Should you leave water down for your pup all day!

[ralphie]

I take the water up shortly after feeding.I find it easier to train him this way.What do you guys think?

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

I don't ever not have water for my dogs even as puppies, yes it does make for trips outside more often but I just don't feel right about a dog not being able to drink when they want to. jmo

[gaddylovesdogs]

My girls have a huge mixing bowl that I fill with water. It is left on their pawprint mat all the time, they get drinks when they want them. I don't feel it is right to just take it away from them--I have access to water all day, why can't they?

If you are going to train, you could put it out of his reach for the session, but make sure you put it down right after, so that if he's thirsty he can get a refreshing drink.

[flyndog]

I think it's important to always have fresh water available. The only time I would remove the water bowl is a couple of hours before bedtime.
Kit

[minpinsrock]

It is very important to have water out all day....If you have water when you want your dogs should too. Also you never know when your dog is thirsty but they do and they can handle it w/o pestering you. *Ashley*

[ralphie]

He has water most of the day,a friend of mine was told it is easier to train like this.I feed him and keep a water bowl down for about an hour.I find he drinks more water now that I take it up,before he didn't really drink much when it was down all day

[Carrie]

It's not easier to train that way. Animals should always have clean, fresh water available at all times. I agree with Flyndog in that maybe when it's bedtime to take it up. But first thing in the morning it should again be put down. I always left water for my other dogs in their crates at night. And I had no problems concerning potty training. Lyric is the first one that doesn't have it during the night. He keeps chewing every water thing to smitherines and the bottle (like a rabbit water bottle) leaks! So, dang.....Yeah....I don't like them to feel thirsty. It's a bad feeling isn't it.

[flyndog]

Originally Posted by ralphie

a friend of mine was told it is easier to train like this.

Ralphie, your friend was told wrong. Easier on who? Certainly not your dog!
Kit

[ralphie]

I will leave water down all day now

[DarknessDivine]

I was told once to remove the water at 7:00pm but never have..I don't remove food either. They eat their last meal in the evening and it is just never refilled.

[lablover]

My vet told us to leave water out all day and pick it up an hour and a half before he goes to bed (to help stop him waking up all night). It works out wonderfully. My lab is about 5 months old now and loves to tip water bowls over and chew on them. We bought something called a Buddy Bowl for about 20 bucks online. It is impossible for water to spill out. I leave it in his room or crate with him while I'm gone during the day and it is upside down on the other side of the room (and it never spilled a drop). Best $20 I have ever spent.

[smkie]

I know this is a gory example but it does underline the point. when someone took over the kennel work for me while I had appendicitis, they didn't fill the water bucket after feeding the puppies their dry kibble. Later he realized his mistake and went back and filled the bucket. one puppy had apparently tried to ease his thirst by overfilling on the kibble, and then when the water was introduced, he drank. The food swelled in his stomach and it ruptured. THis is what the vet said. I am a firm believer that every animal should have fresh water available all the time. If you watch your puppy, keeping him where u can see him, set a timer to remind u when it is time to take him out, take him out when he first wakes up and right after he eats, house breaking will be a breeze. I have house broken all my animals in 3 days or less. Even Victor who spent most of his first 5 months in a pound or kennel.

[Pugdawg1]

I never took water away from puppies I raised. Housetraining was usually quick and not difficult. I believe they should have water to drink, when they feel they need to drink.