Cleanliness of Puppy Living Area

[JennyLeroux]

Hi my name is Jenny and I don't get on YT as much as I would like to.

I have had 2 litters so far and I have enjoyed spreading my love for Yorkies with my family and friends. I have 1 breeding female Yorkie, 1 Biewer (10 month old) Biewer puppy that I hope to breed, & 4 puppies currently ~ FYI .

I just moved to a new house which is much better for my breeding purposes. I have a 1,800 sq. foot basement for my babies to run around in. However, I am really picky about keeping them clean. I invested in a squeegee and good scrub brush and I thought that I could hose it down once or twice a week in between picking up their deposits but I have found that, that idea won't work. The poop is stuck to the concrete. Does anyone have any solutions to what I could soak the floor in to remove the waste?

Also, any ideas of what I could but down there for them to play in? They make those cat condos and things. Right now all I have is a bed, toys, food, water, and potty pads and I just worry that they might get bored.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[Nancy1999]

I think I would make the space smaller and put down some type of flooring. Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and would be much warmer than concrete, and easier to clean since concrete allows debris to sink into the pores. Some people have mentioned a product called Odorban sold at Walmart or Sam's club for cleaning kennel areas.

[Yorkiedaze]

You need a wire brush. Only place I found them is Home Depot.......I think it would be Lowe's for your neck of the woods. The wire brush works perfectly for things like that. I use one to clean my Purdy paint brushes.
Maybe put a big quilt down and one of those nylon tunnels, a few balls, a couple of plastic water bottles with a few lentils or peas in it for noise, a childs stuffed chair. I'd also be taking them outside every hour or two so they can get some fresh air, sun and play out for awhile.

[Yorkiedaze]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I think I would make the space smaller and put down some type of flooring. Vinyl flooring is inexpensive and would be much warmer than concrete, and easier to clean since concrete allows debris to sink into the pores. Some people have mentioned a product called Odorban sold at Walmart or Sam's club for cleaning kennel areas.

Yes, the OdoBan is sold at Home Depot and Lowe's as well, and mixed properly will kill germs and it smells terrific! I agree about making an area with Vinyl flooring. You can put a couple of expens around it. Makes training on potty pads much easier. The more room they have, the more they will go off the pads. I started with an expen then after a couple of months I added a second one, then after another couple of months they got the breakfast room, then the breakfast room and the kitchen. Of course I took them outside every hour or two as well. Worked like a charm in training on pads and outside which is how I have them.

[DejaVu]

Do they stay in the basement all day? Maybe you should look into pee pad training them so all you ahve to do is throw away the used ones and put down fresh new ones.

Also there is a kind of concrete sealant that can be used so its easier to clean up messes and wont stain the cement. I dont know what its called but many people use it in their garages. It makes the surface slick, untreated cement is very pourous and that is prob why its so hard to get the poop off it.

[my2boyz]

If I understand your post correctly they live in your basement? That's not good...

My suggestion would be to bring your dogs up into your home and make them a part of your family. Dogs need fresh air, sunlight and socialization with humans to be well rounded, healthy and happy. How will you properly socialize puppies for their new homes if you keep them in your basement? They need to be in your home, seeing and hearing you and your family...being a part of things. You can install a doggie door or train them to use potty pads. Once you bring them up from the basement you can use a good cleaner to remove the smell and clean your concrete floor.

[JennyLeroux]

That's a great suggestion . . . thanks!

[JennyLeroux]

I love the idea . . . thanks so much!!

[JennyLeroux]

Originally Posted by DejaVu

Do they stay in the basement all day? Maybe you should look into pee pad training them so all you ahve to do is throw away the used ones and put down fresh new ones.

Also there is a kind of concrete sealant that can be used so its easier to clean up messes and wont stain the cement. I dont know what its called but many people use it in their garages. It makes the surface slick, untreated cement is very pourous and that is prob why its so hard to get the poop off it.

Yes, I was going to pee pad train them but the basement is so big that it has made it difficult. I leave them in the basement when I am away from my home or at work so when I put the Mama down there it is hard to keep them confined, she throws a big fit on me.

[JennyLeroux]

Originally Posted by my2boyz

If I understand your post correctly they live in your basement? That's not good...

My suggestion would be to bring your dogs up into your home and make them a part of your family. Dogs need fresh air, sunlight and socialization with humans to be well rounded, healthy and happy. How will you properly socialize puppies for their new homes if you keep them in your basement? They need to be in your home, seeing and hearing you and your family...being a part of things. You can install a doggie door or train them to use potty pads. Once you bring them up from the basement you can use a good cleaner to remove the smell and clean your concrete floor.

Yes, you misunderstood me. I don't leave them locked in a basement all day and that is not what my post said.

[GeorgiaOnMyMind]

Originally Posted by DejaVu

Do they stay in the basement all day? Maybe you should look into pee pad training them so all you ahve to do is throw away the used ones and put down fresh new ones.

Also there is a kind of concrete sealant that can be used so its easier to clean up messes and wont stain the cement. I dont know what its called but many people use it in their garages. It makes the surface slick, untreated cement is very pourous and that is prob why its so hard to get the poop off it.

The product we used in our home and apartment complex is Kilz, a concrete sealant. We used it when tenants moved out, because it many cases, their pets were not potty trained. It is an excellent product. They sell it in our area at Home Depot or Lowe's.

We also use a tall cat house with the little house in the bottom. They love it! They use the second story to sit and lay on when we are on the couch, and it's up high so they can "see" everything. The house part they use for all the little things they steal and hide from us. Right now, my pregnant female likes to go in there and rest and get away. The top we use for their combs, brushes and a few toys. It works out great.

Good luck with your little furbabies!

[Breny]

Hi, I am a breeder as well and I use both of these petsafe products. I have a post in the for sale section here on YT, located here: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-products.html

I think you will find that both products work GREAT and are safe to have around your babies and adults!

Good luck!

Originally Posted by JennyLeroux

Hi my name is Jenny and I don't get on YT as much as I would like to.

I have had 2 litters so far and I have enjoyed spreading my love for Yorkies with my family and friends. I have 1 breeding female Yorkie, 1 Biewer (10 month old) Biewer puppy that I hope to breed, & 4 puppies currently ~ FYI .

I just moved to a new house which is much better for my breeding purposes. I have a 1,800 sq. foot basement for my babies to run around in. However, I am really picky about keeping them clean. I invested in a squeegee and good scrub brush and I thought that I could hose it down once or twice a week in between picking up their deposits but I have found that, that idea won't work. The poop is stuck to the concrete. Does anyone have any solutions to what I could soak the floor in to remove the waste?

Also, any ideas of what I could but down there for them to play in? They make those cat condos and things. Right now all I have is a bed, toys, food, water, and potty pads and I just worry that they might get bored.

Any suggestions are appreciated!