I have another question

[Shazz]

Here I am again to ask yet another question....
I am not having a good time with this toilet training, in fact I am totally warn out from trying to be diligent.

What does everyone do of a night time?

I want my Sophie to be a house dog, so I have her in my room, (in her bed). Have I made my first mistake?
She can get out of her bed as well, so she can pee and poop anytime anywhere.
So, I don't get much sleep as I know she is stirring, I take her out the back and she pees, now she has started peeing at the back door mat which I have just INSIDE the door, sometimes she pees on the OUTSIDE mat as well ( this has started since we have had some rain, and she hates her feet getting wet)
I feel like we are going backwards in her training. She does sit for me now though!!! (although this does not assist in my sleep)
Any advice on this would be appreciated, once again Lol
Shazz

[IceyBlueSibes]

Originally Posted by Shazz

So, I don't get much sleep as I know she is stirring, I take her out the back and she pees, now she has started peeing at the back door mat which I have just INSIDE the door, sometimes she pees on the OUTSIDE mat as well ( this has started since we have had some rain, and she hates her feet getting wet)

Not making a mistake at all. She's a puppy and sometimes they do better when they can see you. What do you mean she's stirring? Does she wander around? Or is this only when she has to potty? You could try sectioning off a part of the room so she isn't free to roam the entire room. This is where I prefer to have a puppy crated. Crates keep the puppy from getting into things they shouldn't, and from things that hurt them. And also helps in the potty training process. Most dogs won't eliminate in their crates... as long as they are taken out at the right time and kept on a schedule, as well as making sure the crate is just big enough for them to lie down, stand up and turn around in. Crates that are too large give the pups to section off a spot to eliminate.

Pick her up and put her out into the grass. Don't allow her back onto the patio until she has gone potty. When it rains, smells can get mixed up and a puppy can become confused. Some just HATE to get their feet wet. I would remove the mat you have inside and outside, and put down a new one. Take the old mats and place them out into the grass where you want her to pee. This may help to entice her to potty in the grass. Is there tile there or carpet underneath the mat? If it's carpet, I would suggest finding a carpet cleaner specifically for urine. Soap and water won't do the trick. But remove the mat and place a new one down. Be sure to clean that area thoroughly before placing it back down.

When she pees on the mat, do you sit there and let her pee? Or do you tell her "No!" and quickly rush her outside?

[Shadowkins]

I would strongly encourage you to crate train your little bundle of joy! Most dogs will not dirty their crates but keeping this in mind you should take her outside when she fusses for potty time. Go outside with her and give her the command, I use "go pee" ...when she does it reward her with lots of praise and maybe a treat ( hard to remember the treat at 3:00 am LOL ). Stay with her(..even if it's raining) till she does her business , then go back in and put her back in her crate. When I was training my boy it was snowy and cold...and frustrating at times, but heh! they are just babies really and need patience. Now this is just what I did but at least in between bathroom runs you can get some sleep and not worry about accidents!
Your doing good so don't give up.Keep us posted too. O.K.

Icey: we posted at the same time Your explanation is better too.

[Shazz]

What exactly do you mean "Crate" is there something specifically designed for puppies or is it an old crate?

With the mat peeing I sometimes say no but let her continue, sometmes I pick her up, but it is always too late.

[Shadowkins]

I call it a crate but you can use this type too...it works great


They come in all sizes so get one that is not tooo large ( depends on the size of your puppy) enough for her/him to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Originally Posted by Shazz

With the mat peeing I sometimes say no but let her continue, sometmes I pick her up, but it is always too late.

You need to tell her "No!" ALL THE TIME, not just sometimes. This is why she keeps pottying there because when you "sometimes" say no, she's not making the connection. You have to be consistent, or you're going to make it even harder to break her of this. No matter if it's too late or not, if you see her doing it, or "finishing" so-to-speak, tell her no and take her outside. Unless she's somewhere else and you realize it by stepping in it (ew lol ) is the only time you shouldn't correct her, as she won't remember. But as long as you see her doing it is when you take her RIGHT outside EVERYTIME. Like I said, you need to be consistent.. that's why the potty training is not working.

Would you like an article on how to crate train a puppy?

[IceyBlueSibes]

Here is an article I suggest you read. It's quick about potty training.

http://www.globalpaw.com/thread4805.html

And this is an exerpt from it that explains what I was trying to say a little bit better.

Originally Posted by Flyndog

Remember, if your puppy has an accident, it’s not the puppy’s fault. It’s your fault. You weren’t paying close enough attention. If your puppy makes a mistake, ignore it. Never rub his nose in it or spank him. That will only make him lose his trust in you, and hide his mistakes from you. It’s a lot better to find a mistake out in the open than behind the couch! If you catch him in the act, say something like, “Aaa Aaa” or “Oh no!” Pick him up and carry him to his potty area and tell him to go there. Only correct your puppy if you catch him in the act. Otherwise, say nothing. Clean up the mess when your puppy isn’t looking. Make sure you clean the spot with a vinegar solution or a product that neutralizes the odor. Soap is not enough. If you don’t remove the odor, the puppy will want to go there again.

[Shazz]

OK...now I see what a crate is....Lol,
We have those in Australia

I will try to be more consistent.

[Cassiepeia]

Crate training isn't normal practice in Australia, however I think it's something we should adopt. Shazz...it'll make toilet training soooo much easier.

Cass.

[Norskgra]

Originally Posted by Cassiepeia

Crate training isn't normal practice in Australia, however I think it's something we should adopt. Shazz...it'll make toilet training soooo much easier.

Cass.

Cass,

It may not be normal practice in Australia but I agree that it should be.

Our dogs love their crates and at times it is hard to get them out of them.

[Mav]

I have never used a crate for training.. It wasn't the "done" thing years ago but I do have a question about it..
You say the crate can only be big enough for the pup to turn around, stand up, lay down etc so I am assuming that means as the dog grows you need to buy more crates?! OR is it only during the puppy stages that you use these crates.. Sorry to sound very blonde, I am just new to crates.. Years ago they were for transtport and that was it..I have been out of the loop too long I think..

Cheers
Meredith

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

Originally Posted by Mav

I have never used a crate for training.. It wasn't the "done" thing years ago but I do have a question about it..
You say the crate can only be big enough for the pup to turn around, stand up, lay down etc so I am assuming that means as the dog grows you need to buy more crates?! OR is it only during the puppy stages that you use these crates.. Sorry to sound very blonde, I am just new to crates.. Years ago they were for transtport and that was it..I have been out of the loop too long I think..

Cheers
Meredith

Actually, many crates are sold with a divider, you use the divider to determine how much area you want the pup to have and should purchase a crate that will be acceptable when it reaches adult weight.

[Mav]

Ahh ok got ya!.. Thanks for clearing that up for me Crossfire..

Cheers
Meredith

[Shazz]

Mav, you are not being blonde, I wondered the same thing

[Shazz]

[/quote]

Would you like an article on how to crate train a puppy?[/quote]

Yes please!

So I guess that means NOT to use the crate if the puppy is being naughty...eg constantly nipping??