Puppy Confused About Potty Training

My little Baxter is 8 weeks today. He's picked up on the concept of doing his business on the puppy pads and has been moderately successful. However, after reading some of the posts and sections in the FAQ, I've realized that I haven't been consistent with his potty training.

I've been doing a combination of puppy pads and grass outside. I've been taking him out first thing in the morning, after meals, before bed, etc. However, he seems more interested playing in the grass and fallen leaves than going to the bathroom. Once we get inside, he goes on the puppy pads.

Any suggestions on helping him make the "outside to potty" connection? Should I gradually wean him from his puppy pads or just not use them all together? I'm afraid he's just going to hold it until I lay a puppy pad down. I read somewhere that I could take the puppy pad outside in the area where I want him to go. I tried that, but he just ended up playing with it.

Advice and suggestions would be most greatly appreciated! Much thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Jane on December 17, 2010 at 9:39am

I would try to make him do his business before you do any type of fun walk. Try to make the beginning of the walk boring, don't let him wander off and sniff stuff, just be serious and keep going until he needs to go potty. While he's going, give it a command, I just use "go potty" in a happy voice. Eventually he'll go on command. Afterwards, praise him like heck and be very excited, this is the time I would ask "do you want to go for a walk?!" or whatever command you use to indicate a fun walk.

Edit: - I definitely wouldn't use a toy. If you have to, you could try putting some of his poop in the spot you want him to go, and stop and let him sniff it. He should get the idea.

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Permalink Reply by Lauren on December 20, 2010 at 12:40pm

From the day I posted my problem to now, he's gotten 95% better at just going to the bathroom as opposed to just sniffing and playing in the world. However, I have noticed that he's going to the bathroom more frequently IN the apartment! Even if we've taken him out an hour or two before! There were times where he'd pee at least once a day from an accident, but now it's inclined to almost two peeing breaks, and a poop as well. I don't get it. He gets better at going outside, but gets worse inside... Sigh.

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Permalink Reply by Jane on December 20, 2010 at 1:12pm

He's about 4 months right? That's still very young, I wouldn't be too discouraged. I would go back to taking him out at least every hour. It's not that he can't hold it longer than that, he just doesn't understand that he's supposed to yet. I would also limit his freedom more. He shouldn't be able to run away and poop without you noticing. Keep him babygated in a certain area, or use an xpen, his crate, or even leash him to your belt loop if you can't be watching him 100% of the time.