Dog Crate

[yw2012]

I have read many threads on crate training, and i have the following question:
I live in a single family townhouse with a very small backyard. I don't really have a crate for my 9 weeks old puppy but i do have a very comfy pet bed for her in my bathroom which is fairly spacy. It is big enough for her to eats and take care of her business. My parents and I have to work 8 hrs during the day, so we are trying to train our puppy to use the pad while in the house. I feel that sometime it is too cold outside and i am afraid to leave her out in the day for 8 hrs... Is it bad to train our puppy to use the pad? Is it unpopular to train your puppy to use the pad? Doesn't puppy get a cold when the weather is chilly outside? What's their tolerance to the hot weather or the cold weather?

sorry for the number of questions. It is my first time owning a frenchie pup and i just want to make sure she doesn't get sick.

[bulldoggin30]

I brought Dutchie home in December when he was a pup and we used pads when we were gone and also put him outside when we were home without problems. I didn't like using the pads but wasn't sure what to do while we were at work. Luckily those days are long gone! Just hang in there whatever you choose, it will get better!

[BowserKoopa]

I haven't pad trained myself, but I have a friend with a couple of Yorkies that has had success with it. Her dogs are too small to hold it for an entire work day, and the weather gets well below zero and we had a very snowy winter, so it worked for her. I don't know anyone who pad trains dogs the size of a Frenchie, so maybe someone else can be of help, but you need to figure out what will work best for you and your situation.

I got my pug in the late fall, and had absolutely no problem training him to go outside (my Frenchie was only recently adopted, so we haven't done the winter thing with him yet). I kept him indoors in a play pen that was about a square yard while at work. He had a few accidents initially, but as his bladder has grown he hasn't had any accidents. I certainly wouldn't keep my fellas outside without supervision, but they have no problem staying in their play pens while I am at work.

I know they are expensive, but if you are interested in getting a crate, check out pet stores every now and then or do a search online. I managed to find crates for both of my boys for $20 each.

[bulldoggin30]

Also, if you take your pup out when you know they need to go potty, such as after sleeping, she won't need to be outside very long, just a couple of minutes. Now that Dutchie is older, he doesn't stay out long, especially if it's cold. You could always buy a little sweater! :)

[pugsnfrenchie]

I think keeping your frenchie outside for 8 hrs while at work is way too much, in both cold and hot weather. They are a brachy breeds and because of that their tolerance of hot weather is very low. They can die from heat stroke in a mere 20 minutes. It is very dangerous for them. In the summer months they should have full access to water at all times. Lots of fans placed about, preferably central air. If it is really hot limit time spent outdoors, and watch for signs of heat stroke.