Potty training frustration

[Labyrinth]

I keep deleting my entire post, because most of it is frustrated rambles.

Long story short, how do I get the puppy to go out and go potty on her own? She will scratch to let us know she wants out, but when I open the door she doesn't want to step off of the deck into the grass unless I go out there with her. When we first got her I went out with her everytime so I could make sure she was going and heavily praise her each time she did. Alot of the issue I'm having with her right now is that she'll go out and spend a good amount of time out on her own but not go potty, then she'll come in and pee in the house shortly after. She understands it's wrong, because she gives me that guilty face as soon as I see the puddle. I have been very good at keeping my temper in check with her, but I'm starting to lose patience. She's a good dog, and I know she is smart enough to do this.

I'm guessing I have to start going outside with her constantly again, but how do I ween her away from that to go out and potty on her own without supervision? I just can't always stop what I'm doing and go stand outside with her for 10-15 minutes at a time many times a day.

 

[maxfox426]

Does she have a cue word for going to the bathroom? It's possible that when she is out by herself she is getting distracted, and forgetting that she has business to attend to.

Morgan knows "go potty" and "go poop". We taught him this by going outside with him, and while he was peeing, we would tell him "go potty" a couple of times, and then praise him profusely once he was done. We'd do the same thing while he was pooping with "go poop". It took a little while, but he did make the connection. Now if he starts to get distracted by something else outside (this is especially useful if we are at someone else's house) we can remind him what he is supposed to be doing.

You could also leash her when you take her out to potty, and only unhook her once she has done her business. That way she will learn that she has to use the bathroom before any playtime will happen outside.

I hope that all makes sense (please feel free to ask if it doesn't). I hope it helps! I'm sure some other folks will have other suggestions for you as well.

 

[Max's Dad]

I know how you feel, my pup's the same way. I have to have him on a leash outside because of our apartment and county guidelines, but he won't go potty outside unless I'm right there with him. Sometimes I don't feel like getting my shoes on so I'll just stand on the sidewalk, and he'll just sit right by me. My guess is it has something to do with age; I've read that younger pups will stay by their humans for protection and support, so maybe it's something they grow out of as they get older and more confident.

Best of luck to you. I know how painful potty training can be, I'm going through it right now, too. So far we're one day with no accidents in the house.

-Tim