Help With Potty Training!

poesweet · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 11:57 am Post subject: Help With Potty Training!

Hi guys!

I recently rescued a weimaraner puppy from a petstore. They were going to give him away to the shelter because no one would buy him. Their reasoning was because he was a "blue" weimaraner and they are apparently disqualified from showing... Anyways, he lived his whole life in that kennel and he is 5-6 months old right now. Ive had him for 3 weeks. Potty training is not going as well as planned. Ive got another dog who is perfect and my parents have got a great dane, a german shepard and a *poop* tzu. They are all potty trained... Any advice on the best way to do this?

peppernaei · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject:

Welcome! It's wonderful that you could get him before he went to the pound. It's true blue's can't be shown in AKC or CKC shows but there are other blue owner's on here that show them under different organizations.

For potty training are you crate training him? Are his problems in the crate or around the house? Because he has probably gotten use to soiling in his "den" at the pet store it might take a bit more time to get him trained but it can be done. The first thing is to ensure that the accidents are eliminated as each one sets you back.

I would use a crate and make sure that it isn't too big for his size -- i.e. allowing him to eliminate and not have to sit in it. If he can't be watched 100% of the time he should be in the crate. When he comes out of the crate he should go outside with you so you can ensure he eliminated. I like to teach a prompting word such as hurry and then praise him. Other times puppies usually need to go are 30+ minutes after eating and right after playing. If he is loose with you I would take him out at timed intervals like every 45 minutes and extend it as you have success. Watch for signs that he needs to go such as circling and sniffing.

Good luck.

anne · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 11:56 am Post subject:

Argh, just lost my post.

Anyway, peppernai is right on. Puppy store puppies are notoriously hard to potty train since they have gotten used to going where they sleep in the cage at the petstore. Do what peppernai said. It will take longer than a puppy started right but it can be done.

anne · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 11:59 am Post subject:

As for your poll question, it depends what you mean by defect. The coloring is not associated with any other issues and it is dominant over the gray color. If you consider an AKC show ring disqualification (color, coat length, over and under height standard) a HUGE defect, then it is. A show ring disqualificiation however does not mean the dog cannot participate in every other AKC event (obedience, agility, field etc).

Please see my Blueweimaraner.com website for more information.