Potty training advice needed

jamie8dc · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:51 pm Post subject: Potty training advice needed

Okay so Logan has had I think 2 accidents in 5 days, both luckily landed on tile (one was right by the backdoor, he peed, so I think he's understanding where to go! how exciting!)

My problem is that almost every time, I just pick him up after he wakes up from a nap (cuz he usually has to go pee then) or when he wakes up in the morning, or if I'm about to leave the room for a few minutes and want to empty his tank. I take him outside, set him on the grass, and he always goes pretty much instantly. With poop he'll wander a while then go.

Well now I'm having a problem where I put him on the ground, or he's already on it, and I go outside calling his name. He comes to the doorway but won't come outside. I don't know if it's because it's cold (it hasn't gotten below 50 in like 4 days, so if so he's a WUSS) or what. But I pick him up from the door and set him on the grass (it's like 6 feet away) and he'll go pee. I don't know how to make him follow me outside and pee on the grass on his own. Should I use a treat to get him to follow me out? I don't want him to expect a treat every time he pisses either.

Melissa · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 12:46 am Post subject:

When we first got Daisee she wouldn't go out without being carried or leashed either--she would wait until I had both feet on the mat outside the door and then come out (on the leash), and only if she thought I had a treat. I kept carrying and leashing consistently for about a week, then stopped carrying, then stopped leashing. All the time I was "weaning" her into coming out on her own, I praised and made a big deal of her coming out. I spent a lot of time taking her out whether she had to go or not, and then making a big deal if she did ok and came out on her own. I think the comfort and security of being inside outweighed the desire to please us by going outside until she got comfortable in her new surroundings and learned that going outside was a good thing. 3 or so weeks later she was going out on her own off and on all day. Logan probably realizes how great things are "in here" and doesn't yet care enough about the outside world to go and investigate yet. He will! Wait 'til he finds out just how much he can get into outside and then try keeping your floors clean! Razz

anne · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:43 am Post subject: Re: Potty training advice needed

Stop carrying him and expect him to come out. Use a leash if you have to, and treats after he comes out on his own.
Quit thinking of treats as bribes, they are an effective way to communicate with your dog. When he learns what you want then you can fade the treats away.

jamie8dc · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:13 am Post subject:

Thanks guys. I knew I had to wean him off being carried but didn't think about using a leash!