Question
My partner and I recently got a border collie puppy (8 weeks when we got her, 11 weeks now) and since we got her she has been having fairly regular accidents inside (as young puppies do). We have been trying to housetrain her. We have been:
- Taking the puppy out regularly, usually on/around the hour, every hour, unless she is sleeping (then we go as soon as she wakes up)
- We have been taking her outside every time she goes to the door and sits by the door (in the hopes that she links this behaviour with going out and going potty)
- We have been rewarding her with praise (good girls and chest rubs) and treats when she goes outside
- We have been ignoring 'accidents' inside and quietly cleaning them up (as we were worried that the cleaning up noise was rewarding her)
However, over the last 2-3 days her accidents have gone from being a once a day thing to 6-8 times a day thing. Now just about every time she urinates she does so inside (in a bunch of different spots in the house). We are at a something of a loss and we are really having a hard time not showing our frustration with the situation as it seems to be getting out of control.
Can you help us?
Some additional information: She is great at nighttime, she manages 5-6 hours without any problem in her crate. Also, she is currently having some major issues with chewing/eating things outside (I don't know how that might be related, but it might be, I guess). And, lastly, other than at nighttime (and about an hour before bed) she has constant access to her water. She tends to eat slowly, so she basically free feeds (not by our choice). Once again, I don't know how that could be related, but it might be, I guess.
Answer
With all my dogs the only option I ever found that actually worked was to simply take the puppy, place her at the accident and firmly address it with your "No" word. I don't know why people always seem to say that ignoring it and just cleaning it up does anything, your dog won't make the link that this is a bad thing. And if the accidents are increasing, it certainly doesn't mind doing it's bussiness in his "home" territory.
For me this approach worked within a week or 2. I pick up my puppy, place it near the accident, point at the accident so she has attention on it and just address her with the usual "What's this? No! Bad!" and such. Take them out right after to see if they have to do anything more, so you can reward it outside instead. It might sound silly, but hey, it's worked for a Border Collie, Alaskan Malemute and a Maltese-Poodle mix.
Ofcourse very excitedly reward doing it's bussiness outside with cheerful attitude and treats if they are on hand.
Answered By - Kevin Peters