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We have a 9 week old black lab who we’ve had for almost 2 weeks. He’s been getting better each day and was doing pretty good about potty training for a while there but in the past few days he’s had a couple accidents again. 2 days ago I caught him just about to poop and was luckily able to pick him up before anything came out, and he’s also peed inside twice since then. We were just outside for quite a while, he went poop out there but wouldn’t go pee, so I decided to come in for a bit and keep a close eye on him since the weather outside was turning to shit, and in the time it took for me to close the play pen gate he peed on the floor.

I just feel a little discouraged, like he’s lost some progress or something. None of it is his fault obviously so I feel like it’s on me. Sometimes we will be outside for an hour+ and it seems like he won’t go pee because he’s distracted by stuff. I’ll set him down in the same spot in the yard and he’ll just walk away and go back to the door or find a toy to chew on. Should I really just stand out there with him until he goes? Even if it takes forever? I should also mention that I usually take him out without a collar, harness or leash on. Would putting his harness and leash on him help at all?

My puppy sleeps 18-20 hrs a day in both an x-pen and crate. She does well in both. Should I be intentionally leaving her in either of those spaces even more to help prevent separation anxiety? Ex: I normally go to the store, work, etc. during her enforced nap periods, but should I be leaving her in the crate/ pen in addition to those naps? It just seems like a lot of crate time.

Hello! We just rescued a 4mo Shepard Terrier mix a few days ago and he's an absolute cutie. He loves to play, seems very smart and is doing great with his crate. He sleeps in his crate overnight with no issues (shocked actually) and he chooses to hang out in it during the day (absolutely thrilled).

Our only challenge is going to be housebreaking. He was in a shelter that doesn't walk the pups, so I'm surprised he is pretty good on the leash. He's been inconsistent with his eliminations, and I know it's only been 3 days. I tried to start a "schedule" today, but it already hasn't stuck.

He seems to want to only go inside (we do not use pads) and are encouraging outside potty only. I've even cleaned up his pee, brought it outside and squeezed it in the area where I'm trying to have him start to learn. that's his designated potty area. That hasn't worked yet. I'm providing him with treats when appropriate. Aunt starting to try one command which is just sit. I'm using the word potty as a general term for when I want him to go outside, but open to all suggestions.

I know we're only a few days in, but if there's anything I should really be on the lookout for besides physical cues that would be great. I'm trying to bring him out as often as possible just to get him familiar with being on the leash and the area where I want him to go to the bathroom. I've been watching videos and reading some literature, but while most information is pretty consistent across the board, there are a few things I'm reading that seem contradictory. I know every dog is different but I'm sure there's got to be some overlap. I'm sure some of it will just be my patience kicking in, or just that I'm anxious for him to start to go outside, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Today we had a pretty big success with napping. He's a 6 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and we've had him since he was 8 weeks old. Of course we've had him on enforced naps. At first we had him at an hour to an hour and a half and have been slowly spacing them out. Well, today I was down in the kitchen making Phó and it took a good few hours for me to even get the broth going. He was running between spending time with me and with my husband and playing with the other dogs. With about an hour left before I had to add the aromatics he comes down settles on his downstairs bed and fell right asleep. This is the first time he's settled with out being in his kennel and I'm so proud of him! I really hope that this is going to a habit he grows into soon. he's already potty trained and I would love for him to have freedom to his bed like my other two dogs. Wish me luck with him. and thanks for reading. i just really wanted to share the good news with someone.