[Brodiewiener]

Just got a wiener dog named Brodie Von Lichtenstein. He is having accidents here and there nothing too major but I want to try to stop that. I looked into dog litter and washable pads. Both are the same price after I figured it out. Which should I try first? I just don't want to waste my money.

Also I am feeding him but not sure how much. Any ideas he is 7months old. Just want to make sure I am feeding him enough. Purina beneful puppy says to feed him about 2 cups but that seems like a lot and I don't want a fat puppy (it'll hurt is poor little legs). So any suggestions or comments please...
Thank you
Neecie

[Sariss]

Based on opinion, I'd go with the pee pads, as I could see a dog eating the litter. :P

[shazamataz]

Haha Sariss.

My partners mother actually just tried to litter train her dogs... they saw the litter pan as more of a digging box, she would regularly come home to find wee on the floor and litter spilled everywhere.

The only down side of the wee pads is that they can sometimes get confused between the pad and the carpet so make sure you get ones that have a definite plastic backing on them that feels different to walk on, that way they can more easily distinguish between that and the carpet.

Another alternative if you are having trouble is a litter box with a pad inside it.

[widowneedshelp]

I have 2 Yorkies - same problem - the piddle pads, they use, but gets so close to the edge that it runs onto the floor or carpet anyway. So I put a shower curtain under the pads - and they didn't like walking on it (same with the litter pans) and they'd go elsewhere (preferred bathroom rug) - - okay, washable, right? Moved pads into the bathroom (trying to save my carpet and floors), put furniture over the area where the piddle pads used to be. The female is doing fine, the male just peed on the side of the tub. GRRRRRRRR.

[Sariss]

How old are the yorkies? Have you tried training them to go outside?

[widowneedshelp]

The Yorkies are 16 months old - and they'll go outside - however, I live alone, and my work hours are long, I'm gone 12-14 hours 4 days a week -(this schedule started last January) - and think it'd be cruel to crate them for such a long period - - I'm up for any suggestions - ways to start over?? Do you think locking them in the bathroom when I'm gone with pad would help? A large crate with beds & pads? I've heard many people with tiny dogs have the same problem - I'm thinking that I should put down tile everywhere - no rugs - and keep a mop handy. Thought about a doggie door that extends to an enclosed cage area (so other critters can not attack them) I live in a wooded area next to forest - we have wolves, bears, bob cats, stray dogs, etc.?
Have given up the idea of breeding them - and will have the male fixed in the next week or two - (He's the main problem child - anyway) - - I rescued him about 5 months ago.

Any guidance would be appreciated! I spend too much of my free time (which isn't much) cleaning and scrubbing - instead of enjoying my critters.

[Sariss]

Hmm that is a toughie. My mother owns two Chihuahuas, but they are thankfully able to hold their bladder for about 12 hours or so.

Pee pads may be the way to go in your case.

And good on you for not breeding! Don't forget to get the female spayed, too.

[Cat1864]

Widow, is there any way that you could have someone let them out during the day? That's what next door neighbor does on the days she is going to be gone for 12 hours or more.

[shazamataz]

I agree with cat, finding someone who can let them out for a toilet break would be a good idea.
Friend, neighbour, relative.

Are there any children that live near you or that your know, (trustworthy ones) perhaps you could pay them a small fee to let the dogs out and take them for a short walk at lunch time.

[widowneedshelp]

I live in a remote location - and my neighbor's - (both of them) are elderly. So, although I think it would be a great idea to impose upon others, I'm not equipped to handle to what they might ask for in return. I think I'm stuck with the piddle pads - for the time being - - Unless I get a vote that the little dogs can hold it for 12 hours without a problem - if that's the case - we'll start over with crate training. Thanks for the input.

[Sariss]

They might be able to. My parents Chihuahuas do fine.