Housebreaking fustration - HELP! :(

aquaholic · 06-04-2008, 12:53 PM

The rundown:

Logan is now 4.5 months, and is anything but close to being house broken.
I'm so frustrated!
And I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

I'm currently:
Controlling his water/food intake like a hawk.
Crating him when I'm not home.
Taking him outside the moment he's awake.

He often just doesn't make it downstairs.
I live on the 10th floor, and the carpet in my lobby is so stained

UGHHHHHHH

He'll often just stand there, and pee, looking at me .. and then just trot away and play!!! lol
I don't' want to freak out at him, it's not his fault ..

But I really feel like I'm at my wits end.

What am I doing wrong?
I've never had a large dog like this, but it is typical for him to have such a SMALL bladder???
I've actually witnessed him pee'ing while he's drinking his water!! LOL!!

I can't carry him outside anymore .. he's over 50lbs.

HELP.
Any suggestions???

He's a real city dog, but I feel like it's a huge disadvantage, as I can't just throw him in the back yard. I have no balcony, no 'backyard' that's quickly accessible ...
It takes us a good 5 minutes just to get downstairs. And most of the time, he's already pee'd in the elevator, in my place, or on the carpet, waiting for the elevator ...

I'm so frustrated at myself.

Any words of wisdom??

HEEEEEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPPPPpp

Julie W · 06-04-2008, 12:58 PM

You certainly have a unique situation. I can't even imagine trying to raise a puppy on the 10th floor. I'm sure others will have some brilliant solutions, but the only thing I can think of is to bring him outside more often, before he acts like he needs to go. Once they get to that point there simply isn't enough time to get outside. Also maybe try a belly band so he gets that "eeeewwww!!!" feeling when he doesn't make it all the way outside.

**BackInBlack** · 06-04-2008, 01:02 PM

I feel your pain. Brownie has a bladder the size of a small bird.

JagerMonster · 06-04-2008, 01:14 PM

I was having problems with Jager and I don't know your thoughts on treats but Zukes makes these tiny tot treats (so they don't fill him up making more poop!) but he loves them. They are all natural no biproducts, etc, etc....The minute he went outside to go potty/poop he got TONS of praise and a treat. Accidents he got a no, and a trip outside to potty and no play...that was hard. But if he went again...praise and treat. I know people are not keen on treats but I just took Jager up to my parent's house whose dog had just passed away had a bladder problem and not one accident...he even asked to go off the deck that was outside for potty! I am currently weening him off the treats as everyother time he is getting a treat/praise and other times just praise. Again...I am a newbie but it worked for us so I thought I would share. I am positive you will get better advice from the wonderful people on this site...I know I have!

**errica** · 06-04-2008, 02:33 PM

I know it sounds kinda crazy, but what about litter training him? It sounds like being able to get outside quickly enough just isn't possible. Then, at least, you'd only have one mess to clean up and he'd have a place where he can go and make you happy. I am sure it's hard on him to not be able to please you. Good luck!

clipclop · 06-04-2008, 02:45 PM

I 100% agree with erica. This is one of those situations where going in the house even if at FIRST and giving him a chance to be sucessful is key. you dog is not making the connection between going downstairs,the outside, and then going. Can you buy some sod and keep it in the apt? That way you come home - and take him right to the sod. I dont even live in an apt- and there are sometimes where Wyatt can't even make it until I hold the door open- especially if he just woke up.

thea2003 · 06-04-2008, 02:51 PM

Errica, that is EXACTLY what i was going to suggest.
Clip Clop god idea with the sod too.

gracieface · 06-04-2008, 03:01 PM

Lindsay, don't beat yourself up, every pup is different, and even with my set up Rex took a long time, its only been recently that we haven't been having "accidents", although Anna is back for a while and she has a had a few, gets so excited playing she leaks in the house. just keep doing what you are!

**voodoolizard** · 06-04-2008, 04:45 PM

i def think a litter box would be a good idea !! a big tray, if little stuff is too expencive use sawdust or an old newspaper, so he can pee on the newspaper in the tray, get lots of praise, when he has the hang of it and you get used to the signs he has to go, when he is older you can progress to downstairs !! good luck !!

aquaholic · 06-04-2008, 04:46 PM

i'd like to thank everyone so far, for the support ....

I"ve thought about the sod/litter idea, however, when your dog pees probably about 3 cups worth of liquid .... the thought of having that in my house, along with the strong scent of urine .. in less than 900 square feet, sounds incredibly ... less tempting.

I'd need more than sod to soak up all of the urine .. do you knwo what i'm saying?

I am going to do the treats thing.