Housebreaking
Any advice to get a 9 week old puppy to go potty outside versus playing? First week of housebreaking was fine?
We have had our pomeranian puppy since he was 8 weeks. The first week of housetraining seemed more effective than the beginning of this week. He used to go outside and potty right away, now all he does is play. I have tried putting him on a leash but that just makes it worse. He just struggles and fights me and still does not potty. After numerous times tonight he eventually pooped inside…grrr!
Any advice would be appreciated.
I’ve known Pommies to be stubborn and insistent to do their own thing, but you MUST be consistent in training. I know it’s difficult and can wear down your nerves, but starting potty training for your pup early can be advantageous.
When I was training my Boston Terrier pup (also a stubborn breed) a few months ago, I’d feed him, then take him outside. Predictably all he wanted to do was play. Puppies at 9 weeks of age do only 4 actions: eat, poop/pee, play, sleep. That’s it.
When you take your pup out, that’s all he’ll want to do; but I guarantee you, taking him out after a meal will be more, er…. productive. ;-D Eventually, he will potty.
Make sure you make a big deal out of it. Celebrate this wonderful event in his day like he’s just scored a winning touchdown. Get him very excited that he did a ‘poopy’ or did a ‘potty’. (Girly/high cutesy voices seem to help too!) Treats help immensely. Most dogs are highly motivated by food.
** Do this every time he goes potty. Be CONSISTENT. Sometimes I didn’t feel cheerful at all when walking my pup in below freezing temperatures, but I made sure that he knew that pooping outside was a good thing each time he did it! 
As to leash training, patience and consistency will win out.
How to House Train a Puppy : How to Clean Up Puppy Accidents : Tips for Housebreaking Puppies
Related posts:
