Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Beth on October 5, 2011 at 7:41pm

Jack was not reliable on carpet til he was about 7 months old.  I distinctly remember the last time he peed inside because he peed on the Christmas tree we just brought in.   :-)    He was born at the end of April so he would have been almost 8 months at Christmas.

Anyway, I'd keep him off the couch til he's a little older and 100% reliable inside.  Once he is reliable, then when you let him back on the couch if he does go to pee, give him a firm but calm "No!" and don't let him back up.   Repeat this until he gets the point that peeing on the couch means he's lost his couch privileges. 

 

But again, personally I'd wait til he's older and reliable.   I know it's disappointing.  It just seems that some puppies seem to think peeing on soft surfaces is ok, probably because there is no icky puddle for them to get their little toes wet in.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ralphie & Sue on October 7, 2011 at 2:46am

Thanks Beth! Yes, I think I will keep him off the couch until he's a little older. I think I knew what the answer was. Just hoping for an alternative as I love snuggling with him On the couch!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on October 6, 2011 at 10:34am

Hi Sue, as far as potty training goes, read and re-read the FAQ, follow it to the dot. In your case, accident happens because he is not crated when you cannot supervise him, cleaning method and too much freedom too soon.

 

It is extremely hard to clean a couch, cover is easy, it's the cushion foam that makes it impossible. Dog's nose have 40 times more receptors than human, they can smell everything. A complete soak thru is necessary, pouring on top is not going to cut it. My estimate for a standard size cushion will require at least 3 gallons of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Get a bucket half full of hydrogen peroxide, squeeze out the cushion air as much as possible, dip the cushion in the bucket and fill up the rest with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for a few hours.

 

I would keep Ralphie off the couch until he's 1.5 yr old. Don't feel bad, it's only temporary, all privileges are earned.

 

Go back to crating now. Teenage phase is just around the corner, it is going to get worst before it gets better.

 

If you ever catch him mid-stream (smack yourself in the forehead and re-read the FAQ), stay calm, no words, simply pick him up midstream and head outside to continue, clean up later.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ralphie & Sue on October 7, 2011 at 3:18am

Thanks Sam, appreciate the tips. I have read the FAQs more than once and will try to follow them. Everyone is so right! It's not just dog training , it's training ourselves as well!

Yikes, I think we may need to dip the cushions. Eek!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ralphie & Sue on October 6, 2011 at 7:26pm

HI Mark,  Thanks for the response.  Yeah, true. I've heard both sides.  I try not to let Ralphie jump off /on high things like the couch but sometimes when he gets excited he bolts for the couch and jumps on (then pees!).  

 

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on October 6, 2011 at 8:21pm

Agree with Sam, too much freedom too soon, and yes, pick him up midstream and carry him out. He will not go, but take him out again in an hour or so and tell him "Go Potty" or whatever you say to convey the message, then give a treat when he goes.  If he piis inside, your fault! You overestimated his capabilities and training.  Proceed slowly and no access to the couch ( I also agree with Mark, why look for problems, get on the floor and cuddle with him there.)

• ▶ Reply