new puppy, one little problem

[Shauna129]

My puppy will be arriving in a little less than 2 weeks. She will be 8 1/2 weeks old. I have one little problem though. I work monday through friday, but have an hour lunch, so i will be able to come home and take her out on my break. I know she won't be able to hold her bladder for 4 hours at a time right away, so i was wondering about getting an exercise pen with a top panel. It would be 4' x 4' (and a top), and i would put her crate inside and line the floor with newspaper. Is this a horrible idea? I'm not sure how strong these ex-pens are, but i'm not sure how else to handle this. I would take her collar off for safety reasons, but is this an okay idea until she's old enough to hold her bladder for 4 hours? Does anyone have any other ideas? please don't rip me apart too bad for not being 100% prepared. :)

[zorro13]

Both me and my husband work, while he can be more flexible with his schedule than I can, sometimes there is a day or two, where my pup was crated longer than I would have liked. Though, usually when I am off to work, he is on his way home. But, still you do what you gotta do. Your set-up sounds ok as long as you're ok with it. Just make sure you buy a crate that conforms to the adult sized rottie, it can get expensive to be buying crates as they grow. Some people divide their crates, I do not. If it is one of those days when a pup has to spend a little bit more time in there, I want the pup to have benefit to get away from the accidents. Just my opinion and preference.

Welcome to the forums, and congrats on getting your new puppy!!!!

[poohbearsmom]

If your breeder is worth his/her salt, they will have already done the basics of potty training for you. This makes it easier on everyone when the pup gets home.

Keep to a feeding/outing schedule. Crate train her, and you should do OK.

[Marylou Mader]

Shauna:
Welcome, I think your idea will work providing the x-pen is very sturdy and will not tip or collapse, otherwise you are better off with a crate.
rather than newspaper, which might encourage the puppy to potty use bath towels, they are easy to wash and we know she will NOT be able to hold it all the way through, this will come with age, figure 1 hour for each month of age and that is how long they can hold the bladder, now the feeding should be done systematically to bring on a regular pattern, so don't leave bowls of food out, this will also encourage poor eating habits, feed her morning, lunch break right after work then maybe a light one at least two hours before bed, that will give her time to clean out, and during their sleep the digestion slows down anyway...
Good luck and have a great time with your new puppy.

[2rotts]

If you live with someone else maybe you can stager your lunch breaks for the first bit.

[Shauna129]

Thanks for the replies! I was thinking about putting newspaper down instead of towels or training pads because I'm afraid she will try to shred them up. I'm scared she would choke. But if that wasn't a concern, i would definately try it. It would make clean-up easier. I'm so afraid of what could happen to her!! I'm not sure if it's normal to be almost too worried about her safety. I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to her. Has anyone else felt this way when getting a new puppy?

[Jantea]

Originally Posted by Shauna129

I'm not sure if it's normal to be almost too worried about her safety. I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to her. Has anyone else felt this way when getting a new puppy?

All good pet owners worry. This is good, just try not to obsess. Prevention definately plays a large role in dog safety.

Its the same with children, it seems to be the thing we never expected to happen that throws us for the biggest loops. Reading these forums has played a huge role in my being aware and avoiding various possibilities.

Congratulations on your new puppy. Do your research and do your best. I'm sure you'll do great!