training

Hi my name is barb,and i have a new puppy. My problem is my puppy wants to pee on the floor, the back door is left open for him and he goes outside and does his business but out of the blue he'll pee on the floor. He knows he's done wrong as he will hang his and go right outside. There is allways someone home and he is walked outside every cuple of hours. He was born the first of july this year and i'm at my wits end. I don't know what else to do. Any sugestions would be helpful, he's a male black lab,boxer,mastiff and shepard mix. Thanks

Hi, pbandj. Welcome to the board.

Your puppy is still a baby and needs to be taught what to do. That means that for a while you'll have to invest some training time with him until he learns what's proper for him to do. Although he can let himself out, he doesn't really 'get' that the house is not for peeing, yet. He doesn't know he's done wrong--he just knows that you're upset without really understanding why.

For pups of his age, you need to set up a schedule. Take him out (not just allow him to let himself out, but go out with him) right after he gets up, after he eats, before and after a play session in the house, last thing at night and any time you see him giving signals that he has to go. Sometimes those signals are very subtle and hard to spot, but if you watch him closely you'll start to pick them up.

When he eliminates properly outside, quietly praise him and tell him he's a very good boy! :D He'll catch on, but it can take a few months. Patience and consistency are your best allies while training.

If you have trouble keeping up with him in the house, you may also find tethering useful. Attach a short leash to your belt and use it to keep him at your side during the day while you're at home. It'll not only help you pick up on his "I gotta go" signals, but also teach him to look to you for direction.

Listen to the wisdom of hazelrunpack.

Thanks for the info. Will try and see how it works.

fab advice HRP - very well explained!