My puppy holds it in outside and waits until she's back in the flat

?
Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
Report

I'm posting here out of sheer desperation really ^^

I've read loads of forums and advice on this, but I've tried everything and I'd really like to get your take on it.

Just over a month ago, I got a little Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and I absolutely adore her.

She's very bright and within just a month she already knows all the basic commands (sit, in your bed, fetch, no...)

The problem is that since we got her, she hasn't done a single wee or poo outside! We've tried everything: taking her out every hour, walking her for 5 or 6 hours to try and force it, we even tried puppy training spray, but nothing works. She holds it in while we're out and then does her business the second we get home!

We live on the 4th floor without a lift, but that doesn't stop us from taking her out 10 times a day if we have to. However, we don't have a garden, so it's a bit more of a trek.

Lots of people tell me she's too young (she's nearly 4 months old), or that I should give her loads of praise when she goes outside, but she never goes outside so I can't exactly praise her! Long walks don't help either... anyway, if you can give me some answers or advice, I'd really appreciate it because my partner and I are at our wits' end^^

Just so you know, we've got puppy pads at home, which she uses about 1 in 4 times, and she refuses to poo in the same spot she wees, so it's already quite a struggle.

Thanks in advance!!!

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

12 answers
Sort by:
  • Show previous comments
    • ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
    Expert verified
    Report

    Good evening,

    Your puppy is at the right age to be house-trained now. I also think you should get rid of the puppy pads.

    The first thing to do if she goes inside right after coming back from a walk is to tell her off. Try to catch her in the act and give her a telling-off in a deep, firm voice if she does her business in front of you. You should then take her outside immediately. However, if you don't actually catch her doing it, don't scold her because she won't make the connection.

    The best approach would be to take her for 10-minute walks every two hours and keep a close eye on her at home in between to catch her if she tries to go inside. Also, when you take her out, don't over-stimulate her so she stays focused on doing her business. If she does go outside, make sure to praise her in a high-pitched, happy voice and maybe give her a bit of dry food as a reward.

    It takes patience, but she should be house-trained by the time she's about 5 or 6 months old.

    Hope this helps.

    Pauline

    Translated from French
    Jador
    Jador Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Puppy pads only end up delaying house-training. Your puppy just won't be able to get his head round it. Is he supposed to go inside or outside?? At the end of the day, he doesn't actually understand what you’re trying to achieve. When you take him out, is he relaxed? Does he enjoy himself? What kind of surface are you taking him onto? Does he get to go off the lead and sniff around as much as he likes? Does he get to hang out with other dogs? Has he had a bit of a scare at any point while out and about? Are you relaxed yourself, or are you putting him under pressure?
    Translated from French

  • 12 comments out of 12

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more