Oh My...I am soooooooooooo tired

[gregory'sdad]

Well, Gregory is working the nerves. He is up at 5:30 for potty and he wants to play. Then he has breakfast. Now by the time breakfast comes, he has been outside about 3 times. Well this morning he had breakfast and proceeded to poop on the floor. He has been peeing and pooping in his crate recently and will whine for just about any reason. I don't know if he is just suffering seperation issues or what. I play with him and we have a great time, but I am so tired right now that I can hardly type. Also, he does go potty about every two hours. What happens when I go to work and he has to stay in the crate for 4 hours at a time? I am just feeling somewhat lost and very down. Any help, please?

 

[xenaprincess]

Hi David & Mark. I feel for you...I remember those times so well! I'm wondering how big Gregory's crate is? My Spirit also had a few accidents in his crate until I blocked off a part of it so there was just enough room for him to sleep. Normally, a dog will not pee or poo where they have to sleep, but then again Gregory is still just a lil guy, so accidents will happen from time to time. It sounds like you are already being a very diligent dad with the potty training, and it will take some time...he'll get it eventually. As soon as Gregory is taken from his crate, he should be outside immediately. No time for a drink or snack, because that's when accidents happen!
He may also have some separation issues as you say, but that is easily overcome with a good chew toy in his crate, an article of clothing from either you or Mark, and with time. One thing about raising a boxer puppy is PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE!! For everything he does that you want him to do...reward him...praise him! Boxers feed off of praise and will soon associate a good deed with praise. As hard as it is, do not oblige him when he is whining in his crate. That will only enforce with him that whining will get him his way. Put him in his crate from time to time when you are home, and when he is behaving in there, open it up and praise him!
Not sure if I told you anything you don't already know, but I cannot stress PATIENCE & PRAISE enough! Soon, you will notice that you are winning the game! Best of luck to you guys. Gregory sure is a cutie pie!

 

[lafsalot]

Sounds as though your pup is using barking/whining as an attention getter. Givng in to him only reinforces this behavior. Ignore him when he does this, and let him wear himself out, then play a game with him. I always found that my dogs were better behaved when I kept them well stimulated (both mentally and physically) for short intervals throughout the day - took care of the boredom, and helped work off that nervous energy. Hang in there, it will get better ~ Cathy

 

[TugsMommy]

Tuggy was guilty of doing that also. He was my 4:30 alarm clock for the longest time. Now he sleeps until I get up, which is good in a way, but also bad!!

I would just ignore him, as hard as it is to ignore when they are crying VERY loudly. Tuggy would wear himself out and go to sleep.

Now going potty in the crate, I didn't have a real hard time with that.

 

[tyson&ali]

Ali used to wake us up two times in the night to go pee then one then just really early in the AM! now she sleeps until we wake up almost all the time if not she has learned that if she doesn't go back to sleep or play quietly she gets the boot out of the bedroom! As far as accidents go Ali is six months now and any accidents are usually our fault! I remember how frustrating those times were and still can be but it gets better!

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

Oh man, in those early days with Willis, I thought I was going to lose my noodle! He cried all night, he would go out ten times, come back in and cry some more... but it gets easier!!! Sounds like your little guy is doing all that same puppy stuff. Once he is settled in, you will have no trouble at all . We've all been there... I think the key to both Willis and my mental health was little time outs. I would leave Willis with my bf and go have a bath or even just do the dishes in peace for a few minutes. Then, I would get back to that cutie pie little mushy face and all was good again... Hang in there!

 

[gregory'sdad]

Thanks

Thank you very much for the encouraging words. I tell you that I have been at my wits end. I have even thought about taking him back...but I am not one to give up so easy. After his morning issue, I put him outside for a little bit so I could have a break and clean up his mess. (We have a patio with a privacy fence, so no real worries) After that, I took him on a nice long walk and he met some other dogs and such. I played fresbie and such and got him nice and tired. He is sleeping on my lap at the moment, and that make things a little better. Thanks again.

 

[BeckyNC]

David--it will get better, I promise! I adopted Tae at 13 mos, but I understand how you feel about wanting to take your pup back. A Boxer puppy is a handful--like a small child baby--for a while. I hope Mark is involved in Gregory's care. That will help you a lot. Once he is fully immunized, take him to puppy kindergarten and find other dogs for him to play with. You'll make it, but the first couple months are very difficult. I think it's somewhat like having a newborn baby!

 

[Gruntsmom]

I ditto lots of patience and praise, and also the llittle time outs where your partner can take over for a bit while you do something relaxing is very helpful. Really, this will pass. You will probably wonder on down the line, how you survived, but it sounds like you really want to get through this with little Sir Gregory, and that you love him a bunch. You'll make it!! Even though I never thought it would happen, many times I look back and laugh.....plus, I miss those little puppy days.

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

I have even thought about taking him back...

Been there! I STILL tell Willis he's going back to Lisa's (our breeder's)house every time he does something outrageously bad... like wreck my one beloved pair of shoes from south america that I can never, never replace... but, then he gives me a little snaggletooth grin or kidney beans at me and I can't be mad. Hang in there!