Potty training help!

[Missysmom]

We have two papipoo pups, 11 weeks old today. They are sleeping through the night (8 to 10 hours) and they are really good about going potty outside when we take them. We take them out approx. every hour and they will potty on command as soon as we get to the grass. Our problem is they have no qualms about doing it in the house as well. They don't circle or start sniffing etc., they just squat and go without warning. They will even do this a short time after being taken out to do their business. How can we reinforce the "potty outside" concept to them? When they potty outside we lavish them in praise and treats. It's like a party in the backyard everytime they go. We are sure our neighbors think we have lost our minds! Again, how can we reinforce the point that we don't potty in the house. When they do go in the house we take them immediately outside and we let them know we aren't happy about the accident in the house. I am taking this all in stride but my husband is very frustrated when an accident in the house occurs. Any suggestions on what we can do to keep harmony and peace in the house??? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Herschel]

You should be really happy that they are sleeping through the night! However, the only reason that they are having accidents in the house is because you and your husband allow it! (Tell your husband that he should be frustrates with himself, not the puppies)

At 11 weeks, your puppies can't hold it for more than 30-40 minutes, tops. If they are left unsupervised for even 10 minutes they will have an accident. The reason they sleep through the night is because 1) they are sleeping and 2) they are restricted to their crate.

If you want to prevent accidents, just don't leave your dogs unsupervised. Unless you or your husband (no one else) is directly focused on them, then they should be in separate crates. Make sure the crates are stocked with soft toys, chew toys, a blanket, and a couple of treats.

Then, when you're ready to play with your puppies take them out to the backyard so they can do their business. Bring them back inside and you'll be able to enjoy 30-40 minutes of playtime before bringing them back outside for another bathroom break. Start with 30 minutes, and every 2 days you go without an accident increase that by 10 minutes.

Each accident that they have is your fault. Each accident that they have sets them back in their potty training.

Good luck!

(By the way, raising two puppies at the same time is going to be quite the challenge. Here is something that might help: http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=99&A=2043&S=1)

 

[Missysmom]

Thank you for the advice on the potty training. I guess the only reason that there is frustration is because we take the pups out to potty and even after they have gone and done their full business we bring them back inside and within 10 or 15 minutes they will piddle on the floor. It's not for lack of supervision or diligence on our part. We are just wondering what we can do to prevent the accidents.

Raising two pups is a challenge but also very rewarding. They have become great pals and they have also bonded to us as well. They don't suffer any seperation anxiety being away from each other or from us and they do sleep in seperate crates at night without any issues.

We will keep up what we are doing and hopefully it will get better as each day goes by.

Thank you for your response and we would also like to hear from others on the subject.

 

[girlbuffalo1]

make sure

Make sure you are staring at them at ALL times when they are out of the crate. This way when they do suddenly piddle you will be able to catch them in act--say a firm "No" and place promptly outside. With Wrigley we would pick him up by the scruff (only when catching him actually in the act) and say NO and put him outside. It worked great for him but I understand that some folks are not prone to scruff carrying even in small young dogs.
Do not let them out of your sight! If you have to go to the bathroom--take them with you or it's in the crate they go--eventually they will start to show signs (in Wrigley it was standing about 5 feet from the door and staring at it)