[mgaczynski]

Hello!

I recently adopted an 8 week old Labrador Retriever and we are currently working on potty training. I've been reading ton's of articles about best practices, and I have been trying hard to stick to a rigid schedule. I've also decided to bell train her for when she needs to go out. We still have an accident or two a day right now, which is fine and somewhat expected, but the issue I'm really looking for help with is her focus when she's outside trying to do her business. From the minute we step foot outside she has her head down and her nose on and is constantly looking for something to put into her mouth. The most common ones are grass, pebbles/rocks found in the grass, leaves, or pieces of mulch. I live in an apartment building, so our options for where to go out are limited, and no matter where I take her she will find something to put into her mouth. I'd love to be able to take her out, have her do her business, and then enjoy some time outdoors, but I'm worried that her focus is a big issue when it comes to being able to potty train her (not to mention risky, as she could ingest something harmful if I'm not watching her every second). She's also very stubborn and won't listen to me when I tell her to 'drop it' or 'leave it', and I end up having to scoop it out of her mouth with my fingers, but she's learning how to clench her jaw so even that is becoming more difficult for me to do.

Any advice on how to get her to stop trying to eat everything in sight and focus on going to the bathroom? Anything would be appreciated!!

Thank you in advance!

 

[LeoRose]

Welcome to owning a retriever puppy. Any and everything goes in the mouth. And she's not being stubborn, she's being a baby. At only 8 weeks, she has no earthly idea what "drop it" or "leave it" means.

Give her lots of puppy safe things to chew and play with, and teach her to drop things.

This video shows teaching it with toys.

This one shows how to do it with food.

And a longer version of teaching to drop things.

 

[briteday]

Be patient, really patient. It's one of the parts of puppy parenting I do not like...waiting. After a bit you will know her rhythms, how long after a meal she needs to go, etc. And I would choose one spot to go to every time so your dog learns what is expected when you go there. Once she does business, and you throw an immediate party with high value treats, then you can take her to another place if you want, to play.

 

[Lillith]

Ditch the idea of bell training for now, she's too young to even know that potty happens outside. It will make your life a little less complicated.

When you go outside for a potty break, make sure pup is on leash. Pick a really boring spot, like a plain grassy spot with not much to look at. Stand there. Wait. Be boring as heck. Puppy will get bored of exploring in a six foot circle, and generally they will eventually potty. Praise puppy and reward with yummy treats! Have a little party! Then, after business is attended to, puppy is allowed to explore. If she happens to potty while she's exploring, too, make sure to praise and reward!

At 8 weeks old, puppy has no idea what drop it means, and puppies explore with their mouths. LeoRose offered some great resources to teach you how to do this. Try not to pry things out of puppy's mouth, because that may lead to resource guarding. I know sometimes you have to in an emergency, but try to carry delicious treats that you can trade for whatever the pup has. Honestly, grass and leaves are the least of my concerns with a puppy! They're digestible! Let her chomp on them, and she'll likely get bored and move to something more concerning, haha!