New ALD puppy won't go potty

[James Donovan]

Hey everyone,

So my wife and I just brought our new puppy, Murphy, home yesterday! After a quick accident inside shortly after arriving home, he went 3 times outside with no more indoor accidents. He slept pretty well through the night (after the crying stopped) and only woke up once. I took him out and he went pee, then we went back to bed (after more crying. This morning around 6:30am (pacific time) he went poop, but has not gone to the bathroom at all since then (it's been about 5hrs). I've taken him out multiple times and placed him at his potty spot, but he just sorta hangs out or follows me. He's been napping a lot today- breeder said pups will get a lot of sleep. Am I doing something wrong? Is it normal for them not to go to the bathroom as much after such a big change? I am brand new to this and just want to make sure I am taking good care of him!

Any advice is much appreciated

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Is he eating well? Is he drinking water? 

[James Donovan]

He's started eating a little today. Breeder said it was normal for him to build up an appetite as he starts to get more comfortable. He drank some yesterday and he's drank a little today as well. He's mostly been just lounging/napping in between attempts at going potty outside. I've been playing with him and having him run around too, to see if that might make a difference. So far no potty today since 6:30am

[James Donovan]

UPDATE: after his most recent of several naps, I was putting my shoes on to take him outside to try to go potty, when he peed on the towel right next to the door. He was finished by the time I could grab him, so I just scrambled to clean it up quickly.

Is there anything I should/could be doin differently to help get him to learn that his spot is outside? I know it hasn't even been 24hrs yet, I am just so worried about getting things right.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Congratulations on your new puppy. In the beginning it felt like I was taking my puppy out every 20 minutes. It is scary when you first get your pup, but you will figure things out together. Your puppy is just adjusting to his new environment and not quite himself yet. I just tried to watch my puppy for any sign that he/she was even thinking about going potty and I would scoop them up and take them outside. I figured if I was holding them they couldn't pee on the way out :) At this age he really can't hold it all night, so I would make sure and take him out if he wakes up and cries. I would also take him out after any nap, after eating and drinking, and after any play. It just takes time and patience, but you will get there. In the beginning puppies sleep a lot. That is perfectly normal. I would ask...where are you crating him? I always felt the best place was next to your bed so he can sense your presence. If my pups whimpered, etc. I would just put my fingers in the crate. I also used a Snuggle Puppy which worked great in the beginning. 

Each puppy is different and you will find your way and work out a routine that works for both of you. My feeling is if you are bonding with your puppy and making him feel safe and secure, you are doing all the right things. Good luck!

P.S. If I caught my dogs going potty in the house, I scooped them up and took them outside in the hopes that it would eventually click that outside was the place to go. I also used the same phrase..."go potty" or whatever you choose and made a big deal about it when they finally went outside. 

[Nancy]

Congratulations on your new baby!!!  I would just like to make a couple suggestions.  First when you start to take him outside, say something like "Let's Go Pee Pee or Go Outside", he will learn to recognize the words.  Keep using the command "Go Pee Pee" and he will eventually learn to go on command.  I do the same for poop :)  Here's the best  part, when he does go you need to get excited and praise him like saying "Good boy, Good pee pee".  I mean you really need to let him know that is what you want him to do and that you are very happy about it.  It will take time and he WILL have accidents but they are very smart and they want to make you happy so be patient :)

Ooops, I didn't see Laurie's similar suggestion 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And be sure to use a good odor neutralizer like Nature's Miracle on the spots where he has had an accident. Just cleaning it up isn't enough; you may not be able to smell anything, but he can, and he will return to those places.