Miniature poodle 9 wk old - toilet training question

[LennyThePoodle]

My first time posting.

Lenny is a miniature poodle. He came home from the breeder just over a week ago at 8 weeks old and within 24 hours 90% of this wees and poos were going on his training pads. I was delighted. He is also sleeping in his crate from 11pm until 8am without making a noise and without making a single mess in his crate.

I realise Im very lucky and should be grateful for the week of ease but he has suddenly started making a mess everywhere (except his crate). He went from such a high success ratio to suddenly about 15%-20% of his mess going on the training pads over night.

I dont understand how this could have happened. Sometimes I even pick him up and put him on his mat and after a few seconds he walks away and pees on the floor in front of me with a look on his face like he knows he did something wrong?!

He's a very bright little fella and I cant help put feel that he knows its wrong and he's just playing up.

Photo of my little angel attached

Charles

 

[hannahrobiha]

What a cutie! He really is lovely

Don't worry, I know how you feel. For the first week we had Harper she pee'd where she was supposed to and never made a mess in her crate. A week later I think she realised we wouldn't be taking her back, found her feet, and thought she could start pushing the boundaries - a lot like little kids do.

If he is doing it right in front of you, don't just let him. This may be an unpopular opinion with some but I would make a loud 'ahhht' noise to shock him out of what he is doing and put him back on the pad. When he has actually done his business on there instead reward him so then he knows that there is good but anywhere else is bad. Both of our dogs know that 'ahhht' means stop what you're doing because its wrong now because we use it every time so its something worth teaching.

 

[Dylan1963]

Hi

I have recently got a new pup he is now 13 weeks old and i made the decision not to crate train from the start, as i have had many dogs over the years and never have followed this training regime. So for me I have trained my pup who is a miniature labradoodle the old ways. No training pads or crates but a small reward of a little biscuit and a big cuddle every time he goes to the door sits and then toilets outside. This has worked very well so it might be worth you trying if you are struggling.

Good Luck Debbie

 

[gypsysmum]

Crates are great training tools.

Pads and paper are not a good idea. In the dog's mind you are facilitating him toileting indoors. He is just learning that toileting indoors is "OK"

I, like the previous poster. am a great fan of reward based training when the dog gets it right.

Take your puppy to the garden on regular occasions. After eating, after sleeping, after playtime and whenever he looks distracted. Wait patiently, ignoring him, until he goes and then give an immediate reward. This is best if it is a high value treat like cheese or chicken etc but if you forget them just make a huge fuss of him. Timing is very important. If he has walked towards you he may think he got the reward for that so go to him with the treat and give it as soon as he finishes the toilet.

After a while you should see him looking at you when he needs a toilet because he is anticipating the treat that follows it. In other words he is saying "hey get the treats out I need a toilet".

When you can't watch him for the signs that he needs to go out then pop him in his crate with a stuffed Kong toy or chew of some kind. As soon as he comes out he can go straight to the garden. Use the crate when you think he needs to go but is too distracted in the garden to do it. Just pop him in until you can take him out again. Once he is empty he can play until the next time he needs to go.

I wouldn't be too harsh on mistakes. That is all they are. He does not know what he is supposed to do so he is not doing anything "wrong". Some dogs can start to avoid people when they toilet because they have experienced their anger. This makes them go behind the sofa or upstairs or wait until everyone is out etc so that they feel safe from chastisement.

Training should be positive so that the dog wants to do the right thing.

You will have good days and bad days. As soon as you crack one problem you will hit another!

APDT puppy classes are excellent if you can find one in your area. They are like a support group as everyone is going through the same things you are but there is an experienced teacher to help you all.

 

[LennyThePoodle]

Thanks everyone for your comments, they are really helpful.

2 days on and some concerted focus and he's doing much better. I think you are right... the paper is telling him its ok to pee inside..

Onwards and upwards