126. Toilet training a pup who wants to be clean. Advice from the vet was good.

The Spitz X does not want to eliminate inside the $400 stainless steel crate with a grating and pee pan. The puppy tries to hold his bladder as he considered the crate as his den (clean area to sleep and eat).

So, after meals, a family member will tether him in the kitchen and wait for him to eliminate. When he shows signs, the newspapers are put under him. However, he will frequently eliminate on the kitchen floor.

"He takes a long time to eliminate," the owner said.

"This is due to distraction," I explained. "Somebody is holding a newspaper and watching him. He can't perform under scrutiny and pressure."

I had an idea, "Why not put newspapers to cover the floor of the common bathroom, tether him inside after meals. At least the kitchen floor will not be soiled and smelly and it is easier to clean the common bathroom floor!"

I did not expect the owner to follow up on this advice. When I met her today as the puppy was having pimples in his thights, I asked about the toilet training. She said that the Spitz was successfully paper-trained inside the bathroom. He is nearly 6 months old and he will be passing a larger amount of poop and pee. So, it is good news that he is paper-trained. A lot of stress for the family if he is not paper-trained as he is much loved.