It does usually take a while longer to train a dog when you are away during the day. It's just a long length of time where they are not learning anything.
Did you try using one of those lock down frames for your potty pads? It worked great for Gracie. She never played with a potty pad after I got the frame for her. Pups that are alone for several hours at a time do get bored and find things to make into toys...like potty pads. Even with the washable ones it may be a good idea to get a frame for it. Make sure it is the kind that goes down over the pad and locks into place. I know they sell them on Amazon. Some Walmart stores still have them.
It does sound like she is confused. You are going to have to watch her closely and catch her in the act of peeing and gently put her on the pad when she has to go. Give her a tasty treat as soon as she does it right. That will encourage her to repeat the process. It is going to take a few times for it to sink in probably but once she knows what you want she will do it. Treats help a lot during the puppy stage. Making the potty pad a fun and rewarding place rather than seeming like a punishment will go a long way in convincing her to use it for her potty. Sometimes people catch a puppy peeing in the wrong place and then scold them and put them on the potty. To a puppy that is more like punishment and they will avoid that place as much as possible. If she refuses to pee there then just take her there and give her a treat now and then until she starts to relate to the potty as a reward rather than a punishment place.
A puppy play pen is the best idea for someone that has to leave their pup for the day. Getting the scent of urine on the potty pads is also a really good idea during training. |