I brought home 2 5-month old mini schnauzers last week. Within the first two days Lena did great pottying outside. I praised her like crazy and she really seemed to get it. The only time she'd potty inside was during the night in her 4x4 pen. The other girl, Lucy, doesn't seem to comprehend going outside at all. If I could see her go potty outside just once I think she would catch on because she's really, really smart. Today I think Lucy's bad habit wore off on Lena, because they both pottied in the house 8 times!!!
I know this isn't the best idea, but for the first 6 days I allowed them to run in and out of the house all day long by keeping the door to the backyard open. Once inside, they're limited to the kitchen area. The problem is, they come inside to pee and poop! I have a doggie door in the kitchen and I taught them both to use it today. They ran in and out the doggie door all day long, but still came inside to do their business.
This evening I bought them a crate in order to keep them more confined while inside. My plan is to place the open crate up against the doggie door so that they're either in their crate or they can go through their doggie door to go outside. What I'd like to know is whether this will teach them to potty outside.
What do you think? Will they just go in the house once they're allowed more freedom? Thanks in advance for your opinions.
I know this isn't the best idea, but for the first 6 days I allowed them to run in and out of the house all day long by keeping the door to the backyard open. Once inside, they're limited to the kitchen area. The problem is, they come inside to pee and poop! I have a doggie door in the kitchen and I taught them both to use it today. They ran in and out the doggie door all day long, but still came inside to do their business.
This evening I bought them a crate in order to keep them more confined while inside. My plan is to place the open crate up against the doggie door so that they're either in their crate or they can go through their doggie door to go outside. What I'd like to know is whether this will teach them to potty outside.
What do you think? Will they just go in the house once they're allowed more freedom? Thanks in advance for your opinions.