Why won't my dog learn?

Question

I have a 5 months old poodle, and i can't seem to potty train him.
He does go when i take him outside but he also goes if he feels like it inside.
I'v been trying to train him for about 2 months but he doesn't seem to learn.

Answer 1

I wouldn't recommend rubbing his nose in it - you wouldn't like your nose rubbed in a pile of crap, would you? I think this will only exacerbate the problem. Positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative. Plus, if you reprimand him when he goes in the house, he may start to think you are reprimanding because he is going in front of you. Then, the only thing you've accomplished is making the dog afraid to go potty in front of you.

First of all, are you crate training or paper training? Remember that puppies who are under 6 months aren't really able to be completely housetrained yet, because their bladders are so small. So accidents will happen but don't be discouraged. It's a long process. I have a 3 month old puppy, so I completely understand.

If you paper train, it's much harder and expect it to take about 6 months for him to learn. Basically with paper training, you are teaching the dog that it's okay to go potty inside the house. Crate training is ideal as long as you or someone else can let your dog out during the day. It's not recommended if you're going to be gone 8-10 hours a day - the dog just can't hold it that long.

We just switched from paper training to crate training, and it's really made a difference. She still has accidents, but not as many. As soon as we take her out of the crate, we immediately take her outside. Don't play with or get her distracted. Just focus on getting her to go potty. Once she goes potty, reward her with a treat and positive encouragement. If she has an accident in the house, take her outside immediately.

That's the long answer. Hope it helps! Check into crate training, if you're not already doing it. Remember, don't get discouraged! It's a long process but positive reinforcement will help him get to where you want him to be!

Answer 2

You should join the yahoo group Clicker Solutions and learn about clicker training. Buy Dr. Ian Dunbar's book Everything you need to know before and after you get your puppy. When a dog doesn't learn where to go potty, it is the fault of the pet parent for giving the wrong training. Never scold him for going potty inside, but always praise and reward him when he goes potty outside. Do that outside, right where he went potty, so he associates the praise/reward with going potty there, not for coming back to the house.

Answer 3

Well, maybe its because you are not being strict enough, but maybe you are. If you are too strict, the dog won't learn anything. I am not sure if he is supposed to be potty trained at his age, so check out the two sites I am giving you!

Answer 4

You probably need some help from a veterinarian. They can rule out medical causes and go through what you are doing right and wrong. I do not think the dog is necessarily dumb, you may just be ineffective at getting your point across, and might (such as beating the dog for its indiscretion) is never right.

-a veterinarian

Answer 5

Rubbing his nose in it will only destroy his trust in you and make him fearful. Bad psychology. You just need to take him out more often, as others have said. Taking him out twice as often for a while will help catch those "in-between" moments until he is older and can hold it a little better...

Good luck!

Answer 6

When he goes outside, reward him, when he goes inside, rub his nose in it, scold him, and immediately take him outside again.

Answer 7

Rub his nose in it next time

Answer 8

Please don't rub his nose in it. Maybe you are not taking him out enough. I would take him out every couple of hours, and give him lavish praise when he goes outside.

Answer 9

Probably inbred.

Answer 10

Rub his nose in it...