I haven't had any potty training issues with Jake (I'm lucky), and I've used positive reinforcement, praise and treats and it does work. It's just something you need to be consistent with every single day, and you do have to watch them very closely when you give them the run of the house. I think consistency is the key, and everyone in your household has to use the same method. For example, I am home all day then I go to work in the evening and my hubby has Jake. If we weren't both completely consistent, I'm sure he would get confused.
Try not to get too frustrated because I think that dogs can sense that, and it may upset their concentration. They're trying to figure out what it is you keep rewarding them for.....and they WILL figure it out. Jake is pad trained, but now that the weather is better, he will also go outside. I think the pads are great until they learn how to let you know they have to go out....or, they're even good to use all the time, whatever your preference is. That depends on the kind of lifestyle you have, how much you're home with them, etc.
Remember, they're just babies who are learning. I don't believe in hitting any dog, especially one as small as a yorkie, and I never even raise my voice to Jake. You can still get them to learn by being calm and patient.
As for rubbing a dog's nose in his/her pee like someone else suggested, I don't believe in that either. All it does is humiliate the dog and make them fear you. They aren't learning anything positive from that at all.
Good luck to you! |