In the beginning I watched stormy 24/7- and would not let him out of sight... I took him out every thirty minutes and that worked - I would watch him to see if he would start sniffing to go to the bathroom and as soon as I saw him doing that he would go out. I also caught him in the act and would pick him up and bring him outside. I have had three rottweiler's before which I do not have them now and I can say that stormie was harder . I think constantly watching them and what they are doing really worked. I have two small boys so it was difficult at times until I told them that they needed to let stormy out and if he went to the bathroom that it was there responsibility to clean it up and that worked pretty good with them as well. I would watch him constantly and still do. I wish you the best of luck with it all and let me know how the litter turns out- be patient...