Puppy won't go potty without me!

[sharona1973]

Okay, 4 month old puppy is doing much better with housebreaking but I'm noticing that unless I am physically out there in the patio/yard with him and telling him to "go potty", he will sit by the patio door and whine.

I'm sure that I'm supposed to just let him out and just let him go on his own? I tried that, but I only lasted a few minutes. I've even let my older dog (6 yr old) go out with the puppy, hoping that the 6 yr old going will get the puppy to go. That only works early in the morning with peeing....he won't go #2 after that even if he needs to.

Help! What should I do? I'm wondering if he will eventually just do it on his own when he's older?

Thanks!

[Carrie]

Is your puppy completely and reliably housebroken? If not, I would not want the dog to go out on his own. Then you're not right there to praise him when he goes. This should be reiterated until the pup is really completely housebroken. And it will happen sooner the more opportunity you have to praise him for each time he goes.

I think that as he gets a tad older and into that independent, adventurous stage and as you've had more time with him....working on obedience etc, he'll become more confident, just by the nature of growing up and getting some experiences behind him. I think he will definitely go all by himself after he's got it all down pat. Obedience training is a good confidence builder too, just in general.

Games like tug of war, letting him win also build up confidence. Here's another game: Get a couple of barrels or two big garbage cans and have him do a figure 8 around the garbage cans. You stay on one side and show him with your hand, luring with a treat. BUT, don't go with him. Stay on the one side, so when he goes around, he can't see you for a few seconds, unless he's tall like Lyric (LOL). Attach a command after he's doing it pretty well. Be sure to encourage him and reward him for going around. They think they're soooo cool when they accomplish this.

[Carrie]

Is your puppy completely and reliably housebroken? If not, I would not want the dog to go out on his own. Then you're not right there to praise him when he goes. This should be reiterated until the pup is really completely housebroken. And it will happen sooner the more opportunity you have to praise him for each time he goes.

I think that as he gets a tad older and into that independent, adventurous stage and as you've had more time with him....working on obedience etc, he'll become more confident, just by the nature of growing up and getting some experiences behind him. I think he will definitely go all by himself after he's got it all down pat. Obedience training is a good confidence builder too, just in general.

Games like tug of war, letting him win also build up confidence. Here's another game: Get a couple of barrels or two big garbage cans and have him do a figure 8 around the garbage cans. You stay on one side and show him with your hand, luring with a treat. BUT, don't go with him. Stay on the one side, so when he goes around, he can't see you for a few seconds, unless he's tall like Lyric (LOL). Attach a command after he's doing it pretty well. Be sure to encourage him and reward him for going around. They think they're soooo cool when they accomplish this.

[calgal]

My two little Yorkie girls are 7 & 8 months, but I still go out with them and stay with them. Even if I just walk around outside waiting for them to do their business, they stop so they can follow. They still are not ready to be without me, not to mention, they will never be put out by themselves because we have skunks, opossum, raccoons, snakes and bird of prey who could damage or kill such small dogs.

[mistyd5770]

I always go out with Harley so I can be sure he goes and also be sure there are no problems with his Stool

[sharona1973]

You guys are right! I forgot that I have to check his stools for worms still....he came to us very wormy. He does do better when I am out there with him. He has gone out several times now without me, but I never know if he does anything. He is pretty reliable with being housebroken, but I wouldn't leave him at home alone still.

[mrsgrubby]

My puppy is 9 months old and wants me to watch her go. I think she remembers when I praised her for going outside so she feels that doing potty pleases me. So she wants to please me, so therefore I have to be there to see her do it. She will "hold it" until I see her go. It's like, look mom, what I am doing for you.
I hope that made sense.