[Tera L]

...house train a dog? I just got a chihuahua and she's just barely three months, I live in an apartment and she's too scared to go outside, it's a long walk to the grass. Is there any way to train her inside? Similar to a cat?

[cherrylipsx3]

treats and lots of praise. my dog has the same problem, he's a golden retriever and he's afraid of everything. just stand out there with her and reasure her that it's ok. after she does her business tell her "good job". i really wouldn't suggest using a litter box for a dog, but my friend's dog knows how to use it. if the outside thing doesn't work, show her the litter box and do the same thing...treats praise etc. good luck!

[opokki]

If you eventually want her to eliminate outdoors, I would work on training her to do that right away. If you prefer she eliminates indoors you can train her to go on potty pads or in a litter box.

Crates work really well for housetraining. The pup should be crated when you can't keep a close eye on her and should be taken to her potty area frequently...as often as every 30mins starting out. Praise her the second she finishes going in the correct location. If she doesn't go, crate her or tether her to you and try again in 15-30 minutes. The key is to use management to prevent indoor accidents and reinforce her for going in the correct location. Be consistent and she should pick up on it in no time.

[aborders33]

A litter box would work but your dog would get used to it. Newspapers word fairly well and I think better than pee pads. Good luck to you and your dog!

[lilabner]

I had a puppy a mixed breed that I took all over the western states in motels, etc. I showed her how to go in the bath tub--easy clean up and worked perfect. Feed take to tub and praise. Within 10 minutes of feeding little ones want to go--no free choice except water.

[daphne]

I would carry your pup to the grass, set her on the grass, tell her "hurry up" or your other go potty word, wait for her to potty, praise her, and head inside. WIth a new tiny pup you want to take her to the grassy area every 30 minutes until she gets the idea and slowly increase the time. Remember, tiny dog, tiny bladder. My grown 6lb yorkie goes out every 2-4 hours. Watch your pup, as soon as she wakes up and if you see circling, sniffing or any nervious behavior, take her to her grassy area. If she takes a sip of water, or nibble of food, take her outside again. With a tiny dog the first and last thing you do every day will be taking your dog to go potty.

If you dont want to take her outside you can train her with puppypads in the same manner. You might want to surround the puppy pad with a cage or even a box so she cant wonder off the paper and potty until she has it down perfect.

The best way to teach a dog is by not letting her have an accident. Once she can smell pee or poop on your carpet she will return to that area again and again. You can use that to your advantage and take her to the same spot outside or in your tiled, puppy pad covered area again and again.

No matter what you do, use lots and lots of praise. Punishments will only confuse your dog and cause more accidents.