutions that will help kill the smell of urine or feces.. Nature's Miracle is a good solution. A lot of household cleaners won't kill the smell of urine. A lot of household cleaners will actually have ammonia in it which will make the housetraining experience harder because the smell is never gone.

As for the crate, you're doing the right things. You just need to stay strong and continue to ignore her. During the day, play a radio. Keep the TV on.. Don't let the pup sit in silence. Total silence will make any dog go crazy. Put her in her crate throughout the day. Don't just crate her when you leave or bedtime. Sometimes, puppies will settle better if the crate is completely covered. Also try putting a large stuffed animal in there. The feeling of security will keep her quiet.

You've only had her for a couple of days. The first week or so is going to be the most difficult. She is learning you, you are learning her.. and both of you are trying to find that happy medium.

Sign up for puppy classes as soon as possible. A trainer will be able to help you along the way with some of these road blocks. Plus, puppy classes are a great way to safely have your pup socialize with other dogs her age.

Good luck :)