New Member

Posts: 3
From:Windom, Mn. Cottonwood
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-28-2003 06:11 PM         

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I am the owner of a 7 month Shitzu-Poo. I am 57 years of age and my husband 59. My husband is retired so is home with Willie most of the time. We were told he would be 10-12 lbs. full grown. He is now approximately 15 lbs. We thought he wouldn't be a "yipper" but he is somewhat...when he wants to play mainly. He is very energetic, not much of a lap dog. He is having a problem getting the idea of "pooping" outside. He has urination outside down, but seems to think it is ok to "poop" in the house. I have made arrangements for him to go to dog obedience school for 4 weeks in September. Icould use some encouragement from other Shitzu-Poo owners. Willie is very demanding of our time and attention. However, he does not shed and that was important to me.
Thanks.

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Member

Posts: 78
From:Houston, TX USA
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 08-29-2003 07:34 AM         

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Hi! I can't really give you any advice about the pooping, but...

If it makes you feel any better, I was told that Baxter my maltepoo would be 6-8 pounds at most. He is now almost 12 pounds at 10 months! You just can never tell with these mixed breeds.

Also - I think he will probably calm down a lot in the coming months. My 7 month old Graysie is a wild thing right now, but Baxter has really mellowed lately.

Good luck!

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New Member

Posts: 3
From:Windom, Mn. Cottonwood
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-29-2003 11:15 AM         

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Thanks for your encouragement. I noticed I made a typo and Willie is 15#s not 25, so things could be worse.

Thanks again.

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Posts: 64
From:
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 08-30-2003 08:34 AM         

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Since he is 7 months old and a small breed he shouldn't get much larger. Be thankful he has the peeing outside down pat. Cleaning up poop is much easier than pee unless it's diarrhea, yuck! Try to figure out when he goes and try to get him out at these times. My 2 tend to poop at the same times everyday. He is just a puppy still and should calm down some after awhile as far as the energy thing goes. Although, I have heard males tend to act like puppies longer than females do. I'm not sure how true this is. Try to play with him some and get him tired out then he may be more apt to sit on your lap. The dog obedience should help him too. Good luck!

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Posts: 401
From:Tennessee, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 08-31-2003 06:23 AM         

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Some dogs it jstu takes longer to get the hang of potty training. My little maltese is almost 6 months old and has quite frequent accidents. And I have to say, with mixed breeds you never know what you're going to get. I think the obedience class will work. Have fun with your pooch! And good luck!

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Posts: 1179
From:,Calif. U.S.A.
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 08-31-2003 12:03 PM         

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As Lacey said, playing with him outside maybe an hour after feeding. That works for me. I throw the ball around for awhile and the activity seems to get my boys system going. King of like coffee. He gets all excited and ends up going no. 2.

Lacey: It seems that boys of all kind human included mature slower that females. LOL

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New Member

Posts: 1
From:Slidell, La.
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-10-2003 12:56 PM         

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I have a Shitzu, she is 10 months old and she was housebroken in about 1 week. I don't know what kind of food you are feeding your pup but Science Diet has less bulk in it and that makes it easier to housebreak. The key is about 10-15 minutes are feeding that them outside and the key words are hurry up and do your business. This worked for me hope it works for you. Sue in New Orleans

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Posts: 206
From:
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 10-10-2003 05:03 PM         

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Dear Diane,
HANG IN THERE! I am a proud owner of two wonderful shih-poos! In the beginning I thought that I would never be able to housebreak one of them, yet alone both of them! Although, I must admit, I was expecting too much too quickly. Now they are 4 months old, and about 90% housebroken. Yipee! My two guys are also VERY energetic, and are only lap dogs when they are tired, or when they want to play "King of the Mountain." I have found that several walks throughout the day are a huge help in releasing some of that never-ending energy, and since they are such small dogs (currently 6-6.5 lbs.) they don't need real LONG walks. A good 15-20 minute stroll is more than sufficient for them. In addition, my dogs are also quite yippy, but we expected it and aren't really bothered by it. We were more concerned about the shedding factor and temperament (and what wonderful temperaments they do have). We did enroll them in "Puppy Pre-school" and have been quite pleasantly surprised by the great results!!! I would highly recomend it to anyone! As for your housebreaking problem, I have a couple of suggestions that will hopefully help: 1) As someone else mentioned, try switching to a higher quality dog food (if you don't already use one). As weird as it may sound, I have heard that it is a BIG help. 2) Look out for signs that Willie may be about to eliminate. Sniffing, circling, walking away from you, etc. are all common signs that a dog is preparing to eliminate. Every dog has its own specific patterns, and once you begin to recognize them, it will help you know when he needs to go outside. At the slightest sign that he may have to go, hurry and take him out. It is better to be safe than sorry and end up with a nice little pile on your floor. 3) Try your hardest to keep him in sight at all times, so you can watch for such behaviors. 4) When he does properly eliminate outdoors, make sure to give him LOTS and LOTS of positive praise. Your neighbors may think your nuts acting so excited, but that praise and excitement is a definite motivation for your dog to do the "right thing." Well, I think I have said enough. I hope the best for you and your dog! Let us know how your dog progesses!
Kristi

[This message has been edited by MyBabyShihPoo (edited 10-10-2003).]

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