Maybe Silly Potty Training Question
 

We've had Ozzy since June 28, and we are training him to go potty outside. He's really doing fabulous. He went the last 7 days without an accident. Then this morning, I took him out first thing for a pee. He gave NO indication that he had to poop (usually I can tell - nose to the ground on a mission). We came inside and not even two minutes later, while I was getting my cup of coffee, he pooped on the rug, out of my sight. I was a little upset about this only because I didn't catch him in the act, and therefore wasn't able to use "NO" to reinforce that he shouldn't go inside - I figured we had just gone out so he'd be ok for 20 mins. So, I did nothing except clean it up. :(

My b/f suggested we let him wait inside tomorrow morning until he has to go, purposefully, so we can reinforce that we don't like that. What do you all think? I'm not sure if I agree with this logic. :confused:

Oz knows that going outside is good. He gets treats or praise, and usually will sit by the back door if he has to go, but not always, so we take him out at least every two hours just in case. He just hasn't seemed to realize yet that going inside is NOT good. Any advice is appreciated.

I very much disagree with what your b/f suggested. I think its wrong and mean to set him up for failure.

Our chi had this problem as a puppy. So out in the morning given plenty of time to do both. If he only peed we went back inside,I held him,made coffee with one hand,then me,the cup of coffe and he went back out,I followed him around until he pooped. It didn't usually take very long on the second trip. He did outgrow this and now understand that in the morning we do both or we are going back out.
Good luck!

I agree. I'm much more of a positive reinforcement kinda person. I'm sure he'll get it totally eventually.

Good advice! We had gotten into a bit of a routine, which is why I thought he'd be ok on his own for a few minutes. I'm up at 5:45, so I'd take him for a pee just outside the back door. At 7, we'd go for our walk and he'd pee and poop. We go to a particular, different area for this. I was thinking that the routine was good (working), but from now on we'll do our walk first thing. Makes no difference to me if we do it at 5:45 or 7.

I have always found that positive reinforcement works so much bette with these little guys. When I catch mine going in the wrong place I correct them, put them where they are supposed to go and then praise them. Just remember he will have puppy brain for awhile and accidents will happen. Sounds like you are doing a great job with him so far.

definitely acentuate the positives. I would just try to make sure to give plenty of time for him to do his business and if he doesn't, just keep an eye on him. If you even suspect that he may need to poo, take him out. Accidents will happen and I wouldn't sweat it when it does but certainly praise when he does the right thing.

You are doing great! There are going to be slip ups, and he sounds like he is well on his way to being housebroken.

IMHO I wouldn't do what your BF suggests. Every training book I've read states that accidents may and will happen and do just keep at it. The more times he eliminates in the RIGHT place and the less amount he eliminates in the WRONG place the better.