We have a similar problem with Maddie and brought it up with the trainer in our puppy training class at Petsmart. Here's what she said:
- Keep her contained. Either keep her in one room with you or keep her tethered to you. This way if she starts to go you will catch it and correct her before she finishes so you can take her outside.
- Ration out her food and water. Feed 2 or 3 times a day but make it a feeding time. Put the food and water down and then pick it up after 10 or 15 minutes. Take her out for a walk shortly after as its predictable then that she'll have to go. Don't leave water down all the time if she's having accidents give her water at meal times and after play time then walk her afterwards.
- Reward her and praise her like she just won the Nobel Prize every time she goese outside. We break up yogurt drops into 3-4 pieces and take them on walks. As soon as she squats we say "Do your business" (pick whatever phrase works for you) and as soon as she finishes we give a treat and lots of excited "Good girls!"
We've noticed that it also helps to have a regular area of the yard to take her to and to keep her in a fairly limited range until she goes. She doesn't get to explore until after she's down her business.
I see improvement after only a couple of days so I'm hoping this will work.
Tom |