Quote:
|
However, when we let him out, he will go to the bathroom on the floor.
|
Sounds like your dog thinks that the rest of the apartment is "Outside". He thinks that once out of his pen, he is outdoors.
This is a common issue with puppies and is totally normal. Some experts say that you should deal with these things by having one room that's "the puppy room". And then when they are allowed out of that room, it is on a lead attached to your hip or belt. It's supposed to be a highly successful mode of training. I didn't do this since going outside is easy for us.
Be sure that he has very few (I suggest ONE) pad locations. Ideally, with ONE place to potty, there will be no room for confusion in the big bad world. Also work on training your dog to potty on cue, and taking them to the pad when you can see they might need to go. Look for sudden disinterest in playing, sniffing the ground, walking in circles. Sniffing with a purpose in circles means it's time to go to the pad. USe a treat to lure your puppy to the pad. Get them on it with a command or by gently placing them there, and command "go potty". When you regulate bathroom time, you are in command.
If you have a balcony, you might think of making it puppy-safe and setting up a bathroom for him there instead of inside.
Whatever decisions you make now, these will create that dog that you will have for the next 12-18 years! Decide what you ultimately want, and google search for answers.