Quote:
Originally Posted by CesarTheGreat  I don't think any accidents are OK.
If your current methods aren't working, which I believe to be very mild as you are treating her like a person and not a dog, then it is time to do what you need to do. Remember, dogs do not have feelings like a person and she wants the discipline and the dog really wants to please it's master by going outside.
Put her nose in it and stick her outside. Smack the ground and tell her "No" then put her out the door. Cesar took 6-8 months to be potty trained and that was with crate training. These dogs are difficult to potty train, no question about that, but 2 years is just too long. |
Word of caution to this method. If you scare them when going potty on the inside, it may cause a reverse effect. In other words, the dog is still getting attention, whether it's negative or not, and will continue to do the actions if she feels she needs the attention.
Also, another downside, is that the dog will be nervous to pee/poop in front of your regardless, whether it's outside or inside.
Yorkies respond best to positive praise. It took me a while to be able to hold my anger when Gizmo went potty in the house and simply pick him up, take him outside and say "Potty" after he just went on my new bathroom rugs.
However, consistency is key with these little animals. We have Gizmo on a strict schedule and were very consistent with potty times, and training. He nows rings the bells to go out. This does not mean though, that I trust him 100%, after all he's a baby (5 months).
Also, dogs do in fact have feelings, and emotions. Hence the reason puppies can get separation anxiety, and why dogs ears go back when they're sad. However, it's when you use those emotions to your best advantage that you'll be successful at training her. And that means taking advantage of that people pleasing personality.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
