Is it a good sign that our puppy is doing it's business right in front of us (when in the house)?

Question

We have had a puppy for a little over two months. He is almost five months old and is not fully potty trained. I take him out often and put him in his crate to keep him from roaming around the house and peeing wherever he pleases. When I let him out of the crate he automatically runs to the door and I take him out, which is good. However, when he's just hanging out in the house and he has to go he will simply walk over the door and give no other indication. If we do not see him do this and run immediately over he will do his business right there in front of the door. How can I get him to bark or whine or something so that I know he wants to go out, like if I'm in another room or something? Also, sometimes he will just do his business right at our feet if we are not watching him. Does this mean maybe something is clicking with him? He used to do it wherever. We praise him when he does it outside in front of us, is he just confused when inside and still expecting that praise?

Answer 1

No, it is not a good sign. It is best to act very unhappy with him and say "No'. Try the newspaper routine. Praise to high heavens when he does it in the newspaper .

Answer 2

No this is not good. You have to pay close attention so if he goes to the door you can get him outside quickly enough. Besides when you let him out of the crate (which is a great method to help with training) always take him out just as soon as he eats. He should be feed on a schedule. Two to three times a day, at the same time each day. This will help to get his "output" on a schedule too. It never hurts if he's been playing and it's been awhile since he was out to just say " do you want to go out, or gotta go pee or poo?" then take him out just to see. It sounds like you're doing everything you should. Just be persistent with the outdoor praise and don't give up. And the bell it a great idea, even if you hang it from the knob and ring it each time you take him out. He'll catch on.

Answer 3

Puppies don't have any control over their bodily functions at this age. I'm afraid you have a long stretch ahead of you . It normally takes at least 5/6 months before you can be absolutely sure then you may get the odd accident.

You are doing all the right things by taking him out regularly. It will click in eventually but it takes a lot of patience.

I have two 4 month old puppies at the moment which I kept from my last litter and they are just about getting there but it has been a hard slog trying to train both of them at the same. time. I only crate them at night so I have to watch them like a hawk during the day. I've been through this so many times so I don't worry too much about it because by 6 months they suddenly get the message and you forget about all the trauma you've gone through to get them there.

Good luck.

Answer 4

When the dog goes right in front of you you need to quickly say no pick him up ( buisiness and all ) and carry him out side saying something ( I say go potty or outside) and parise him when he's finished outside. Then approach the mess inside with him and in a stern voice say no and stress that that''s unacceptable with a paper towel pick it up take it outside in the grass and say potty outside in a happy voice and praise him really by 6 months they can and should be house broken but if your leaving food out all the time or giving snacks around the clock your not helping him.
Idealy you should take him directly out of the crate to outside let him eat and drink for 10 minutes then put him back in the crate if you can't watch him every 15 minutes try to take him to go potty outside and say it until he potty's outside after eating don't let him loose in the hose everytime he goes inside makes it harder on the training process . Be Consistent and give lots of praise for a job well done once he gets the hang of it he can stay loose in the house for longer time periods and food could stay down.

Answer 5

The key to housebreaking is scheduled feeding. It takes a meal 12-14 hours to make it through the dog's system. Knowing this, you can decide when you want him to go out...and feed him 12-14 hours before. If the food is available all day, there's no telling when it's going to need to be eliminated.

All dogs need to go out upon awakening; soon after a feeding (that's when they poop out the previous meal); after a nap or a vigorous play session; and before they go to bed. Again, you can adjust the times for these by experimenting with feeding times, but those are the moments when they have to be able to go regardless.

Your dog is old enough to hold it all (work- or school-)day. Put him on a schedule, and walk him if in doubt that he'll do all his business in the yard (it's a great bonding opportunity as well). There's really no reason a five-month-old pup should be piddling on your shoes every other hour...unless he has a medical problem; get him checked out for that before deciding what's fair to expect of him.

Good luck!

Answer 6

If you want your dog to tell you when he has to go, only take him out ONE door in your house. You need to have a command as well. Dogs need to have a set scheduele in order to potty train sucessfully. Make sure when you go to the crate, to tell your dog "POTTY" as soon as you open the door. When the dog is outside, say "Go Potty" or "Hurry up" this will train the dog to just do it and get it over with. Only when your pup does BOTH (poop and pee), give praise and give treats. Then bring him in. If your pup only goes pee, and you have been out there for 15 minutes or so, still give praise and treat, but don't wait forever. You need to limit the time your pup has, because they will keep you outside forever while they find the "right spot". Let the pup outside at least once every 30-50 minutes to ensure you have minimal accidents. But the key is to make sure your pup gets lots of love and praise, and especially a treat when he does his business. NOTE: If pup has accident in the house, let him outside. Do not spank, or even show your upset. Just let him outside, say Potty in a firm but not aggressive voice, and keep the pup out for a few minutes. You should also find one certain spot in the yard where you want your pup to go. Then clean it up when they are finished. (This will keep you grass nice, and the dog will have the scent that is their own to guide them. Hope this helps:)

Answer 7

Leave the screen open for him and attach a bell so that when he passes thru it touches him, then teach him to ring the bell to go out, sounds like he gets "it" and will bell train, so you can eventually open the door for him.