Help! Toilet training! (and now sleep help needed)

Person_one

Toothfairy4 wrote: »

We dont go down to him, it is very painful to listen to though... Should we try putting him in the kitchen alone for a while during the day then? He literally screams as soon as the door is shut, even during the day. Poor soul

Absolutely.

Gradual, slow and steady. Just 5 minutes at first and then build the time up, always leave him with something so tasty it completely distracts him and don't make a fuss of him when you come back in until he's calm. You want to be able to leave him at home alone without worrying about him don't you?

Caroline_a

Totally agree. Unfortunately it's tough love for pups when they do this unless you want the pup to rule where you sleep and how you sleep - when I got my last 2 dogs I mentioned to the neighbours that they might hear some noise in the night, but after one or two nights they soon settled down (the pups not the neighbours :rotfl:) and now they happily go to their own beds in the kitchen when I go to bed.

Elle7

Toothfairy4 wrote: »

We dont go down to him, it is very painful to listen to though... Should we try putting him in the kitchen alone for a while during the day then? He literally screams as soon as the door is shut, even during the day. Poor soul

He'll get used to it...start closing him in for a short period of time, say 2 minutes, and praising him when you go back in. Then slowly increase the time - it'll show him you are definitely coming back.

If he finds it really upsetting, you might find he settles better if you offer him a blanket or something for when you are out of the room only.

I hope he settles soon, bless him.

Caroline_a

Toothfairy4 wrote: »

We dont go down to him, it is very painful to listen to though... Should we try putting him in the kitchen alone for a while during the day then? He literally screams as soon as the door is shut, even during the day. Poor soul

He's getting you trained well.... he isn't a poor soul, he's just having a doggie tantrum because he doesnt want to be left on his own. He needs to understand that you will be back.... but in your time, not in his!

Toothfairy4

Yes of course. Just confuses as there seem to be so many conflicting opinions out there. I bought the perfect puppy book which says dont leave him to squeal for hours on end as it will cause seperatoon issues, whereas pretty much everyone has said stick it out and leave him...

Person_one

Toothfairy4 wrote: »

Yes of course. Just confuses as there seem to be so many conflicting opinions out there. I bought the perfect puppy book which says dont leave him to squeal for hours on end as it will cause seperatoon issues, whereas pretty much everyone has said stick it out and leave him...

Ah, you've missed a middle step.

You don't leave them for hours on end straightaway, you build up the time gradually.

Toothfairy4

Person_one wrote: »

Ah, you've missed a middle step.

You don't leave them for hours on end straightaway, you build up the time gradually.

Ok, so if i leave him on his own for 5 minutes and he cries constantly, then i go back in. How is this any different from showing him we will come back when he cries? (genuine question, not trying to be cheeky lol) Thanks btw, really appreciate all this advice.

Person_one

Toothfairy4 wrote: »

Ok, so if i leave him on his own for 5 minutes and he cries constantly, then i go back in. How is this any different from showing him we will come back when he cries? (genuine question, not trying to be cheeky lol) Thanks btw, really appreciate all this advice.

Give him something so incredibly tasty and stinky that it distracts him and he doesn't notice that you're gone as quickly.

McKneff

and when you go back in, ignore him for a few minutes.

Toothfairy4

Ok will start doing that and see how we get on. Praying tonight will be better though!