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83851

Housebreaking Help

Kimberly on Training - Mon, March 10 2008

I have a very smart boxer/labrador mix puppy that is about 3 months old. She has already learned sit, speak, shake, down, stay (limited) and come. Except for the fact that she comes to the word "cheese" instead of come. But, whatever, it works. Anyway, she is doing very well on housetraining, but has developed a problem. She's very good at scratching at the door...but now she does this AFTER she potties in my house. I know that she makes the connection, but how do I change this association around? We watch her closely and take her out when we see that she needs to go. She does her business and comes back in, but she rarely poops outside. She comes in, does her business out of my sight, then goes to the door and scratches and cries. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Connie on Mar 10 at 08:32 AM

69799

Are you cleaning up where she poops with a good cleaner that helps remove all the ordors that only the dog can smell?

She may just think that is the place to go.

You may just need to catch her going outside as often as you can and praising her tons, so she gets the connection.

Debbie on Mar 10 at 08:39 AM

110326

TONS of praises when she poops outside. She's a smart puppy and seems to have learned the wrong thing just a quickly as the good! Take treats out with you. As soon as she's done make a huge deal of it. She'll catch on.

Kris on Mar 10 at 11:45 AM

103897

I watched this show on Animal Planet the other night that had a similar situation. What that person did was get something they call an umbilical cord so the owner and the pet were physically connected. When the dog started showing signs of needing to potty (sniffing, scratching), the owner was right there and took her out immediately. When they were outside, the dog was praised for pottying outside and given a treat. The trainer said to make sure you use the word while they're doing the act. For example, when the puppy is peeing, say "good girl for pee-peeing" or something like that. Hope that helps and good luck!

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