You have received such good advice, and I agree with everyone about being patient with the puppy phase. One thing I did with Scout that really helped was "puppy potty boot camp", but it requires a weekend time committment on your part. Here's how it works: First, decide how your puppy is primarily going to be trained-does she go outside or on pads? Then commit to potty training ALL WEEKEND. Put Chloe on a 6 foot leash and attach the other end to YOU. She goes where you go all day. Watch her carefully for her potty cues: sniffing, circling, etc...you probably know them by now. As soon as she starts this, take her to the designated potty spot and say "GO POTTY" or whatever you choose (BTW, don't carry her..make her walk-she'll start to think she should be carried to the potty spot!) If she goes where she's supposed to, praise her and treat her. The main thing is consistency, and believe it or not a young puppy like her can understand commands like GO POTTY if you are consistent. Scout really started doing a lot better on pottying in the designated area after I did the weekend boot camp with him. Occasionally when he started backsliding again, I would do the boot camp with him again-usually only for 1/2 a day or so! GOOD LUCK!!!! |