[albert22]

Hello. We have a 16 week old chihuahua that we just brought home. We are feeding on a schedule of three feedings per day. His last feeding is about 6-7pm. We walk him before and after each meal. However, at night he poops in his crate. He also wines in the morning as his area is on the lower floor and our bedroom is on the upper level. At night he is crated in our bedroom and he still poops in his crate. Also, he is afraid to cross the threshold of our sliding class door to go outside or come inside. How do we help this puppy puppy with his fear of the door and his night time pooping issue?

[tickle]

The thresshold to your patio door must be pretty daunting to a puppy that small, albert. Can you try another door and use a treat? Don't forget, at l6 weeks old, he is still a baby, very insecure and scared and has probably bonded with you already, doesn't want to be away from you. You have to be persistent and patient with him. He will learn.

Tick

[joypulv]

He poops in his crate because he is still new in your home and with you, and he's nervous, very common and understandable. It's good he sleeps in your bedroom. I'd put a blanket over 3 sides and the top. Get a Baby Ben clock. They like the ticking. Then you bring him downstairs and go back up to get bathed and dressed? Can you let him follow you around the house then, or isn't he housebroken enough? It's just so scary being on another level of a house all alone when that new.

I don't think he needs 3 meals a day now. I'd feed him twice. Walking him just before and after meals isn't really going to have anything to do with that meal, since it takes hours to get through him, so walk him before you go to bed and as soon as you get up.

Hold him when you open the door. Have a toy and sometimes a tiny treat with you. Coo and snuggle as you open and close it, and soon he will be OK.