When will Wally go potty outside by himself?

[Jeanine Bandini]

We have been taking Wally out to go potty on leash in the back of the yard since we got him 2 months ago. I am so looking forward to opening the door and letting him go by himself. Any idea when this will happen? The back yard is fenced in and I enjoy going out with him and then playing but cannot always do this.

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

I think you can certainly start the transition.  Just in small steps, first with the leash but take it off when you are outside, then no leash and finally with and then without you.

[Anne G.]

I agree with Jeanne. What we did was just take Murphy outside on the leash and then take the leash off and let her explore while we just sat and watched. After a while, we would go inside for short periods. Usually she would cry at the door and we'd go out and get her. Fast forward a few months and she now has a doggie door and goes out on her own all the time. She loves lying in the sun and will stay out on her own for quite awhile.

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

Hi Jeanine.  Wally is certainly old enough to go by himself.  If you have always taken him out on leash he may not be willing to go by himself because he thinks he is supposed to go on leash.  Since you have a fenced in yard I would stop with the leash. He will soon be going by himself once he figures out he can.

[Jeanine Bandini]

Thanks!! I am so excited to get working on this!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

you are sooo lucky to have a fenced in yard. I would start with a long leash and make sure he comes when you call him. Just like kids, I would shut the door but watch out of the window. I don't think I would leave him out by himself until 6 months or so..but poor Lilly will never get to go out and explore by herself because of not having a fence. I think we will get an underground one later, but I still would be worred about other dogs (leash laws are a joke here) getting to her or someone picking her up.