Potty Issues

[denise rumbaugh]

Hi All,

I'm hoping for some insight. We purchased our first Aussiedoodle 3 weeks ago and he is 11 weeks old. I love this little guy to death but I am having the most difficult time potty training him.  I had 2 dogs prior to him and I don't think they were this hard to train. I asked the former owner how she trained him and she indicated pad training which I do not like, I prefer the crate method and have had wonderful results with that.

So I purchased pads anyway in order to get him moved over slowly and he doesn't even use the pads instead he uses my carpet or kitchen floor. In fact he just doesn't care where he goes. He does go outside and I take him out first thing in the morning, 20-30 minutes after he eats and after he plays hard. It seems to be the worst when he plays hard or gets really excited. the 3rd week of having him he is catching on when I say, Let's go potty" he actually comes to the door.  Otherwise, he won't even indicate that he has to go nor does he give any of the usual signs of "sniffing" around to even let you know he has to go.  I praise him and give him treats after he goes outside and he realizes that he gets a treat when he comes in.  I thought maybe a bladder infection but he doesn't pee his bed all night (7-8 hrs) so I know he can hold it. I have resorted to taking up his food and water and giving it to him in the morning, lunch and dinner and I give him water after a walk, playtime or a treat.  I had to do this because he was peeing everywhere and I have a little more control over it.   I know he is still a baby but I am going crazy with this, I never put my Spot Bot away because I am constantly cleaning up. The previous owner says she never had this issue but I can't believe that.  He is well adjusted, playful, happy and eager to please. In three weeks he knows how to sit, lay, high five, shake and crawl but the little snot won't let me know he has to go potty. lol  I know they say it can take up to 12-13 wks for them to get control of their bladders...can anyone give me some advice outside of what I am doing? 

Also, he is always biting at or pinching my 6 yr old son.  Anytime my son plays or goes near him he goes crazy. I am not sure if he sees my son as a playmate since he is little but he has bitten him in the heels to the point he has drawn blood and he is always jumping on him or nipping him. Any advice on that would be welcomed.

[Kary, Sparty & Stella]

Lucy and Annabelle's Mom, I just read your post and it gives me hope! :)