Very well said!! At least with the pups they can't say it back

I appreciate the advice.

I do not appreciate being "spoken" to like a total fool tho. Of course my husband and I sat and thought about this long and hard before making the decision. I realise there are lots of irresponsible pet owners out there but I am not one of them...If I was, would I be taking the time and effort to come onto forums such as this and ask for advice???

I NEVER leave my baby and the pup alone together...that would also suggest I'm an irresponsible mother.

We have all the time in the world to care for and train our pup. 5 days of the week it is just me, my baby and the pup at home so have plenty of time for her...I have coped with a very small age gap with children so know what I am letting myself in for. Am I not entitled to some moments of exasperation???

I have also already said that I would NEVER hit. She is crate trained and I do have a crate for her to retreat to and sleep in. I don't just throw her out in the garden for 45 mins, I stated that sometimes it was "up to 45mins" And more often than not I have stood with her for 10-20 mins in the spot I'd like her to go potty with her just sitting at my feet. If the phone rings, I need to go answer it and if she wants to stay out, I'll leave her out. I am new at this and can be expected to make the odd mistake...I still do that with my children, would you suggest I "take them back"??

We drove a long way to the breeder to pick her up and sat there with her for 2 hours, discussing how we would cope. The breeder was obviously satisfied with what she heard and saw (and yes, we took our baby with us to go and get her). Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion, but just because I have a few kids, does not mean I will be less of a caring dog owner than any of you.

I don't want to get on the wrong side of people on here, but I also don't expect criticism when I was simply asking for some advice on how to train our puppy.

I get the impression from most of you that I am doing most things right and just need to make a few small changes. and be consistent with the things I am getting right.

Once again, thanks for the advice.

I think you have been given some excellent advice! Criticism can be good as long as it is positive! You will find there are some really lovely experienced dog owners on this site.
My youngest child is 4 and I struggle sometimes with our pup! Hang on in there, you will be fine! x

Most people have given me excellent advice and I'm already acting upon some of it. It was just one person in particular that has got my goat and appreciate another for defending me.

As I said in my first and last post, I've come here for advice so my pup and us all get off to the best start. I love a good challenge, and obviously someone has taken my quote of "have I bitten off more than I can chew" as me saying "I've made a huge mistake and can't handle it so I'm going to neglect this dog and beat it whenever she poops on the floor". NOT THE CASE

Just having a temporary moment of exasperation last night when I posted.

The paper in the kitchen has been removed. The litter tray is being removed tonight. We have not taken her out for a short walk today and will not take her out again until her 2nd Vaccine and we have been taking her to her potty area in the garden on a lead and waiting silently with her until she goes and making lots of fuss when she does, altho she still hasn't pooped out there, and still did it as soon as we came back in the house but she wasn't punished for it. I'm fully aware of the fact that when she needs to go, she needs to go and it doesn't matter where she is...just like my children

She is already beginning to get better with the baby and will usually leave him be the first time she is told...I've been clapping my hands loudly and that seems to be working. In fact, probably had I left it a few more days, I wouldn't have felt the need to post on here. Fortunately I have the patience of a saint and know that with some hard work and determination I will have a star pup before I know it (might still need a bit of advice along the line tho)

I'm going to start doing some basic training with her tomorrow...sit, stay etc etc. Keep your fingers crossed for me

Fingers crossed - I dont know if you said you've done research but researching Westies may help you in your training Good luck

Aww good, we all have days like this I had one last week, I phoned my OH up and told him I was gonna book myself into the nut house if he dont come and sort he's son and this pup out pronto but a couple of baby gates later and a good stiff drink, all was well

Good luck with the training, I cant recommend clicker training enough, it tires both my dogs out which is great for everyone. lets us know how you get on

Having a new puppy is a joy, and also the most frustrating thing ever!

It's like having another teeny baby in the house, but one who doesn't wear nappies!

The key, as with everything to do with dogs is persistance. You'll feel a complete loon, stood in your garden in the dark with your puppy on a lead saying "wee-wees" in a high pitched voice. You'll certainly feel like banging your head against the wall when you're clearing up poop or wee off the floor again. It gets better, honestly!
(Saying that, both my dogs had a bout of Runny Bottom last week - they are 3 and 4 - and I spent every day clearing up liquid poop from my kitchen

Just keep plugging away, and one day, you'll have a lightbulb moment, when your puppy goes outside and toilets straight away and then doesn't do anything in the house!

I would say that at soon as your puppy has had his 2nd jabs, you need to get him to puppy socialisation/training as soon as possible. It might be a pain, especially with a baby, but in the long run, it will be well worth it!

Good Luck!

P.S. - Do we have any pics of the puppy?

Just wanted to come on quickly to let you all know that we removed the litter tray from the crate last night and there were NO ACCIDENTS!!! Yay

Thanks again for all the advice, most of which I have taken on board (bar the rolled newspaper bit).

I have also decided to invest in a clicker and start clicker training with her as soon as that arrives. So fingers crossed.

I will post photos and updates asap

No accidents, well done her. I still have one of my 11.5 month pups that pees (and poops) if we are 5 mins late getting up, which happend this morning.

Good luck with the training.

Great news. Well done for persevering & yes, we all get despairing moments so don't think you're alone! You sound like you're going to be a lovely owner so i wish you all the best with your puppy.

With clicker training, have you done it before? If not, could I please suggest that you read up on it first, before you or anyone starts clicking the clicker? Karen Pryor (queen of the clicker ) has written some very good books & her website is full of useful information & some video clips. Another good book is Pamela Reid's "Excel-erated Learning, How Dogs Lean & How Best to Teach Them". It's really worth while doing some research on learning theory first, knowing the difference between positive & negative punishment, & positive & negative reinforcement. And it's well worth while practising your timing & clicker skills on someone else, before you even let your dog near the clicker. Perhaps clicker train your older children to make you a cuppa?

You could also see if there are clicker training classes in your area. Even just going along to observer others it worth it while you wait until your puppy is old enough, then you can learn from other's mistakes!!