We have been having a water battle with Caira. She is 5 months old and pretty much potty trained. She hasn't had an accident inside in weeks but does occasionally go on the patio (granted, she is technically outside, which i think is her confusion). However, we have been withholding water and only giving it to her after playtime/walks and at meal times.

We have also been limiting the amount. The water bowl we have is one of those 5-gallon ones that refills itself until the water is gone. If we leave that contraption out for her to drink from, she will drink until she bloats up like she's pregnant.

However, because she has never had free reign of water, she a) drinks until she bloats if given too much and b) sometimes tries to sneak water... If we aren't looking she will dash for one of our toilets.

SO. Now that she is pretty much potty trained, we want to start leaving water down for her 24/7. I am hoping that it will teach her to control herself because the wAter isn't going to disappear after a while. I am also hoping it will just be overall healthier for her... Since I have been controlling it, it's hard to tell if she needs more than I am giving her.

Any thoughts? Have any of y'all been through this?

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Remington Byrd's Golden Shot - "REMY" - CGC, Therapy Dog, Service Dog
Collier's Freedom's Avenger - "Caira"

I have no advice, but I think if I withheld water from Roxxi she would drink until she was bloated too. She drinks a lot of water, always has.

and a bump for you...

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I wonder if you keep leaving the water down and keeping it full, if she'll get over the anxiety of "when will I get more water." And calm down her consumption levels. You can also try to wet her dry kibble (if that's what she eats) so she doesn't get so thirsty. Maybe. Lol.

Just guesses.


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Thanks yall! I do already wet her food. Today was the first day of her having free reign and she actually did well. Bloated herself this morning but since then has drank a little at a time and went to the door when she needed to potty.

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Remington Byrd's Golden Shot - "REMY" - CGC, Therapy Dog, Service Dog
Collier's Freedom's Avenger - "Caira"

I've never withheld water, even during housebreaking, so no real experience. Now that she has water available all the time hopefully she'll self regulate.

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**Fraulein "Maggie" Louise 8/2/95 - 7/20/09**
*At Rainbow Bridge but Forever in Our Hearts*