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Permalink Reply by Yuki & Ellie on December 22, 2011 at 9:37am

Since the cage is big (meant for a full-grown dog), he's using one area as a toilet and the rest as his "den."  Since his breeder was training this behavior into him, you may want to get a different crate (one with a divider) or smaller one to use while he's still a puppy.

As for the pads, do you place just one pad down?  While he's this young and still learning where he can go versus where he isn't allowed to go, you'll probably want to put down a few pads (2-4) to cover a larger area.  You'll also have to be with him until he does his business to ensure that he goes on the pads rather than next to them.  This will take more than just 5-10 minutes, most likely, so be prepared to spend awhile there.  :)  Once he does use the pad, praise his like crazy and give him a treat.  Make it a really great thing for him so that he learns that using the pads is a good thing!  And be sure to clean up his poo right away so that he doesn't eat it.  ;)  At this age, you should definitely make sure that he isn't alone while toileting.

If it's at all possible, you will probably have better luck getting him to do his business in grass.  I realize that there are circumstances where this isn't possible (no grassy areas nearby, too many other dogs using the area, puppy hasn't had enough of his shots, etc.), but grass is where they naturally prefer to go so it will be the easiest.

Stick with it and be patient.  Trying to toilet train a human child takes (usually) more than a year before they are fairly reliable about using the toilet.  Puppies take at least 6-8 months before they're fairly reliable about going where you want them to go.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on December 22, 2011 at 11:23am

Once they get used to going in the cage it is difficult to teach them to care where they go. I am assuming that you need him to go inside since you live in a big city. I would try to increase his area using a pen with pads everywhere. Close off his crate and play with him a little when you know he is likely to potty (after a nap or food) and then praise him a lot if he goes on the pads (I would have lots of pads so he can not miss). I always say "go potty" as soon as they squat as puppies so they learn to go on command later. Pick up the pad he went on and replace with a clean one. You can gradually reduce the number of pads until eventually he will not require an area of all pads. Eating the poo is not an unusual thing with puppies as their mama does that to keep their area clean. Most dogs outgrow this if their area is kept clean. As for accidents I would just clean up without too much fuss. Maybe shake your head and say oh oh, he is a baby and doesn't really understand yet what you want. Good luck with your very cute puppy!

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Permalink Reply by Beth on December 22, 2011 at 12:06pm

What Bev said!   :-)

 

Start with a large area that is totally covered and as you see where his favorite spot to go is, gradually reduce the number of pads down until they cover just that spot.  If you can fit a round exercise pen somewhere that would be ideal because then he can still see what is going on in the house while being safely secured in an area where he can potty.   Many dogs resent being behind closed doors, so if you can't use a pen then use a small bathroom or something but use a baby gate rather than closing the door.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Valerie Chan on December 22, 2011 at 2:29pm

Thank you for all the replies!

It's true, I live in Hong Kong and it's pretty packed here. Luckily I live on the highest floor in my apartment so I have the roof to myself but my parents won't let me take him out cause Kobe has only taken one shot but it's really not that dirty up there..

Anyways back to topic, I did try to order a play pen today from my pet store online but they were out of stock so I'm going to try to stick with getting him to go in the guest bathroom, since its smaller I can put around 5-6 pee pads to cover the whole floor.

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I really appreciate it ^^

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