Puppies that young can't really hold it very long- when they have to go, they have to go
now. So you have to spend a few days in intense training, taking your dog outside every time after he eats, plays or sleeps, and also once or twice during the night. You have to be there with him and whenever he finally poos or pees, praise the heck out of him! When he has an accident indoors, don't scold or punish him at all, just clean it up.
I've read that it helps if you hang a bell on your doorknob, and you always shake the bell every time before you take him outside. That way he'll get used ti that and will ring the bell himself when he needs to go out, rather than just scratching up your door. The bell's easier to hear and notice, too. Always take him out through the same door if you have more than one outside door. It's best if you use a side door always for taking him to the toilet, and the front door for when you want to take him for walks: that way he'll associate the side door with going potty.
Just take him out to the place that you want him to use for his CR and leave him there for maybe 10 minutes while you watch him. If he hasn't done his business in 10 minutes, bring him back inside and try again in half an hour. Don't play with him or anything- let him learn that these trips are for pottying, not play sessions.
If you catch him starting to poo or pee indoors, and he's still in the act, grab him and carry him outside, set him down, and praise him. Sooner or later he'll make the connection between relieving himself outside in his spot and praise from you.
We started our dog by training her to use some newspapers on the floor next to the door, with the idea that that would at least get her used to going over by the door when she needs to go potty. We didn't want to take her outside a lot until she'd had all her shots. Unfortunately she's learned too well, and she always holds it until she gets back inside.
Originally Posted by motterj
Puppies that young can't really hold it very long- when they have to go, they have to go now. So you have to spend a few days in intense training, taking your dog outside every time after he eats, plays or sleeps, and also once or twice during the night. You have to be there with him and whenever he finally poos or pees, praise the heck out of him! When he has an accident indoors, don't scold or punish him at all, just clean it up.
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