Moving from house to apartment potty training
 

Max the dog is a 3 year old yorkshire terrier. We lived in a house until recently, and we left the back sliding door open all the time and Max the dog went outside to do his business when he needed to, no accidents in the house. We just moved to an apartment, and we walk him in the morning and after work, but he pees on the carpet while we are gone, (I think just to spite us!). We built him a nice box with real grass in it and put it on the balcony and we leave the sliding door open for him, but he simply will not go pee on the grass box. He loves to play in it, but won't pee there. I tried that spray that supposedly makes them want to pee, I put potty pads on the grass, I take him to the grass box when I know he needs to pee, nothing. How can I get him to pee in the grass box??

Thank you!

Nancy

I had the exact same situtation. When my husband died (2 years ago today) :(I had to find a job & move into a small apartment. It was really hard and I knew it was going to be a huge adjustment.

I made sure I was on the ground floor with a back patio so I can leave the door open when I'm home, and put down 'fake' outdoor carpet out there that looks like grass. I also have a 10 x 10 tent (100 sq. ft) to shade 1/2 the patio so it's not so hot on their feet. (I'm in texas).

My girls had a hard time at first adjusting but I have a wee pad in the apt too. So they have the pad - the patio.... plus walks. It took about 2 months for my youngest to really 'get it' but she did. They've done really well.

You may want to keep pads in the apartment in several places - and also when he does use the 'fake' grass - make sure you throw a parade and give him treats.....the praise will make him want to use it again.

If you can, try taking him out to the grass the minute you all wake up and stand there till he uses it - he may get the message - once he goes - lots of praise and run for the treats :p

edited to add - try taking the fake grass out of the box if you can and just lay it flat - that may be intimidating him