Dog Training II

[doogie]

OK... I have a 5 month old Golden Retriever that I've been crate training since I brought her home last May. She has NEVER gone in the crate - so, as far as that is concerned - I guess it worked great. BUT... whenever she is out of the crate and in the house - she just goes potty whenever she has to... wherever she is... living room, dining room... just goes. I can't seem to stop her. The only way is to ask her if she has to go potty about every 30 mins... if you bring her out every half hr, she will go to her spot and go... but if you don't ask her, she just goes in the house. What am I doing wrong? Why doesn't she go to the door and let me know she has to go? Anyone else ever see this?

[doogie]

Sorry - I posted this twice... I got an error when I posted it the 1st time - I didn't think it went through.

[Dawn]

The purpose of crate training is to keep them in the crate when you are not right there with them. So, if she's out of the crate, you will probably need to take her out every 30 minutes until she gets the hang of it. You can either, keep her in the crate unless you're right there with her. Or you can begin taking her out every 30 minutes. Maybe move it up 5 or so minutes every week. So the second week, take her out every 35 minutes. The third week, take her out every 40 minutes. She'll get the hang of it.

[doogie]

So... this is normal? I wasn't sure if she was doing something that is not expected... she is my first dog...

[Dawn]

It is normal. It's not exactly how crate training should work. I think you might have gone about it a bit wrong. Just remember that if you aren't there to watch her to make sure she doesn't go in the house, put her in her crate. Always take her out right after she eats. It also seems that most dogs will need to go right after they have a bath. If you want her out of the crate but need to do other things around the house, take a leash of about 6 feet, tie it around your waist, and attach your dog to the other end. This way, you can still keep an eye on her, you get to spend time with your dog, and you can do whatever you need to do.

[doogie]

Well, she is in the crate when I'm not home or if I'm busy and can't be in the room with her... the only time she is allowed to walk around the house is when I'm watching her.... but, she is so fast, I'll be watching her and she'll squat down in 1 second and start peeing like its nothing... I try to grab her and get her to go outside, but by then its too late.

[Angel]

Doogie: I just wanted to let you know I understand exactaly how you feel. I have a 7 month old toy poodle. It took awhile to potty train her. She still has accidents sometimes but for the most part she runs outside and does her business. You are doing everything right. Just make sure you are watching her at all times. I know it seems impossible, believe me I have been there. I thought Angel would never get the hang of it. Thank God she did. I know it sucks to have to take her outside ever 30 minutes, but believe me it's worth it. The big thing that helped Angel with potty training was getting a doggie door. I dont know if you have one, if not you should get one. This will allow the puppy to go outside and potty. Also make sure you are cleaning the spots were the accidents happen. That is something I still need to get better at. If they smell there messes then they will go there again. Just remember that they grow out of this and you will have a wonderful companion. There for awhile I was wondering if I made a mistake by getting a dog, but after she became potty trained and recently became housetrained, I dont know what I would do without her. It takes time and believe me your not alone in this. Crate training is the best thing you can do for your pup. I hope I helped you in some way. If you have any other questions just ask. Im not perfect but I'm here to give and get advice.

[Angel]

Thought I would add a few more things. Make sure that you make a routine. Take the pup out right after eating, playing, sleeping, and any activities. When going outside say something like "Go outside" and when your out there say something like "Go potty". When the pup does go potty say good girl/boy and give a treat. This will show the pup that its a good thing to go outside. Make sure if you catch the pup in the act inside the house say NO and pick her up and take her outside and say "Go potty OUTSIDE". Never scold for going in the house. Just be serious when saying no. You dont want the pup to think she will get in trouble if she goes potty in front of you. They dont understand that your mad that they went in the house. Then you might have a problem of the pup going in areas where you cant see her.

Hope things get better for you soon!

[DogExpert]

Boy Angel you sure are doing well so far! Great job and keep it up!

[fullhouse9873]

I'm in the process of potty training my husky pup. I also crate him when I'm gone - but I've found that by sectioning him off in smaller parts of the house - that he won't go potty inside. It's almost like a slightly larger crate to him. I use baby gates to make little areas in the house - then I've been gradually making his areas a little bigger. It's working for the most part (you've got to expect some accidents - they're only babies).

I know how you feel. My pit mix was potty trained in less than a day - my husky seems to be taking FOREVER! Just don't beat yourself up about it - all dogs are different - just like people. They all learn at a different pace.