Didn't think it would happen...
 

So quickly, that is. We got Nick when he was about 4 months old and neglected to potty train him at that time. We finally got serious about it about 5 weeks ago. It seemed like it was going to be a long, tedious task because he would have a couple of good days surrounding by several days in a row of not so good at all. It has now been eight full days/nights since Nick has messed up in his cage. Last night was the first night in three weeks that he was left outside of his cage all night and he left not one mess. When I woke this morning, he woke and went with me downstairs, out the back door and straight out to his spot and did everything within five minutes. This was also the first time I let him out without his leash. If he wandered outside his "zone," I would say "Nick" or "no" and he would stop and turn around. Then did his business and came inside with me.

Here is what we did. We started out with him in his cage at all times in the laundry room. Taking him out every hour or two. He was badly messing up his cage during this time. It took a good three weeks of making stay outside until he had to go out there as he was not comfortable going outside. We only let him wander around a certain area about 20' x 20'. We gave him a treat after every good outing. Then we started leaving out of the cage, but still on the leash, with the leash handle hung on the mantle (with care). He has a 15' retracting leash so he could move about, but remain in our sights. We still took him out often. It has been eight straight days of him going out and it only taking about 5 to 10 minutes to take care of things.

So, we're happy that in just over a month, we may have our dog housebroken. Just thought I'd share.

hes doing great

Update!

Although he still has moments of #2 inside the house (maybe twice a week at most), Nick has really done superb. The only good things about his accidents are that they do not smell at all and it is always just one "piece." He has had one #1 incident in the house in the last 5 1/2 months. It's just been recently that he has started really letting us know he needs to go out by going to the door. We still use the "stay focused" method before we take him around outside.

One funny thing that I will video next time we go out is that when he needs to go #2, he has a funny "ritual" of pacing back and forth in the crouching position and he doesn't seem to like his back legs on the ground when goes. He may do the pacing for a good minute or so before he finally stops and goes.

Great to hear that Nick is doing so well with potty training :D Patience and consistency are the most important things.