At our wits end with house training our 11 week old DDB

[adele_flan]

Hi Everyone,

Could do with some advice as I'm completely at a loss with what to try next.

Our 11 week old DDB puppy, Archie was doing really well with house training in the first few weeks, going out on his own and we've been praising him like crazy and giving him treats when he goes outside and ignoring him if he has an accident and just putting him outside but it seems like we took 2 steps forward and 20 steps back.

I'm not sure if its to do with the weather (it was nice the first few weeks we had him so tended to have the door to outside, open all day and now the weather is awful, constantly raining) but we're having real problems and we're both getting really frustrated.

We have a good routine, taking him out every hour or so when we're at home with him but he just sits by the door, crying and won't go for a wee or poo outside, even when we've stood outside (in the pouring rain) encouraging him for 20-30 mins. Then as soon as we bring him inside he goes to squat, so we repeat the whole process (taking him outside and waiting) with no more success but I know he must need to go.

Eventually I'm distracted for a sec and he runs off and goes inside.

I don't know where we are going wrong as we've not been punishing him for going inside but when its raining he refuses to go outside to the toilet. When we're at home he has access to the kitchen (where he sleeps at night) and the hallway.

Anyone got any suggestions or tips/pointers on what we can try next or where we are going wrong? Help!!!

 

[Smart_Family]

Have you tried a rain coat for him? Or is there anywhere he can go where he's not in the rain?

 

[ruthcatrin]

Well, keep in mind that he's only 11weeks old. Even if you've had him since he opened his eyes (and I sure hope not) thats really not very long to instill a new behavior.

Its very common for pups to not want to "go" outside in bad weather. Don't keep him outside for extended periods when you're trying to get him to go potty. 10minutes, preferably 5. Thhen back inside. Keep the leash on him and keep him close to you using the leash. As soon as he shows signs of wanting to go, or 5-10minutes later if you believe he needs to go, take him back outside for another short span. Don't let him play. Play time is seperate. Or a reward for going potty. Continue this untill he goes. It'll require lots of attention from you, you can't take your attention off him till he goes.

 

[Smokeycat]

When I was housebreaking Jiggers we had an extremely wet spring. It rained almost everyday for nearly 3 months. He hated it. Tried to do whatever he could not to have to go outside. He loves his ball (Irish Setter x Golden Retriever) and playing fetch. I eventually started to play fetch with him while we were outside, waiting for him to potty. It distracted him from the whole 'I'm cold and wet' sensation and also stimulated him to go. It took some time but eventually he decided that rain was wonderful and not something to be avoided. Now anytime it starts to rain/snow he wants to go outside to play fetch.

 

[RissyRenee]

I agree with the above comments.
Hang in there! We got Lola, our DDB, at 9 weeks and had similar problems as it was the middle of February and VERY cold/snowy. Consistency is key however warmer weather sure does help!

 

[DennasMom]

Can you go out with an umbrella?

When we first got Denna - last May - we had a long stretch of sunny days (which is very odd for Seattle). Once it started raining, I'd go out with an umbrella to stay close to Denna during potty breaks. She stayed under the umbrella with me and did her business.

We adopted a 1 year old bulldog long ago who HATED rain... he'd go out just a few feet from the door, do his stuff #1 and/or #2, and run back to get inside... that normally left his 'business' on the patio... So, I'd do what you can now to make going outside a pleasant experience - like SmokeyCat did.

I'd follow the recommendations above, and just stay consistent and patient.

I would give a good, firm "no" when you catch him in the act (others chime in here if you think that's a bad idea)... then pick him up and place him out in the middle of the yard to finish, so you can praise...