Puppy training problems?

United States
February 2, 2010 12:45pm CST
Before I give detail, I just want to say, that I have had many great dogs in my life, and have trained all of them. Recently, my fiance wanted a puppy. So, we of course, took the time, and found one who we both really favored. We've had him for about a month and a half. He's a boxer / Pit bull, and very sweet. I have been trying everything I can think of, to potty train him. I can tell he knows he's supposed to go outside. He however, doesn't warn us, so I make sure to take him out every 15 - 35 minutes, and when I think he's looking for a place to go. There's subtle signs that he gives, like every puppy, and most of the time, when I get him outside, he does use the restroom. There are some occasions, I will stand outside with him for 45 minutes to an hour, and he will not go. And as soon as I bring him inside, he immediately potty's on the carpet. I was also understanding, that puppys, and dogs in general, will try their hardest not to use the restroom where they sleep. He seems to favor this. I am not really sure what I am doing wrong, does anybody have tips?
2 people like this
7 responses
@Porcospino (31367)
• Denmark
11 Feb 10
My husband and I have a puppy, he is not my first dog, but it has been pretty difficult to potty train him compared to my other dogs. Now he has learned that he has to go outside, but it has taken more time than I expected. Many of our friends have dogs and they have given us different kinds of advice. Someone told us that it was a good idea to carry the puppy outside if he started to pee etc inside the house. We had to do it straight away, because if we waited the puppy wouldn't understand the idea. It took a while, but it worked, and now he has learned to go outside every time.
@onida143 (117)
• India
3 Feb 10
i used to have puppy in my previos days but due to some problems i have sold that puppys the many problem was training them and getting the things smoother so i feel this some thing tuff in traning the puppys and we need to have some good tarining before buying the puppys to handle them orlese the situation will get worse and we get ur self feel bad so get the training is imp
@urbandekay (18278)
3 Feb 10
Cage train him all the best urban
@LadyMarissa (12148)
• United States
2 Feb 10
What works for one puppy may not work for another. Many years ago I had a Doberman pup that had to stay home all by himself all day. I started out covering an area with newspapers & blocking him into that area. As he grew bigger, I couldn't keep him confined to that area so I let him roam the house, but left the papers in the original area. He became very good at using the newspaper. When I decided he was old enough to start going outside, I'd wait until he went on the newspaper & I'd praise him then call him to the door & take him outside. After a few times of doing this, he got to where he'd go on the paper & run to the door & ask to go outside. So then I got to where when he'd go on the paper & run to the door, I'd go to the paper & say NO & pick up the paper & take it outside with him sitting it on the ground saying "Here". It only took him a couple of days to figure out what I was saying & he'd skip the paper & go to the door & ask to go out. Of course I praised him to high Heaven!!! I was raised when a puppy potties in the floor to stick their nose in it saying a firm NO & then pick them up & take them outside. That one worked very effectively...it just grossed me out!!! It sounds as if your baby is trying to do what he's supposed to. But his schedule just doesn't jive with yours. It might be possible he's seeing the time outside as "HIS" time & doesn't go so he can be outside with you. You've just got to keep watching & trying until you find the right combination. I don't think hitting puppies is ever productive. Most canines have a desire to please their Masters. It's just that their Masters need to speak to them more clearly!!!
@saphrina (31552)
• South Africa
2 Feb 10
This is going to sound worse than it really is. We all love our animals and therefore do not want to give them a light smack or punsih them. But we normally take them and rub there noses in the mess they made. Not no.2 mess, only number one. And the rubbing are beign done as soft and subtle as possible. No.2 you take a folded newspaper, take him to the offended spot and tap him very lightly on the butt. After a few times, he will get the point. If this fails, please try and get him to a trainer. He sounds like a nice puppy, so he should be tought properly. Good Luck.
• United States
2 Feb 10
Got to agree with the crate idea, once he understands that the crate is his domain he will not potty in it. Also, do you walk him when you take him out or just stand and watch him. If you walk him around, taking him away from his normal surroundings may help. I had a Lab that hated potting it his yard, take him down the street and he would go with no problem, you will have to take a beg to clean up after him but it will help in the house. Enjoy and Good Luck
• United States
2 Feb 10
He will get it, be patient with him and try these tips to help with potty training: 1) Take him out 20-30 minutes after he has eaten or a drink. 2) Take him out first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. 3) Get him a crate. Let him sleep in the crate at night (for now, he will get to the point that he does not need it as often). Crate him anytime you are not at home and take him out as soon as you return. If you take him out and he does not potty, put him in his crate for 30 minutes and then take him out again. He typically will not potty in his crate as that is his domain and he wants it to be neat and tidy. 4) If he goes to the door, let him out, if he goes potty then praise and reward him. Positive reinforcement works much faster with dogs than scolding them. Goood luck.