Quick Question, Need a Tip!

[noonansmith]

I house trained my older dog by using treats and a crate but eventually he only goes outside (with the exception of an accident) and he lets me know he has to go by ringing a bell we have hanging by the door. My new pup will go outside and is crate trained but doesn't not do anything to let me know he needs to go outside...no dance, no bark, doesn't go to the front door, doesn't come to me, or anything. I know his schedule and I pay attention to how much water he drinks and when to put him out, but sometimes I still will find some pee on the floor. I know not to yell at him because it is my fault and also bc he might not remember he did that...Treats are not working on training him...does anyone have any tips on how they were able to train their dog to let them know they need to go out??

[bigdoglover]

Let me ask you a question, then I'll also offer a suggestion.

When do you reward him for peeing outside? Is it immediately after he goes, or after he has come in? The reason I ask, is if you are rewarding him after coming inside, he thinks that coming in gets him a treat, not peeing outside. I can elaborate more if this is the case.

My suggestion is this (if you aren't already doing it)....since you know his schedule (which is good) I would say take him out when you think he should have to go....if he doesn't pee, bring him in and put him in his crate.....wait about 15min. and take him out again. Keep doing this until he pees outside, then immediately reward him and give him some playtime inside. Since you have a bell on the door, you could try ringing it with your keyword (like "outside!" or "go potty") and take him out to pee. It will take some time, but he'll get it!

[noonansmith]

I was giving him the treat immediately after, and while he was going I was using key words like good boy go pee outside...But I will definately try your other suggestions too! Thanks so much! I have been told by countless people that small dogs are just harder to train to go outside!!

[mrsgrubby]

Great post BDL!!!!

[mrsgrubby]

Originally Posted by noonansmith

! I have been told by countless people that small dogs are just harder to train to go outside!!

I am not sure that is true, I think many people use it as an excuse. I adopted a beagle puppy that the original owner said she could not be potty trained. I had her trained in a week. but I kept an eye on her at ALL times.

[bigdoglover]

Sounds like you are doing things right...good job! My JRT took about 2 monts...ugh. But like we have said, don't give up, and he'll get it sooner or later!!

Thanx Mrsgrubby!

[dogma]

If all else fails, you could try a litter box. There is a thread on it now.