Toilet training

[Laura-sakura]

I have a 4 month old puppy that I am trying to toilet train. 80% of the time he will go outside in the garden but I can't get him to go when i take him for walks. I take him for long walks and he becomes so agitated because hes desperate to go but he wont do it! As soon as I get him back to the house he pees on the floor...How can I teach him to go when we're on walks? I've tried waiting for him, taking him to a quiet place, telling him to go to toilet but he just circles round and round crying and jumping up on me. We were out for 40 minutes yesterday and he held it the whole time ;(

[eagleowl]

Some dogs will only go in their own garden. As he's a puppy he doesn't realise that he can go on walks. It's confusing for him. Try to get him to go before you set off and take him into the garden as soon as you get home.

As he's only 4 months 40 minutes is too long to have him out walking. His bones need to develop and long walks can be detrimental. A walk of 15-20 minutes is enough for now.

Carol

[lankeela]

Its actually much better to teach your dog to go in your own garden. Very sound advice above, let him out before you go for a walk, and take him straight back into the garden on return. Walks should be for enjoyment, socialisation and exercise, not for toilet breaks!

If you've got 80% at 4 months I'd say you were doing very well.

[Gucci Boxers]

Dogs urinate and defecate by smell?thats why 9 times out of 10 they go to the same place in your garden.When hes out he cant smell his scent so doesnt think its right to go there.May be where you want him to go but if he cant smell his own scent you could be out for hours and he still wont go!Would you just squat ANYWHERE to do your business, dont think so, well its the same for your dog!When his hormones click in about 15-18mths old he will naturally want to overscent every other male dogs urine anyway!!!40mins exercise is far too much for a growing pup?youre walking off all the goodness from his food that his body needs to use to achieve its potential growth??Several short walks would be better.

[gelda]

How are you getting on with your puppy Laura?