Category: Top Dog

We recently signed up to be a foster family for rescue dogs. Unexpectedly, our first fosters were two puppies (from the same litter). While we've had dogs in the past, we have never had two puppies at one time. We did not receive as much information/guidance as I had expected at the outset of this, and 5 weeks later I feel like we still have no idea what we're doing and I'm afraid we've already created bad habits (unintentionally).

Pups are both around 15 weeks (both female). Breed unknown, but they are on the smaller side.They are great going to the bathroom outside, but still have accidents inside if we're not on top of their outside schedule. One puppy is getting better at letting us know she needs out. We use high value treats with potty training.

They are both very attached to me. They play very hard with each other. Biting/rough play with their humans is an issue, as well as excitability. They lose their minds at feeding time, when they are let out of the crate, etc. They are crate trained and do great with the crate.

I get overwhelmed really easily, and have found this a difficult experience. Do you have any tips so that my family and I can course correct and help teach these pups better manners? I want to set them up for success in their forever home as best I can.

We got our now 7 month old pup in early February. She was somewhat potty trained per the rescue but with some routine they thought she’d get there quick. She had a tumultuous early life without structure. She generally does well now but had a couple accidents this week. Her main cue is going to the door but unfortunately she also just loves going outside to sniff and observe the world. She goes to the door and acts like she has to potty because she knows we’ll take her. In the morning it’s especially annoying because she doesn’t poop right away when she wakes up, so we take her out most times and hope for a poop (and get nothing). Anyone have a method for how to avoid rewarding “I wanna go outside and I know you’ll take me” versus listening when she may have to actually go? lol