Getting used to using a leash

[Puppy Madness]

Hi all!

Bo is 9months old now and we've never used a leash to take him out to potty. Mainly because we have a fenced in backyard and so whenever he needs to go potty, we just open the back door and out he goes. We're going to be moving in about two months and the new house doesn't have a fenced in backyard so we'll have to take Bo out on a leash. How should we go about training him for this? This morning I took him out on the leash to the backyard to potty and he thought it was play time. He didn't potty or even sniff around. He just wanted to play. I even stood there very still so he wouldn't think it was playtime. When I came home from work this evening, I took him out again on the leash and he did the same thing. So,any suggestions on how we can train him to potty while on the leash? Thanks in advance!

[Heather Martinez]

Does he like some privacy to go potty? Teddy likes to run a bit farther away, and we use a retractable leash so he can choose his favorite spot to go.

[Sandra Griffith]

Depending on the dog, it is sometime necessary to go back to square one when it comes to housetraining a dog who has never had to go on leash before as this is an entirely new behaviour to some dogs.  You did the right thing by standing still and not interacting with him.  I like to give dogs that I am housetraining a 3 minute time period to go. It is also useful to choose an elimination spot to take them to.   If they haven't gone by then bring them back in and try again in 1/2 hour.  Make sure that they are supervised so that they do not start having accidents in the house while they are figuring out the new system as they will have to go eventually- a doodle can only hold it for so long.  Once they do go, praise Bo and then they may play or go for a longer walk.  Elimination must happen before reward.  It is useful to add a cue such as "go potty" (or anything you choose) once they start getting the idea.  

 

I like to always train puppies to go on lead from the start as you never know when this might come up.  It could be a move as is your case or just traveling to a new place.

 

Don't worry, this is not an impossible task but may take a little time for Bo to figure out.  You are smart to work on it before the move to add one less new thing to his life once the move has taken place.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Did he have a "potty spot" that he seemed to gravitate to in your yard?  If he did, it would be really helpful to always take him to that spot.  If not, you're going to have to establish the spot for him.  Always take him to the same place...give the "potty command" and just wait.  When he does go....celebrate just like with a new puppy.  Since this is all new to him it will probably take a while...and a lot of patience.  He'll get it eventually.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Well eventually he will have to go....maybe practice on the weekend when you have more time and don't take him out ever without the leash on him....then of course when he does potty you will have to be a Lunatic again with the good boys, and treats. I am sure he will figure this out, he is a doodle after all.