UPDATE: Potty Training your Chihuahua 100% Fool Proof Method | Sweetie Pie Pets by Kelly Swift

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Since making the original potty training video, I have found a new crate on Amazon that I prefer. But it’s still the basic idea using the IRIS USA 24 “ Exercise Pet Playpen with door. If you’re in the USA this is currently available on my Amazon store for just $59 for the 4 panel crate or $82 for the 6 panel crate and they also have an 8 panel option. For a young puppy still learning to potty train, I recommend a smaller area which gives the puppy a higher chance of having success making it to the bathroom. If their area is too big, they might not make it all the way to the other side of the crate.
So after setting up the den crate, which is simply a matter of snapping the plastic panels together, you next need a potty crate. I prefer this MidWest Life Stages metal folding crate because it fits perfectly over the door opening on the IRIS habitat crate, and it’s just the right size and weight to hold down a potty pad. It comes with a plastic tray in the bottom but we’re going to remove that.
When you get the metal crate, it’s folded up. So just set it on the floor, then lift the top section which is one of the walls, then the other wall can fold out, then the back wall.
Now the final, back wall, we actually want to remove. For my potty training method we do not want that back wall so I use a super huge flathead screwdriver to twist/loosen the metal rings that hold the door on. Once all 4 rings are loose enough the door just comes off. Then you just remove the plastic tray from the crate, set down a potty pad on the floor in front of the open door of the habitat crate, and place the metal crate on top of the potty pad.
Now don’t forget all of your puppies needs inside. He will need food and water and a cuddly bed and lots of chews and toys. Just like a toddler. So the trick now is getting him to stay in the habitat crate and do all his playing in there and only go in the potty crate when he has to go potty. I’ve had a few people bring up struggles with a puppy sleeping in the potty crate and peeing/ pooing in the habitat crate. I’ve had some susses correcting that behavior with these few things.
Make them want to stay in the habitat crate because it’s the FUN crate. Where they have all their toys and get all their meals and snacks. If you see them dragging their toys into the potty crate, just take it out right away (wash if needed) and put back in the habitat crate.
Next up, If it’s hot where you’re at, give them a variety of flooring options in the habitat crate. Sometimes a puppy wants to sleep on a cooler surface so if you’re able to give them a fluffy bed, plus a slightly cooler blank, and also a nice and cool tile floor option, they should be able to find a comfy position to lay in. If your puppy STILL sleeps in the potty crate even with all of those considerations, then try covering the habitat crate. I’ve noticed over and over again that dogs often prefer to sleep in a covered situation, like a cave. You can actually buy a cover for these crates which looks much nicer than the box Amazon delivered it in. I wish the whole thing was black instead of half mesh so that your puppy can feel completely secluded, but I suppose you could always put a blanket over the top of the mesh if it’s still too airy for your puppy to feel secure.

[@MommaT1970]

This works… thank you so much!!!! Our Allie Grace came home at 10 weeks, she is only 3 months old today and she is potty trained. We used the exact items you recommended, but left the tray, laying the potty pad on top since she’s wasn’t interested in making it a toy. I can’t believe it…. Zero accidents. I think the key is giving the treat immediately after they potty and praising while they potty. I never scolded at accidents. We have potty pads in every room and she is already choosing to use those while out during free time. Amazing… thank you again. ❤

[@SweetiePiePets]

So happy your sweetie pie is thriving ❤️ good girl

[@brianstrawder2417]

Even though we haven't gotten another sweetie pie yet, I still enjoy viewing your videos. Ty for all that you do.

[@SweetiePiePets]

Thank you got the channel support 🙏🏻

[@chandahead]

I used your method and it worked, but here is what I wish I had done differently. I used the metal crate as the toilet area, but mine has a side door and a front door. For the den/cave/sleeping section I used the Tespo Pet Play from Amazon. The Tespo is great because you can make it small or big and you can cut a “door” through the plastic. My goal was for my male chihuahua to always use a pee pad for a lifetime. I set up the pee pad in the kitchen where we spend the most time. Once I was confident my pup was using the pee pad I left the side crate door open so my dog could leave and go back through there. A few weeks later, I slowly crept the whole set up a few feet at the time until it ended up in the bathroom where I permanently wanted the dog to use the pee pad. Now here is what I learned and wish I had done differently. The metal crate was great for my male chihuahua because he has something to lift his leg against. However he is now 1.5 and the metal cage got rusted from the pee and the full washing with water. I tried removing the metal grid floor and my chihuahua was confused. Despite multiple attempts he won’t use it without the metal grate floor. He will pee in the floor next to the crate and pad. I put the metal grate floor back on and he will use the pad. He thinks the crate with the pad underneath is the toilet. 😞 So in conclusion I wish I could have predicted this and hacked a plastic crate to be the the toilet area. I would have cut out the bottom and maybe used large stones in the middle to weigh down the pad. I would have used something plastic that could have been washed for the toilet area. For now I had to buy a new metal crate. I did tried creating a toilet area with the Tespo gate and again my chihuahua got confused and wouldn’t use the pee pad without the metal crate on top. Sharing my learning in case it helps others. Otherwise this method of den/toilet is fantastic and my chihuahua doesn’t pee anywhere else.

[@SweetiePiePets]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience 🙏🏻 I hope it helps others 😊

[@nicholeripley1745]

Love your videos! So informative and love how much you love your sweetie pies!

[@domenicaciappara5172]

I used your older method of the two crates to train my two girls. I'll be using this method for my girls pup training

[@SweetiePiePets]

Awesome 👏🏻 I hope it works as well for your pup as it has for mine ❤️

[@serenityjewel]

This was awesome. Thank you for the video. Your puppies are BEAUTIFUL. ❤️

[@SweetiePiePets]

You’re so welcome 😊 thanks for taking time to leave your comment ❤️

[@MarieSansom]

How do you transition them to outside?

[@Tailionis]

I never potty trained my dogs to go outside. Just litter trained them similar to this and when we go on walks I praise them. So they can use both

[@Nothing7194]

I’m looking at all ur videos. I’m pretty sure I’m about to adopt a chi and I need all the lessons! Thank u ☺️

[@SweetiePiePets]

You’re very welcome. Best of luck to you

[@janiemelgoza166]

Great idea ❤ TY !!!

[@SweetiePiePets]

Welcome 🤗

[@vvsweet9678]

Have you ever had a puppy push the potty crate away and escape? Our little guy has done it twice. We have added a weight against the potty crate but open to other suggestions. He also has taken to chewing and shredding the pee pad in the corner near the house pen. Dispite lots of toys and a comfy bed. Otherwise it is working wonderfully. I love the setup. Thank you so much for the tips

[@SweetiePiePets]

You’re so welcome and yes I’ve had a few smart ones who learn how to escape by pushing the 2 crates apart. My solution is one of those tiny bungee cords from Home Depot and just pull it taut and attach it to both crates. Hope this helps 👍🏻

[@crystalcoleman8668]

Do you have a video on how to potty train a chihuahua to go outside ? Im getting one the end of Jan, 2023 , we live in Fl and I want it to learn to go outside , after all of its shots .

[@SweetiePiePets]

I sure do: Potty Train your Chihuahua outdoors! IN 4 WEEKS! | Sweetie Pie Pets by Kelly Swift kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZDUfGZuZa2WY5Y

[@DonnaThain]

Love this setup

[@theresah5813]

I wish I had an this 2 months ago.

[@daisysask2608]

Lov those tiny tales💕 🐕

[@cgmpowers6711]

Looks like a perfect setup to potty train my chihuahua to use a doggy literbox

[@SweetiePiePets]

Good sweetie pie 😇

[@paulhill1379]

Good helpful video.😊

[@stevefuller6499]

got the same enclosure. A similar puppy pad tray. we reward our puppy if she goes in the tray but it rarely happens. She literally goes anywhere, couch, blankets...all over. Three weeks in and absolutely no progress.

[@SweetiePiePets]

Be patient. Remember that it could take as long as 6 months up to a year for your puppy to be fully trained. It requires patience and consistency from the human’s side. Remember that if you bring home a puppy at age 8 weeks, that’s the same thing as having a very young toddler in human years. Think how long it takes to potty train a human toddler. Much longer than 3 weeks. Make sure to be consistent and remain positive because your puppy wants to please you and is trying to figure out what you want. It is our job to work with them. If she’s peeing on the couch, it sounds like there is an issue with consistency. Keep her in her potty set up until she goes potty. As soon as she’s done going potty then praise and reward her by taking her out and give her some playtime. She’s much less likely to have an accident during play time if she has already gone potty. After a short play time, she needs to go back in her little setup for nap time, a snack, and potty. Keep her on a consistent schedule, praise/reward her successes, and completely ignore her accidents. She will eventually understand. Best of luck to you

[@priscillavanegas8310]

Thank you, I'm going to try it this way!! Love your videos ❤

[@SweetiePiePets]

You’re so welcome ❤️ wishing you and your sweetie pie the very best

[@SilktheSiren]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@SweetiePiePets]

Hope it helps many sweetie pies and their humans ❤️

[@tarabrown7082]

Great video. Thank you so much.

[@sarahc3305]

My chi is 14 weeks old I got him at 12 weeks and the breeder did not do any potty training prior :( I've set up a play pen and left a pee pad in there, 100% of the time he will pee on the pad while in the pen, with number 2 hit and miss. I've also been taking him outside to the yard for potty when I'm home. The summary is while he is in the pen he will use the pee pad, when he is out of the pen running free in the house 70% he will go back the pen to go potty and 20% signals me and wait at the back yard door. The issue now is that, during bad weather he refuse to go outside for potty and will pee in front/near the backyard door. I feel like I have confused him to potty in two locations (pee pad and backyard). What should I do now? should I go back to square one and retrain him for pee pad only?

[@annaelizabeth5971]

I appreciate your videos so much! They are full of expert advise and fun to watch! We are getting our 1st Chihuahua puppy around Thanksgiving! Our first Chihuahua, Angel, we adopted at 9 months. Sadly, she recently passed in June..😢 We are a little nervous about are puppy but your videos have been extremely helpful! Could you please tell me what is the best age to bring a puppy home, and, do you see a problem getting a pair of sisters?

[@alissahague4779]

Hello!! How did it go with your little puppy? Did you do this to potty train her? We are getting our Maltese next week and I want o do this!!

[@someryl2067]

You are amazing!

[@Tailionis]

I have a similar setup but its a litter box since i litter box train my chihuahuas.

[@SweetiePiePets]

Very cool 👍 thanks for sharing

[@lljl5310]

Thank you...great ideas!!!

[@drakiana8717]

Until they climb out, which is what mine does.

[@cutiepiechihuahuas]

I recommend the Iris pen to all of my puppy parents.

[@SweetiePiePets]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrWaz411]

How long do you keep this set up ?

[@anonymousvapes8026]

I had the iris for my puppy. Worked great until she graduated to outdoors.

[@SweetiePiePets]

Perfect 👏🏻🤩

[@gabylafuente1283]

How do you transition them? How do they become able to be around the house and potty outside?

[@maggiemac5572]

Hi, love your video. I’m getting a chihuahua puppy soon and love this setup. Both the plastic crate and the potty crate are the same width. (24”) Why does the potty crate look smaller ?

[@SweetiePiePets]

Hello, congratulations on your puppy adoption. The iris crate is 36 inches so it is bigger than the 24 inch potty crate

[@Maysellshomes]

My chi is refusing to go the wee pad. He’s 10 weeks old holds it though the night. I have this entire set up and the spray for the pads too! If I take him Out he will go on the floor or rug. If I don’t take him out of the crate he cries and holds it in. I have never had any issue training my chis before , this is a first. Please help !!!

[@SweetiePiePets]

Did you try my setup? Because with this set up, he WOULD be leaving his crate to go potty.

[@Maysellshomes]

@@SweetiePiePets I did. It’s been a week. I noticed that it appears he sometimes goes in the middle of the night but he does hold it and prefers to go both outside. Also, when he’s free in the house he is not running back to the area to go.

[@saundrawitherspoon1134]

Thanks so much for this video Kelly. I have one question. Do you not recommend the Tespo panels anymore?

[@SweetiePiePets]

I still like the Tespo pet setup as well. That one is good because you can add panels and expand the size of the puppy run as the puppy has success. But I think the IRIS crate in this video is more attractive than the cheaper looking Tespo

[@saundrawitherspoon1134]

@@SweetiePiePets Thank you Kelly. I always respect your take on things. You cause us to think twice and truly consider our options. Thanks again my friend.

[@beam3819]

Very smart! How long do the pups need to stay in the learning situation ? Tx😊

[@SweetiePiePets]

Each puppy is different. Some catch on quickly and can start venturing out for longer and longer time spans within only a couple weeks. Others learn slower and may struggle to get it for several months. But with patience and consistency, they can all eventually figure it out

[@MarkAnthony-wo9fr]

Question. Are females less affectionate than males?

[@estelapeters7763]

I can’t find your Amazon store

[@domenicaciappara5172]

How do you suggest starting to train pups before they go to their forever homes, especially if Mum is still there and they are crying for her?

[@SweetiePiePets]

I train them in the crate set up as this video shows. Mom needs to be removed by age 8 weeks when they receive their first vaccination because they cannot nurse after that and they need at least 2 weeks without her to make sure they’re thriving on solid food before the stress of moving. Best of luck to you and them ❤️

[@josereynoso7054]

How do we prevent accidents in the house when they are outside the playpen?

[@SweetiePiePets]

You only let them out of the kennel when you are right there watching them to make sure that if they squat to go potty, you can quickly pick them up put them on the pad. It’s also best to leave them in the kennel until they go potty and then let them out for playtime.

[@irmamontes6984]

I ❤️ how you set up everything for the pups awsome idea . I have a question I have two chihuahuas that came to me from an elderly woman who could no longer care for them .but the huge issue with these mom an daughter duo of cuteness .is the lady allowed them to potty anywhere they wanted and that seams to have included her human bed . And I've been trying to potty train them but nothing seams to work from what I've found out the momma chihuahua is 6 years old and the daughter is 5 .can you please 🙏 give me some advice I'm worried these lovely girls are going to teach my other pup there bad habits and destroy my home . Please let me know what I can do thank you .

[@SweetiePiePets]

Hello Erma, thanks for leaving your comment. I would go ahead and use this method for your elderly girls, each in their own crate. It’s harder to teach an older dog new habits so it will take a lot of time and consistency but obviously potty-ing in the bed and all around the house is not acceptable so they will need to be in their own little habitat area where they’ve only got one option for potty until they learn better habits. That is my best advice to you. Wishing you and your sweetie pies the very best🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Ambrose_Kuroo]

Will this work for a older dog? Mine's 6 or 7 years and he never was house trained because my parents pushed all the responsibility onto me at a young age

[@SweetiePiePets]

Yes absolutely this will still work for an older dog. However it will take a lot of consistency on your part over a long period of time. Make sure to have multiple beds and a floor that’s easily wiped up with wet wipes. Hopefully on vinyl flooring or tile. Or get one of my carpet protectors on the Etsy store. They are super easy to wipe clean. You need multiple beds so that you always have a clean one on the ready if he messes in the bed, just replace it with a clean one while you wash the messy bed. Never scold him for his mistakes, simply ignore him, and clean up the mess quietly. When he does it correctly, praise him profusely. Dogs love positive reinforcement and are confused by negative reinforcement. If you prefer to teach him to go outside, do not attach a potty crate. But rather take him outside first thing in the morning and stand there with him until he poos and pees. Praise him profusely and then feed him breakfast and take him back outside after about an hour. Be super consistent taking him outside every 3-4 hours and staying with him the whole time telling him to “go potty”. Tell him he’s a good boy even when he’s not getting it. He will eventually understand and start to hold it in his crate. I’m sorry your parents didn’t help you train him. So glad you’re investing in his future now. 🙏🏻❤️

[@ddeweypink]

Can you tell me which pads you under the crate there are two in your Amazon store

[@SweetiePiePets]

Hello, the 2 pads in my Amazon store are the same. It’s just that the more expensive one has twice the number of pads.

[@1347marcos]

My pups are 9 weeks old, would this still work for them or are they too old?

[@supahorse28]

Hi Sweet Pie Pets why does my chihuahua lick her paw

[@carmenperezramos7781]

For small apartment that is all over cover by carpets this potty training will works? Do they can get confuse with the pee pads and do it on the carpets?

[@SweetiePiePets]

Yes this method works for dogs on carpet but I recommend you get a carpet protector for under the habitat crate in case she does have an accident. You have to expect accidents at first but be patient and consistent and she will eventually get it

[@staceymugrage9305]

Can you later transition from playpen to sleeping in a crate? Or can they stay in a playpen when you are away?

[@SweetiePiePets]

I prefer the Iris crate (sort of like a playpen) because it gives them plenty of room for all their needs.

[@trishtraynor1237]

That was the first video of yours that I watched. 😍😍😍😍😍Clever Girl 😳😳

[@SweetiePiePets]

Oh my gosh, really? Wow, We’ve come full circle 🤩

[@poptart2579]

I have a kinda stupid question can deer heads have long hair? I've only ever seen apple heads with long hair

[@SweetiePiePets]

No such thing as a stupid question 😉 yes, they are much more rare but it’s possible to have a long coat deer head. My mother in law had one and she was a sweetheart. She passed away earlier this year and we’re having a hard time finding another one like her 😑

[@poptart2579]

@@SweetiePiePets thank you and I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law Chihuahua

[@alissahague4779]

Hello me again…do you keep them in this at night even when they are older?

[@SweetiePiePets]

You can let them sleep in their crate even when they’re older or if you prefer free range sweetie pies, you can transition them out of the crate. Mine like to sleep in their crate 😍

[@torysmith9402]

Where will they sleep through the night if you're using metal crate to go potty. I thought they're supposed to sleep there at night. (CRATE)

[@SweetiePiePets]

They sleep in their habitat crate. The potty crate and the habitat crate are attached. Did you watch the video?

[@torysmith9402]

Yes​@@SweetiePiePets

[@iluvwanesworld]

What toys do you recommend that can be safely left in the crate when the puppy is alone so they won't ingest them?

[@SweetiePiePets]

I have serval toys on my Amazon store that I recommend: www.Amazon.com/shop/sweetiepiepets. Basically any toys that they are not able to chew off buttons or small pieces. Keep an eye on the toys as they are used to be sure they're in good shape. Eventually they will need to be thrown out.

[@iluvwanesworld]

@@SweetiePiePets Perfect, thank you so much! 😀

[@eman2099]

Hi. Question for you. Is it normal for a breeder to ask money for toys and crate for a chihuahua they’ll reserve for you? And ask 150 for a vet appointment? Seems fishy to me.

[@SweetiePiePets]

No, toys and crates are not a typical thing for breeders to sell. If anything they will hand the puppy off with toys at no additional expense because they care about the transition the puppy must go through and want him or her to be as comfortable as possible. I’d like to give it familiar toy with the puppy so that he or she can have a familiar item for extra comfort when they go to their new home

[@carniwore5123]

Im about to get a chi in a few weeks! I do plan on staying home with her the first few weeks, but in case i need to leave for work, could the puppy stay in the pen for the duration of my work shift, or is that too much time? I also have another dog, but I doubt he'd interfere with the pen~

[@SweetiePiePets]

Yes, the puppy will be safest in her little habitat area while you’re gone. Just don’t leave any collars, harnesses or clothes on her in case she gets them stuck on something. And make sure she’s got plenty of food water while you’re gone. It’s really good you’ll be able to stay home with her the first few weeks. That way you can make sure she’s thriving before you have to go back to work. Best of luck to you and your new sweetie pie ❤️

[@carniwore5123]

Thank you so much for your reply! I was also curious how long she might need the pen till I can move her pad to its permanent place and have her roam around more freely?

[@mewwk6776]

@@carniwore5123How was the progress of leaving ur chi at home alone? My chi will be home alone for the first time after 3 weeks bc I have to go back to work. How was ur set up and pls share any advice. Thank uu

[@user-bf8hz1on4k]

How do you make the puppy stop crying? Its killing me

[@SweetiePiePets]

Best method is to ignore the crying completely. Make sure all her needs are met in the crate. She needs water, bed, and toys to keep her entertained and of course. So long as she’s got all her needs met and isn’t bored, with patience she will adjust to her new routines. Keep calm and be patient 🙏🏻❤️

[@lanle-lf5ec]

How long do we do the crate training?

[@SweetiePiePets]

Slowly as your baby has success making it to the pad, you can start expanding his area little by little. If he makes backwards progress, reduce the size again for a few days then try again.

[@shyguy2709]

My chis are now 3 years and they poop in there crate every night. What do I do??

[@SweetiePiePets]

Did you try this setup? Maybe if you give them a bathroom crate attached so they don’t have to try and hold it all night. My video explains the setup

[@jbejhrzc]

My girls have been doing the same thing since they went into heat, They’ve been marking with pee and poo , we use sweetie pies pet playpen area with a modified potty area with grids on top from a CNC guinea pig cage left over so they don’t shred and play with them , we recently had to shrink their play area because we gave them too much space too fast and they were using the restroom all over their bedding and anywhere they wanted to, We went back to basics for about a week , like Sweetie Pie recommends , we tried the crate idea and we didn’t have the right size so we just use what we had and they got the message and we also started taking them outside more so that they have a chance to fully exercise and relieve themselves just in case they were doing it because they were anxious or board and they can totally have dog beds now without urinating on them every day they have had some poop accidents in their bed but they’re still puppies ( from our first litter in January) so I’m giving them a little bit of benefit of the doubt and just taking it one day at a time! Mom and dad have totally grown out of using the restroom in the bed area especially now that Mom has those mothering instinct to keep her den clean so I guess patience is the key they will grow out of it at some point and accidents happen so hopefully this helps😊

[@alissahague4779]

Can you tell me if you leave them in this set upon at night? Do they have access to their potty spot at night?

[@SweetiePiePets]

Yes, they sleep there at night especially when they’re young and can’t hold it all night.

[@alissahague4779]

@@SweetiePiePets good morning thank you so much for your reply! I think this is wonderful but how do they learn to hold their bladders? I am really stressing over bringing home my little 2 pound four month old Maltese as she will be in this type of set up (I am using the metal dog crates because of space ) for almost 8 hours a day! I am wondering how people do this it’s making me reconsider the adoption. I’m so sad.

[@ddeweypink]

What size is the wire potty crate

[@SweetiePiePets]

I like the 24” x 17” double door crate

[@_RHN_]

Will this work if I want her to sleep with me but I also want her to be potty trained? I think you already answered this question but I just want to confirm

[@SweetiePiePets]

Yes, I still recommend using this set up even if she sleeps with you. Just make sure she goes to potty lasting before bed and first thing in the morning when waking up.

[@_RHN_]

@@SweetiePiePets omg thank you so much it’s been 3 weeks since I had her and she can sleep in her crate and has not have accidents, sometimes she sleeps with me too Tysm! 😊

[@prefectscoreclubinc3030]

Worked like a charm he went right over to the pad and peed

[@SweetiePiePets]

Good boy 👏🏻🤩 thanks for taking time to leave your comment