[Mom to Hot Rod]

Originally Posted by kjc

Might be best to put in a couple of training days when you have 2 days off together. Plan to train those 2 days, and nothing else.

Start by watching like a hawk. Dogs will give a signal just before they go potty. Watch him to learn what his signal is.

When he potties on the pad, the first goal is to catch him in the act, and repeat the command 'Go Potty' (or whatever you decide to call it, but be consistant), and reward him with a treat and a ton of praise (a lot of happy praise, have a party!). Do this a few times inside.

Then when he gives the signal that he has to go, take him out to a spot you have chosen for him to do his business. It may help to take a soiled pad with you and rub the wet spot on the grass and place a BM there. Give the command, then stay there until he 'goes potty', give a treat and tons of praise!

Plan on doing this the entire weekend (or any 2 days off in a row). Key times for him to eliminate are upon waking, 15-30 minutes after a meal, right after playtime, right after waking from a nap. As you will be watching him, you will learn his timing and be able to catch him and take him out to do his business. If you can't see his signal, take him out every one - two hours to the spot.

During this time, it is imperative to only positive reward elimination. If he 'goes' somewhere and you don't see it till after he's done, ignore the accident, just clean it up and move forward. No bad reprimands for inappropriate elimination. They won't understand, and will think making a potty is bad, not that where he went was bad.

consistency and patience are very important. It will take time but one day when you're not expecting it, it will click and she will "get it". Just have tons of patience.