Potty training

[Dot, Maggie and KoKo]

Okay, I will admit I was a complete failure when it came to training my mini GD Rosie.  Now that just yesterday I got Maggie, a six month old mini GD, who doesn't have a clue about pottying outside.  She peed on my bedroom carpet last night.

As soon as I took her out of her crate this morning we went right outdoors and she did pee. About and hour later she  pooped on my bedroom carpet. I knew she had to go but I was using the bathroom myself (too much information) so I blame myself for that one.  After about an hour of freedom she went back into her crate and I left to attend church and didn't return for about 4 hours.  I took her outside immediately and she peed.  She ate lunch, had some playtime  and I took her out.  Nothing,  so  I put her in her crate.  We have done this about four times and she hasn't done a thing.  I was under the impression that I should take her out fifteen to 30 minutes after eating but its been four hours and still nothing - no pee, no poop.  I hate seeing her in the crate all these hours and don't want to let my emotions take over.  I really want her to potty train since I was so bad trying to train Rosie.  Is there a difference between trying to train a six month old versus and eight week old?  Also, you should know that I don't have Rosie here with me to have her "teach" Maggie what to do. 
Dottie   

[Adina P]

A 6 month old has greater ability to hold her bowels/bladder for longer and is capable of telling you she needs to go outside. An 8 week old has a shorter attention span, needs to go more often, and isn't quite capable of telling you she needs to go outside.

I think what you're doing is fine. Perhaps hang out longer outside with her each time until she goes while you're on your umpteenth hour of waiting. You don't have to keep her in the crate for LONG periods between potty, but the point is simply to NOT allow her the option of having an accident in the house.

Are you praising and giving yummy treats when she DOES go outside?
I would even try to teach her to go on command. You do this by saying your potty command AS she is going for the first 50 potties or so...and then RIGHT before she goes for the next 50 potties or so..and by then she should be able to go on command.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'll join your club. :)

I am training an 8 month old doodle potty training. It has been 10 days and has improved a lot. Not perfected, but improved. It seems to go easier with the older puppy but what you step in is much bigger!

I'll affirm and add a few suggestions:

Stay outside with her until she goes--with new surroundings they are easily distracted and forget why the heck you brought them out there. Other dogs barking, birds flying by, leaves blowing, all this is going on just use your cue word " potty " or whatever you use to remind her why you are out there. When and if she FINALLY GOES bring her right back in-- of course add praise and treats. Don't get uptight. I try also to ignore once I say "go out" or " go potty". Just turn your head to not add any attention.

There were a few days where we were out there 10 minutes, I brought her back in and she pooped on the floor! UGHHH
I have learned I needed to give her more time. It is becoming less and less. But at first don't give in.

All accidents should be cleaned up and thrown into your yard. Yep, mine is a mess right now. Towels and poop bags and all the rest. I even threw out a puppy pad to encourage scent. It has all her scents there and I show her the towels and say the cue word "go potty" Another reminder.

Bells--many don't use them, but I love the bells and Spud uses them too. After 10 days, today, I think she may have tried to use them. At least I KNEW she was at the door. There have been times when I think she tried to tell me but I was busy.

Be patient. It is trying. I have several pairs of shoes I have yet to clean off. Good Luck. It is getting better. Not perfect, but better!

Any other ideas--I'll take them myself. Thanks

[Donna K & Quincy]

When my doodle was a pup and in the process of housetraining I didn't keep him in his crate unless I was not at home. If I was busy working around the house I simply put his leash on and took him with me wherever I went. I just dropped it over the nearest doorknob and he would settle right down and watch whatever I was doing. Not only did this help with the housetraining but it had an added benefit that was unexpected but welcome. Whenever he became too rambunctious when we had guests or he was just excited we would pop on the leash and he would settle in an instant. Quincy is now a year old and the odd time that we need it the leash on still works like magic.