Thats the same problem with my baby, he used to be pretty good at peeing on the mats until I recently took one mat out of my bedroom, then he started having accidents in random places :(

Try this...
 

This MAY seem a little extreme but it worked well with Aggie...

She had the same exact problems, peeing/marking wherever she liked, especially on the nice rungs.

I took her to her first puppy class last week. The instructor said something that made me and my family realized where the problem was: she was running to places where we couldn't see or keep an eye on her. By the time we'd catch her, it's too late.

We started to put her on the leash inside the house. The leash is either on me or around the dining chair legs (when everyone's in the kitchen area). This way, when we see her sniffing around, circling, we know to take her and show her exercise pen in the yard.

This method has been working tremendously well!! Not only has she been able to "keep" it longer, she now knows there are only certain areas she can do her businesses in. I actually don't give her treats, but a lot of verbal praises or belly rubs.

Also, we were letting her running in our yard freely before (it's not a big yard, but big enough for a little pup like her). She was distracted, chewing up leaves and barks. Now we've set up an exercise pen outside, designating her "spot", she goes there 95% of the time now.

It has made our nights that much more enjoyable. :)

:thumbup: I think jkat's advice is very good!

I would add that when a pup runs and hides to potty, it is usually because he has been reprimanded for pottying inappropriately. Instead of learning not to potty there, he has learned that it's not safe to potty in your presence. :eek:

Cherry asked about putting a pup in time-out for pottying on the rug. Most trainers say that if you catch them in the act, it's better to say no and whisk them off to finish in the appropriate spot - pee pad, outside, wherever. If he does finish there, "good puppy", treat. If you don't catch them in the act, there's nothing you can do. Pup won't understand why you're unhappy.

As for treats, continue them every time you catch pup pottying appropriately until he is 100% trained. Even then, occasionally treat - you want him to keep it up. As always, behavior that is rewarded will increase in frequency. A food treat is much more rewarding to a dog than praise. :animal36

Good luck!

That is what I did in the beginning and it was great. I could even say "go potty" and he would go even if he didnt have to and stand on the pad like "what now"...lol I never did the whole teaching by punishment thing so I wasn't sure if it was effective.

This morning when I took him out I took him by 1 pad and closed the door.. he used the pad... so then we ran to the kitchen with "good boy" the whole way then as soon as he ate the treat I turned my head and he did "2 on the rug. At least he got it half right :) makes me feel al little better

Just a month ago we got our little new addition to the family. It has been a very dificult and trying experience training her to go on wee wee pads. Taking her outside is not really an option because its extremely cold outside. I realized that its really more our attentivness and sense of timing to take her to the pad and keep a watchful eye on her at all times. Its not easy, but it has paid off. After already one month she and us have really gotten a grasp on her potty time and we take her to her wee wee corner and leave her there alone and give her some privacy. After she is done she will call us, by either barking or scratching the door that she has finished. Then we spent a good 10 mins. praising her for the great job!!! I realize its patience and more patience and then finally... a bit more patience!!! :)

of course not hun! my beloved Blake was dual trained depending on the season! please dont worry.