hello

[scootersmom]

I am new here, but have a question. I have a miniture dauschound that is about 4months old. We have been doing moderately well with housebreaking we are actually trying the bell, which works about 5% of the time. I know it will take time, I am very patient. I just need to know one thing. He is on the science diet for puppies, just switched from puppychow. The kids went to there dads two days ago and yesterday, and this is not an exaggeration. He pooed 11 times, 5 times in the house after he had gone outside, and he even pooed in his crate overnight, even though I took him out for his 0300 potty break. We have had him since he was 6 weeks. Is he just upset that the kids are gone or do we have a problem medically. I have never seen him poo 11 times in one day. I know he is very smart, he sits, lies down, rollover, plays dead, and looks pretty. Anyway, any ideas??

[scootersmom]

the bell works 50%of the time.....and the reason I changed the food, was because he was having some diarrhea with puppy chow, so vet suggested a change.

[rstowe]

Let me guess...the vet suggested Science Diet. Most vets get paid to "push" Science Diet. There are better foods out there. I believe there are several posts on this site with suggestions about better foods.

[ANNSMD]

It could very well be the food, If there is one thing I learned from petlovers, it is to stay away from dog food with by-products. Also the food change has to be done gradually over at least a 7 day period. My guess is that the dog food is whats causing the problem. Hope this helps.

[dlaura]

I was going to say exactly what ANNSMD already told you. Food needs to be changed gradually. Say you feed your doxie 1/4 -1/2 cup of food twice a day - you would take the usual serving minus a bit and add = amount of what you minused from usual food. Your doxie may well be missing the kids, but it is probably more of the food switch.

[Husky06]

the bell thing could have some to do with the smartness of the dog, im not saying your dog is dumb, but I'm looking into buying a european bloodline german shepherd, from the previous customers, one of them had taught it to do ring the bell to go to the bathroom at 10 weeks old, and many other numerous things, and like a few people said before, completely switching a dogs diet in one day isn't good, my sister did that with her dog, not good

[NewfieGrl]

I definately agree with everyone else. You have to gradually add the new food, a little at a time.