I would like advise please on housetraining. I have read so much on the subject that now I am confused at what to do. I read that paper training is wrong if you want your dog to always go outside to relieve himself. Then I read that crate training was the easiest way with a strict schedule. I also read that this is cruel because the pup doesn't get enough time with its new family. Any suggestions?

HI Guest,
I never use paper in the house as I feel it is just putting in an extra stage. I think the most important things to remember are to take the pup out very regularly and often and to go out with the pup. I used a crate at first but only when I could not give complete attention to the pup and at night.
I put Cava my Beardie pup now 18 months out first thing in the morning, after naps, meals, playtimes and anytime he looked like he was thinking about going in between. Also I stayed up late ie after midnight and also would let him out during the night if he squeaked, but this didn't last long he learned to sleep through pretty soon. As you can see you will be spending plenty time with your pup and how much time and effort you put in will be repaid by the results. Cava slept out of his cage all night from 4 months very rarely needed out at night and would ask if he did also he would tell me by hitting the door with his paw during the day and if I missed a signal he barked to let me know.
Having said that I may have been lucky but I like to think it was the time and effort I put in that paid off. Don't be hard on yourself or the pup if you have setbacks but I always felt accidents were more my fault than his. A great book on puppy care is The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey, she says that accidents can still happen up until a year. Hope this helps a bit
Anne

Silly author ;) .....accidents can happen throughout a dog's life for all sorts of reasons :rolleyes: Just part of having a pet :( :) :D :D :d

The one thing about house training a dog is attempt to make it a routine in some way. For instance: 15 minutes after she eats/drinks take her outside to a special spot (that you've picked) and tell him/her something like 'take a break'.
Before you take him outside, say something in a happy voice like "wanna go outside?" especially if he's sniffing around the back door :) When you're out there waiting, don't play or let him wander off the spot --now I'm not taking about x marks the spot --just a general 4 foot circumference. He's out there for a purpose and that's not to play. Now after he goes, that's another story :) Praise, play, etc....

Sure it sounds crazy, but puppy will eventually get used to it and it eventually becomes a routine where he will let you know what he needs and/or you can direct him to relieve himself before you go somewhere in the car or into someone's house. It came in handy with my two before we got on a long flight to find a patch o'grass and tell them to "take a break."

Just remember he/she won't have absolute control or understanding for quite sometime. 6 months is usually some type of growth stage --- But, in adolescence, many puppies do revert back and have to be restarted again with their basic training.
hth and good luck :)
Toodles :Cool: