April 21, 2011

My 4 month old puppy stops in the middle of every meal to do her business, will she outgrow this?

Full Question:
Hi Cindy,

My puppy, born Feb 3rd is a Rat Terrier. She can't seem to get through a meal with out having to go outside to do her business. I take her out before she eats. She starts eating and then has to go poop again in the middle.

It's very frustrating as I have to stand in the area waiting or she'll go in the crate. She is on a raw food diet with Kibble on the side. She'll eat her meat, go the the bathroom and then want to finish her meal.

I realize that she is still quite young and only 12lbs. Is there anything I can do to break this habit or should I just wait patiently for her to grow out of it?

I have your weeks to 8 months and basic dog obedience videos.

Thanks for your assistance.

Phyliss
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I’ve never heard of this before. I believe your dog is on a schedule that I would definitely change.

I would ask why you feed her kibble too? And what kind of kibble? If your dog is on a proper raw diet then I don’t see any reason to feed kibble too.

This is basically a re-housetraining issue, where you get the dog to eliminate on your schedule and not her own. I’d act like she was a brand new puppy and start teaching her to go when and where you determine and I’d put her “potty” command on a verbal cue. I would recommend our housetraining eBook.

I hope this helps.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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