[adorame]

Originally Posted by LoveMyJake

Mine are both outdoor and pee pad trained. I started out using the pads because Jake was very tiny when we brought him home, and the weather was starting to get colder. We get LOTS of snow where I live, so I thought it would be better to pad train him. The most important thing to potty training, in my opinion, is to keep your dog on the same feeding schedule everyday. Most people free feed until the puppy gets a little older, so you have to be aware of when they eat/drink. Mine typically go after they eat. So, first thing in the morning I would take them to their pads, after they ate and before bed, and after a heavy playing session because the exercise and activity stimulates them to go. Also, after they awake from a nap. It's important to keep the pads in the same place so your dog will know where you want them to go. I started with using 3-4 pads until they got the hang of it, then I got a doggy litter box and put a pad in that. Also, anytime you see them start to sniff around, take them to the pee pad. Use whatever command your dog understands....I would just say "go potty". When they go on the pad, use LOTS of praise, tell them "good boy/girl, good potty"....or something like that. Give them a treat right away.

If you catch them during an accident, tell them no and take them to the pad and say "go potty". I never yell at mine, I just talk firmly so they understand. I think yelling just makes them nervous and scared, so I don't raise my voice to them.

After the weather got better, I started taking Jake outside to play and when I would see him go potty, I would again use lots of praise and give him a treat. I did the same with Jackson when I got him a year later. I have been VERY fortunate with potty training my guys, but I am home all day and my husband is home with them in the eves while I am at work and that makes it so much easier.

Crate training helps with potty training. Another way to teach them is to get them used to a leash first. It's better to use a harness or harness vest with a D-ring. Put the leash on in the house so that you can have them with you at all times and you can watch them and get an idea of when they go. That's why a feeding schedule helps....they will usually go at the same times.

Sorry this is so long, just trying to explain it as best as possible. Good luck!

Wow, that is great advice to give, I was going to suggest a few things but you hit the nail on the head with your post!!