I need help potty training my pups

[luckydog]

Does anyone know the best way to train your puppies to use the bathroom outside? Right now I am crate training them and each time I let them out of the crate I take them outside and stand out there with them until they use the bathroom. Then, after they have gone to the bathroom, I bring them back inside and let them have some play time. I have herd that this is one of the best ways to potty train your pup, but I want them to be able to "let me know" when they have to go out. I have heard of tying a bell to the doorknob that the dogs can ring to signal that they have to go out.....any ideas?

[Rip's Girl]

Well, Dakota pretty much learned on his own how to let me know, when he needed to go out. I think he made an association with having to go to the bathroom (after he was let out of his crate) and going to the back door. It took a couple of months to get him to make that connection, but now if he needs to go he will shove his head in my lap, growl/whine/bark and run to the back door. Whenever he did that, I praised him and let him out.

I'd just keep doing what you are doing, and try not to give them the chance to have accidents.. Toy breeds are usually more difficult to house train than larger breeds, so consistency is the key.

Oh and I tried the bell thing with Ripley, it didn't work at all. He didn't seem to understand (or he just didn't care) that he only should ring the bell when he had to go out to use the bathroom. He rang the bell every time he wanted to go out and play. It might be worth a shot with your little guys though.

[Lil'Paws]

Originally Posted by luckydog

Does anyone know the best way to train your puppies to use the bathroom outside? Right now I am crate training them and each time I let them out of the crate I take them outside and stand out there with them until they use the bathroom. Then, after they have gone to the bathroom, I bring them back inside and let them have some play time. I have herd that this is one of the best ways to potty train your pup, but I want them to be able to "let me know" when they have to go out. I have heard of tying a bell to the doorknob that the dogs can ring to signal that they have to go out.....any ideas?

I used the method you described here. It is effective. I started with the basic training method that flyndog describes in her article . http://www.globalpaw.com/articles.ph...ticle&artid=17
I went further to train Mia using the bell method. The bell is tied by a piece of ribbon long enough for her to nudge it with her nose. I chose to use this method because when I'm in one end of the house and she wants to go out she can ring the bell and I can hear it.
Mia doesn't bark wanting out. So, I had to choose a method that would work for us.
When Mia was younger I kept her close to me so ,then I knew when she wanted out she'd go for the door. But, now that she is older she has run of the house . It is mush easier for me to use this method. I hope it works for you.

[luckydog]

Thanks guys! I will give the bell a try and if it doesn't work, I'll try and find another way. Thanks again!

[LuvMyPups]

My parents use the Bell Method for their pugs. It works wonderfully. I used it for my old pup Sadie and she took to it right away. Just make sure you make them ring it every time and give them plenty of treats. Good Luck!

[luckydog]

Thanks!