Joy's tips for house training.
It took us 3 months to get to the point where Louis stopped having accidents in the house. His bladder grew to where he could hold it for 5-6 hours now and he's gotten a lot of reinforcements and reminders about "going to the bathroom OUTSIDE."
Here's how I did it:
We had Louis for 1 month before we found the Holy Grail treat: Pupcorn! He LOVES pupcorn and gets very excited to get it. You can buy this at Petsmart, $4 for a huge container and I break about 3 up into little pieces that have to last a whole day (there is a recommendation serving per 10 pound of dog).
When he was a puppy, I took Louis outside every 30 minutes when I was home. Literally every 30 minutes. After he got up from a nap, after playing with his brother for about 15 minutes, after he drank water, ate, etc.
1. I got Louis very very excited about heading outside. Starting from the living room, I lead him to the door. I would say, "Louis, go outside," loudly and clearly and open the front door to let him out. When he steps out, I give him a treat. "Good outside, Louis!" Gradually, I showed him to follow me to the front door to the grass from further places in the house, like our bedroom.
2. Lead him to the grass on a leash and when I see him pee, I used the words "Good go to the bathroom" for #1 and #2 was "Good Hurry Up." Repeated for 3 months every time we go outside, Louis now knows to pee or poo on cue whenever I use the words.
3. I never let Louis out of my sight, he was in his crate if I could not watch him. My sister used to say that it was mean for me not to let him run around the house, but it was worth it when he learned that he should only go OUTSIDE.
4. Louis understood the three words (1) outside (2) go to the bathroom and (3) hurry up ... after 1 month or so. Whenever I saw a pee or poo, I would say, "NO. Go to the bathroom OUTSIDE!" and then march him outside.
5. When Louis was done with his business, I tell him "INSIDE!" and hold up a piece of pupcorn. Now he knows that when he follows me back inside, he will be treated. "Good INSIDE!" "Good GO TO THE BATHROOM OUTSIDE!"
Now that he's finally learned how to wait and go outside.....
We're going to have to teach Louis to pee on a puppy pad this winter since it does get to -40 degrees below here where we live.
Pics of Louis as a little puppy.