Regression in potty training

[Teresa Clark]

I have a 9 month old mini golden doodle and she has regress in her potting training. I have been having to take her out on her leash to get her to go off of the deck. I have said to her since she was a puppy "Go Potty" and she would go but recently she won't go in the yard and do her business. I have stayed out there with her for 30 minutes and she won't go. I have always given her treats and told her good girl when she finishes but I am stumped about what to do now.

HELP

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Perhaps another animal has pottied and or pooped in the yard and left a scent with discourages your mini from going there. (Periodically this has happened to us with wild critters).  She is also at a vulnerable phase of development right now and may have developed some fear for some reason.  I'd take her out on leash like you have been doing.  Have you tried taking her (on leash) into the front yard to potty?  Just a thought.

Another thought (not knowing your deck set up) would be to set barriers up so that she is directed off your deck and into the yard. Perhaps you could use ex-pens to create a corridor  to direct her where you want her to go.

[Laura and Angus]

I would take a step back in your training and go back to taking her out on a leash each time you go out to potty (maybe not in your yard and instead on a short walk). Make sure you use praise (e.g. "Good potty" ) and treat each time she does her business. Just continue doing this consistently - she'll get back on track.