I used to think crate training was crewel too. But it does work!
Start back in very small area. Only extend the area when your dog is going where you want them to go for 3 or more days. Now keep in mind, carpeted areas are not good spot to start in. And like Erin said make sure you clean up the spot they go in, with something thats made to get the smell out for dogs. If you don't they'll keep going back to that same spot to go.
I read up on every "potty training" post on this board, and got a lot of tips.
When they potty where you want them to go, praise, praise, and give a treat( I use Venus's own food for treats). As mine is pottying, I have a treat ready and said "potty for a treat". Now she will potty just to get that treat!
Being consistant on what you say to them does help too.
Have you tried pee pads instead of newspaper? I know most here use them, and there is also something you can spray on them, to make them want to go in that spot. If I'm not mistaken, its called Simple Solutions. You can get the pee pads at walmart, or any pet store. I think petsmart has the simple solutions spray.
I know you said in your post that your used to cats and "large dogs". Cats are easy to train! Large dogs have much larger bladders than Yorkies do. They can hold it a lot longer wtih the larger bladders.
Its not too late to go back to basics, if your dog isn't catching on. Never let them have more room to roam till they really have it good, on the room they have. And don't give freedom to the "whole house" without constantly watching them. Just because they go on the pad in one room, doens't mean they will come back to that same pad if they are in another room!
Venus is kitchen trained, and now I'm working on the living room/kitchen. Its 50/50 in the living room. Depending on how hard she plays, and if I take her back to the kitchen enough times for her to go on her pad in here. She doesn't "automatically" remember the pad is in the kitchen, but she's getting there, slowly. |