Chason had done pretty well on potty training in the 3 weeks we've had him. Here's my issue: sometimes he will run to the door, and if I'm on the phone or computer (lol) he will do his business by the door because we didn't see him there. I don't get mad because it's my fault...but how can I get the little guy to bark or something when he is standing by the front door? I tried the bell idea...but then got freaked out because he's a good chewer (the bitter apple didn't bother him getting to them bells)...any suggestions dog lovers???
I keep the dogs in x-large crates when they are not being directly supervised. Also, use no-go by pet organics after you have cleaned the accidents, or the whole area smells like a good idea to them.
Hello Masonmom...I think that your blessed to have such sucess with the smoochie pooch. I would keep up the bell idea..just modify it some..Put a bell pull like thing and hang the bell up so he cant get to it. and can only pull the rope to ring..But...in actuality it is your job to watch the smoocher at all times or crate him..will make things much easier...you dont want him to keep doing the mess in the wrong place..But i would not grip personally...your doing great in my book just what ever your doing..Keep us informed cuz I need to get mine to tell me when they need to do things too...lol..I think that communication is on going..you must be aware of it to interpret it..You must communicate well with yours..tell me your secret..???
Well he is being supervised (by me..hee hee) but I want him to learn where he can and can not go in the house, so I let him roam a little. I really like the scratching the door idea. I can't wait for Christmas so I can buy one of those Santa's Bells type of thing...I don't think he would be able to chew those.
Huron- You know why he's made amazing progress? Thanks to my neighbor. She told me to try this: After he comes in from going potty, I wait a few minutes and when he's already started doing something else...I ask him," Where do we potty?"...it works he runs to the door. Then I give him a treat and kisses. Then I let him go back to what he was doing. I know it sounds ridiculous...but it's worked. We haven't had an accident in over a week. If I see him start to squirm or sniff...I ask him,"Where do we potty?" and he'll take off to the door and wait for me to put his leash on. Everyone is so impressed. I tell them I just have the smartest dog in the world!
it sounds like he already has the going to the door part down. is there any reason you cant put a doggie door in ? no fenced yard ? they are the best way to go and then they can go on their own and you dont have to worry about accidents if you are doing something at the time they want out.
Hey Mason, I saw what you wrote about the 'where do we go potty' thing...and if he runs to the door when you say that, try incorporating a 'tell me' or a 'speak' with it, right after you say the potty thing. Like, where do we go potty? *dog runs to the door* Tell me, or speak or whatever. I think it would be pretty easy to incorporate a bark with the running to the door or whatever. Try working that angle, maybe...Good luck!
Kula is 8 months old and STILL won't make a peep when he has to go out. He was always pretty good about going to the door...but he did the same thing...peed right there if you didn't get to him right away. We just learned to keep an eagle eye on him. We just got our fence about two weeks ago, so we couldn't do the dog door...that's the next project!
Sounds like Chanson is on the right road. You just have to give him some time to get more in control of himself, so he can hold it until you get to the door. You could also keep him tethered to you with a leash, so you can always keep an eye on him. Crating him when you're not able to be right there is a great idea.
Now I leave a leash hung over the doorknob...Kula will hit it with his nose when he wants to/needs to go out.
I have been using the bell method for about 3 months now. 99% of the time Lilly will slap the door and the bells. I wrapped duct tape around the edges of the bells so's they don't scratch up the door(we painted a few months before) But it works. She will bite at it, but more to pull than bite down.
Everyone is so impressed. I tell them I just have the smartest dog in the world!
