Toileting in one area

[Lenny2016]

Hi All

I am a new dog owner - we have a puppy of 11 weeks who is 90% toilet trained and goes outside. We have a certain area set aside to try to train him to do a wee and poo there as we have grandchildren staying frequently and are not keen on dog poo on the grass etc. I can get him to do it in there some times but it's still 50/50 and only if he's bursting to go. He will sometimes sniff round the area and then rush out onto the lawn and do it there. I don't want to create a thing about it so he doesn't want to go in there - never having a dog before finding it all very overwhelming. Just wondered if there was anyone out there who does the same. I had a puppy trainer come to see me when we first got him and she said get him to go to the loo outside first rather than on puppy pads in house then gently encourage to the toilet area ..... any thoughts?

L

 

[gypsysmum2]

Yes, I think many will be envious of your puppy going outside for 90% of the time .

I would wait until it is almost 100% and then start to put a label on it. Guide Dogs use the word "busy" for poos. As the dog squats to go, say the words "be busy" or any other of your choosing, and reward as he finishes. Do not make the mistake of keep repeating the word before he goes. Wait until he is actually going. Keep this up until you see a glimmer of understanding in his expression. You can then start to introduce it when you know he needs to go. Say it just before he goes and then reward when he performs.

Keep this up until he is performing on cue. Then, and only then, move to your designated area. Start again with the "almost certain" poos, reward them well, and gradually move on to other, less predictable, poos.