Hi everyone,
I’ve seen a few threads about this same issue but none of them have really given me a solution.
I have a 3-and-a-half-month-old puppy who absolutely never does his business outside and I’m starting to get worried. I think it’s only happened once or twice since I got him. I understand the basics of puppy training—essentially letting him know what’s good and what isn’t—but in these circumstances, it’s going to be hard for him to understand that he needs to go outside.
I’ve tried everything to catch him out:
- Taking him out, letting him drink when we get back in, then taking him straight back out again (which is when he usually goes).
Result: Either he manages to go in a flash before I can get him back out, or he holds it in once we're outside and waits until we're back home to go.
- Very long walks in the park or around the estate where I live with plenty of water and play.
Result: He holds it the whole time and then goes in his usual spot as soon as we get back inside.
- Pouring a bit of bleach at the foot of a tree he knows well.
Result: He sniffs the spot enthusiastically but doesn't do anything.
- Cleaning his "wee spot" with vinegar. Result: no difference.
- I’ve tried saying "go potty" every time I see him going, hoping he'll associate the command with doing his business. Result: No matter how much I repeat it once we're outside, he couldn't care less.
It’s worth noting that he manages to hold it when I leave him alone for several hours during the day in his room, only to go in his usual spot as soon as I get back. He seems to have understood the concept of house-training, just in the wrong place!
Do you have any other methods that might make a difference?
Should I scold him when I catch him going indoors?
Or do I just have to wait until he finally decides to get the hang of it?
I’m a bit at my wits' end :/
Thanks in advance for your help.
