Our puppy (almost 3 months) was in the process of being housebroken and was coming along nicely until one day he had an accident in front of the door where he usually goes to let us know he has to go outside. Since then, he has figured out that if he goes to that door and pees, we will let him outside. He doesn't wait anymore at all. He will just walk to the door and pee right away. We have been taking him outside right after he pees but he usually is no longer interested in doing any business; he just wants to run around and eat sticks and rocks and whatnot (which is a whole other issue). Does anyone have any suggestions on how we can break him from this habit? It seems like taking him directly outside after he pees is only reinforcing his habit of peeing in front of the door.
Pees in front of door in order to be let outside
- Thread starter jennimon
- Start date
- Status
shadowlk
Boxer Buddy
Layla (5 months) was in the same exact scenario. I was so proud of her getting housebroken smoothly when that habit began. All it took was a few moments of me catching her RIGHT when she started and I raised my voice at her with a stern NO, picked her up and put her on the grass area and said goooood. This happened only a few times and more enforcement by giving her praise when she urinated in the right spots, coupled with keeping track of when she needs to go to limit her chances of urinating from desperation.
So yeah don't worry just follow similar steps to those and whatever else you were doing prior to that habit and it should be fine.
So yeah don't worry just follow similar steps to those and whatever else you were doing prior to that habit and it should be fine.
Cami
Boxer Insane
Spend a few days watching him like a hawk so you will know when he is heading to the door. Once he starts in that direction (whether he has to go potty or not), put him on a leash and walk him out saying whatever your trigger word(s) are "outside potty, go potty, etc). Once he goes potty, praise/treat. If not given the chance to FAIL he will learn much quicker NOT to potty at the door but on the other side of it!
The majority of males will utilize any chance to potty outside (females not so much). He needs to know that while outside the first order of business is to DO his "business" and no play until that feat has been taken care of, hence the leash.
You know he is capable of this so it won't be a long term thing.
The majority of males will utilize any chance to potty outside (females not so much). He needs to know that while outside the first order of business is to DO his "business" and no play until that feat has been taken care of, hence the leash.
You know he is capable of this so it won't be a long term thing.
ehayes21
Boxer Insane
At three months old you cannot even begin to expect them to understand the housebreaking process. YOU need to be the one anticipating his needs, before he has to run to the door.
That means regular potty breaks outside, every hour on the hour and of course after waking, eating, playing, etc...This is regardless if you think he has to go or not. The more opportunity you give him to go outside the better. I might also employ some tasty treats to reward him with the second he's finished going. That said you need to be there on every potty trip.
Just be consistent and realize that housebreaking doesn't happen overnight. Most pups don't even start to grasp the concept until about 6-9 months of age. Until then it's up to you to make sure they are successful. Good luck!
- Status