[mommyofsophie]

How old is Franky? I wouldn't recommend leaving him alone, even for a few minutes if he isn't housetrained. Crate training would be helpful, unless you are playing with him or directly watching him. Someone else on the site suggested wrapping the dog's leash around your waist (or looping it around your ankle if you're seated) so that you know exactly where the dog is and can keep an eye on him. I know it sounds like a total pain... but if a puppy gets into the habit of soiling the floor when he's a puppy, it's sooooo difficult to correct that habit as he gets older. My current dog is 5 months old and she is either in her crate (for short periods of time), walking with me, playing with me, or in her window seat basket (where she can play with toys and watch the neighborhood out the window) while I work at my home desk next to it. I NEVER let her wander around without me directly watching her. If she starts to get into potty position, I make a little "uh-oh" gasp and scoop her up to take her outside immediately. Then I say "go potty" while she's doing her business and praise her and give her a little treat. If I need to leave, I take her for a good walk so she can do her business, then put her in her crate until I come back. (She has water, a snack, and toys in there.) No negative feedback, just supervision, routines, and rewards. :-)