[Narcof]

Hi,

Layla our 5 month old black lab/akita cross puppy, is much loved, but causing us some worry and tension due to our potty training still not being effective.

We've tried paper on the floor, very regular trips outside, correction, reinforcement, and most other methods discussed here in these forums (with the exception of crate training - since we've not been able to find a crate we can afford yet).

However, as soon as we take our eyes off her, (and despite what many say you CANNOT be vigilant 24 hours a day) she'll go potty in the house somewhere she shouldn't (number 1 and number 2). This happens, even if she's only just got back inside from a trip outside, and even if we were convinced she was "empty" having watched her do both, then come and sit by me which is how she says she's ready to come back in. She always gets praise, for doing what she's meant to do out there, and never fails, always uses the same spot to do it too.

I take her outside at least every 2 hours, plus when she wakes up, her food supply is not excessive, and she is not showing signs of ill-health. Can anyone advise of what may be causing her to do this and not take in the training that we're trying to give her?

Thanks

[Mdawn]

First off, Welcome to DF!

Now to your situation. I'd get a crate as soon as you are able. I swear that I'll never do without a crate again...it has worked wonders for me.

Does your puppy have unlimited access to your home? You can be watchful almost all the time IF you have a crate. When the puppy isn't with you, the puppy is in the crate. Also, you can leash your puppy to you so you will always be around to take the her outside if you notice that she needs to go.

Also, you need an enzyme cleaner such as Nature's Miracle. Remember, just because WE can't smell it, doesn't mean THEY can't. If they can smell where they have went before, it reinforces them to go there again. Its like temptation to them.

When my youngest dog was a puppy, I took him out every hour on the hour when I was home. If I wasn't home, he was in the crate. At night, I set the alarm to take him out every 2 to 3 hours. He had a few accidents but was potty trained in no time. Also, I took up his water at about 7:30-8:00 pm to help him over night.

Hope this helps.

[Narcof]

Thanks. Yea, we'd love to get a crate too, soon as we can. Until then we keep her tethered near where we sit so she's always where we can see her and interact with her. We've been using Nature's Miracle, just seems to keep moving her to using a new spot each time :/

Having said that, Layla had a really good night and hasn't made any messes and that's despite us falling asleep without taking her out for a few hours.

[Mdawn]

Also, sticking to a feeding schedule helps because it will give you an indication of when she will need to go out. You'll start to see a pattern of when she'll need to go. Always take her out after eating or drinking and after playing.

[kobe3001]

How does her stool look? Maybe you need to have her checked out by a vet even if she looks fine. Especially if she is going so frequently.
Crating is definitely a good idea.