Reg: 01-12-2008
Posts: 372
Loc: High Desert, California
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This Friday we'll be picking up our GSD puppy. I've asked tons of questions and received great help. But...There's something I forgot to ask. I kind of need things spelled out for me. How often and when do you give the puppy water? Is it only with his meals or what? I'm thinking every time he drinks he'll need to go potty but I live in the desert and I want to make sure he's hydrated. I'm sure this simple question has a simple answer. I can't wait to post pictures of the puppy. Thanks everyone.
Diane Joslin Webboard User Reg: 01-09-2007
Posts: 368
Loc: Las Vegas, NV
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Maisha,
When we first got our pup at 8 weeks old, we kept a small bowl of water right next to his bowl of food (I think at the time he was fed 3 times a day). Anyway, he would usually get a drink of water after he ate. Then outside to see if he would go potty, then back in the crate (to eliminate any accidents). We also made sure that water was available if we were doing any kind of vigorous playing inside (with a potty trip outside after the exercise).
Then his water was taken up between 5 and 6 in the evening. His last potty trip outside was around 10PM when we went to bed. It was only about two or three weeks (if I recall correctly) until he was able to "hold it" for the entire night. Of course I always get up for the day at 4AM.
Reg: 01-12-2008
Posts: 372
Loc: High Desert, California
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When you say take the water out around 5 or 6, are you saying that you have left the water bowl inside the crate for specific time after the last dinner meal and then take it out at 5 or 6 or do you mean that the water bowl has been in the crate with the dog all day until 5 or 6?
Reg: 01-12-2008
Posts: 372
Loc: High Desert, California
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Thanks! Today at 3:30 we'll be picking him up. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures I'll introduce him. Any advice about the my water question?
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Yes, the puppy has access to water all day (until early evening, to enhance his chances of going longer between pee breaks during the night).
The minute he wakes up, he goes right out to potty, and then gets immediate water bowl, even before his breakfast is ready. Dogs (and puppies even more) need ready access to water, and just like people, they (and especially puppies) get a little dehydrated as they sleep.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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You will want to get him started on a good path right away with many outside breaks so that he forms the outside potty habit, which you mark and reward most enthusiastically.
Indoor potty habits are exactly that -- a habit that the owner has allowed to get started when a little puppy is not outdoors when he has to go.
When his first few potties are outdoors, and rewarded lavishly, the puppy has a epiphany: "Wow! This is a GOOD THING."
Reg: 01-12-2008
Posts: 372
Loc: High Desert, California
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Not to sound dense but just to clarify "access to water" means leaving the water bowl inside the crate until early evening. Right?
I'm sometimes slow on the up keep.
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