Thank you for your reply, and your great suggestions. I hadn't thought about switching him back to the pads...it's probably been at least a year and a half since we tried that. Will it confuse him if we take a hybrid approach, or should it be always "outside" or "on pads"?
He is generally only left alone for at most 6 hours a day. We bought him a larger kennel so he's got room to move around in, and a big pillow to sleep on. He loves to go in there, so I think we at least got the kennel introduction correct. It's probably just enough room that he doesn't want to mess in there, but still can move around and be comfortable.
More than anything, I think it's the promixity of eliminations that concerns me. The spots that are on the carpets were created within an hour or so of having been outside and urinating plentifully, and they are relatively small spots. This makes me think that he feels he has to re-mark those areas. Near the front door (prior to the carpet change), and near the bathroom are the only places he ever goes when he's inside. Previously, we tried blanketing those areas with a half dozen pads and he would pull them aside and go on the carpet (really frustrating!!)
I've generally only placed him in the kennel though when he's done both 1 and 2 outside, and he'll be fine until the Mrs. gets home. If he hasn't gone, then I'll give him more space in the bathroom or kitchen where it's okay if he messes.
I've read a number of places that the best way to train him is to catch him in the act, but he does it so quickly that he can be gone and back within a minute, and if you didn't notice him leave, you'd never find the spot. And worse, he won't tell you he needs to go...he'll just go to the spot and do his business. We took him for training a long time ago when we first got him, and the instructor told us to only use a disappointed voice when we see that he's messed inside, which we do...and he definitely looks ashamed when we bring him near where he's gone. It's like he knows what he's doing is wrong, but he does it anyway!
I will certainly try your suggestions for the next month or so and hopefully we'll see some progress. Thank you! |