Potty training using "umbilical cord" method

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puppymomma
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Joined: Mon May 03, 2010 2:26 pm

Potty training using "umbilical cord" method

Post by puppymomma »

I am about to pick up my 8 week old golden retriever-poodle mix puppy in a few weeks. I am an "at home" mom and I am considering the "umbilical cord" method of potty training her ( puppy is 'attached to owner on a 6 foot leash at all times) I like the idea that the puppy is always around me, so that I can watch to see signs that she has to potty & scoot with her outside asap. I like that it eliminates many potential "accidents" since I will have her by by side constantly. What do you thik about this method of house-training?
emmabeth
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Re: Potty training using "umbilical cord" method

Post by emmabeth »

Can work really well for people - Id trip over the lead all the time myself, but I live in a tiny house with a lot of doors - if i lived in an open plan house or a bigger house, it would be a method I would consider.

Do remember though, puppies chew things, puppies are often not fond of wearing a collar/lead, are easy to trip over and step on... and do need to learn to be ok left alone for a moment or two.

So - be prepared to mix and match your method - as long as you are preventing pup from making a mistake (whether thats by using a leash, using a crate, being extra vigilant, offering many opportunities to go outside), and rewarding pup for going in the place you want - you will get there.

See how you get on - for me it lacks practicality, but it might be fine for you and your pup. I would still invest in a crate though, as a secure place to leave a pup for a few minutes is a fantastic thing as you will shortly find out!
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Mattie
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Re: Potty training using "umbilical cord" method

Post by Mattie »

My biggest worry with this method is the pup getting over bonded to the owner, the pup doesn't get the chance to be independent until he is trained, by that time he may be so attached to the owner he develops sever seperation anxiety. Have a look at viewtopic.php?f=20&t=1981, it will give you an idea of what to expect from your put at various ages, as you can see, at 8 weeks old your puppy will be in the:

Human Socialisation Period 7-12 weeks

Best time for rehoming. Pfaffenberger believed that from 7 to 16 weeks of the puppy’s life his basic character is set by what he is taught.

The pup should be socialised to as many pleasant but varied experiences as possible during this time.


When you take your puppy to the vets to be vaccinated, you will be told not to let him out until a week after the second vaccination, as this is an important socialisation period, your pup needs to see as much as possible and meet many people. He can go out in the garden to toilet and he can be carried around, put him in a bag so he is secure and see everything, but don't let him down on the ground. Puppies socialised like this during this period are much easier later in life because they have been socialised at the right time.
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***Melissa***
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Re: Potty training using "umbilical cord" method

Post by ***Melissa*** »

Here is a link to a very good thread on house training a pup (or adult!): viewtopic.php?f=20&t=6125 - Even if you use the cord, you will find some great info in there & will be able to combine the two
There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams
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