Keeping in the bathroom while I'm gone... inhumane?

[JiniTheMiniPin]

Problem solved

[cyrax]

Hello there.
Puppies routinely have issues with "holding on" for more than 3-4 hrs. The only way to solve this is to ensure that they go out @ regular intervals.
I would suggest that you read these articles : http://leerburg.com/housetrainingproblems.htm http://www.leerburg.com/housebrk.htm http://www.leerburg.com/housetrainingebook.htm
Catch your dog in the "act" and punish her immediately. Punishing could be as simple as a firm "No", that is if she understands that word.
Biting the tail inside her crate - BAD sign. It could either indicate that she is bored or that she is dominant. It could also mean separation anxiety, but I cannot help you in this case because I do not have enough experience.
If it's boredom - long walks and making her tired will get your job done.
If it's dominance you need to build your leadership skills. Read : http://www.leerburg.com/puppygroundwork.htm

In general these articles will help you with dog training : http://www.leerburg.com/articles.htm

[Karen]

Do you think it's inhumane to put her in the bathroom with the cage open during the long days when I'm not able to be there? The bathroom is about 2 1/2 meters by 2 meters in size.
My opinion, and I'm no expert, is that as long as she has fresh water, ventilation and all the shampoos, soaps, medicines, and other things she might get into are safely of her reach, I would not say it's inhumane to keep her in the bathroom. This wouldn't be my choice long term or for many hours in a row if the bathroom doesn't have a window for some natural light, but I don't think it's inhumane.

Right now I'm keeping King in the balcony while we're out and overnight because it has a tiled floor with a faucet and so it's easily cleanable. Once I'm really confident that he doesn't chew stuff and won't mess the house (or once he's happy in his crate, whichever comes first), then I can change the system, but for now the balcony works best.

About Jini's housetraining issues, what exactly is your daily routine with her? I know there's all kinds of different advice in all these articles (cyrax's and the one's I linked to in the other thread), but the basic premise of most articles I've read is setting a routine. If you describe what kind of schedule and rules you've tried to set up with her, maybe someone can offer more exact advice based on your situation.

[annie]

Hey,
any development? How are the housetraining and tail biting going on? By the way, don't worry about the bathroom, if it is to help you and her. Make sure you take her out as soon as you come in (no playing nor petting before), and then play with her once back in the house. Make also sure to congratulate her as soon as she pees outside (even if it's a few drops) and every time she does it.
The fact that she is going by the door is actually a good sign; she kind of knows where she should be going.
anyway, these are basic tips you probably already knew, but they can make quite a difference!!
I hope to hear from you soon,
Cheers!

[JiniTheMiniPin]

Update: Jini was adopted by a nice guy who has owned a mini-pin in the past.