Coby is 5 months old, so we're getting there. The easiest way to potty train is to find the tricks that make not being successful hard! At Walmart or Target, they sell wire "cubes" that you put together. I had one and took it apart and instead made a very small little fence that went around the puppy pad. Any small boundaries will work. Coby had trouble staying on the paper at first. So at the times he should have been ready to potty, the fence went around the paper. Eventually he had to go, so it always ended up on the paper, and then after much partying and lots of treats, he got to get out of the pen and play.
We've also used a leash to keep him on the paper when I know he has to go. He was confined to the kitchen because it relieved a lot of the stress of worrying and frustration of accidents for the first month or so. They can sense that stress and it confuses them. Now, we're branching out into other rooms with the leash trailing behind so he's easy to catch, and we travel (practice walking) back to the paper several times, so he gets used to making that trip when he has to go.
Also, had the poop-eating thing before too. I can't remember the clinical name for it. But assuming it's not because of missing nutrients in their diet, there is an over-the-counter solution that solves the problem in no time.
It is frustrating and it seems like it's taking forever, but trust me, it's worth the work. Our 10 year old STILL demands a treat when he goes in the right places. They get it and then they won't let you forget that they get it!!
Good Luck!! |