We have a 5-6 month old lab who is house trained.  The only problem is, is that he won't go to the toilet when we go for a walk.  He waits until we get home and then goes and does his business in the garden!  I wouldn't mind but his place is at the back of the flower border and clearing it up is a bit of a chore.  Any suggestions?

Hi Mocha,

Train your puppy to go 'on cue'. This means that you must go outside with him/her everytime (which is good practice anyway at first) and just as they are about to do their stuff, say your cue (e.g. 'go busy). Do this for a quite a few weeks, until the dog understands that 'go busy' means go to the toilet. You will find this a very good cue to train your dog with, especially when you are on holiday, visiting, etc. Once the pup has gone, reward him/her with a quick walk around the block. The pup will soon learn to relieve itself quickly on cue to get its reward quicker.

This means that in a few months' time when your pup has gained more confidence to go on the fields, you can cue him/her to do so.

By the way, be thankful that your pup only goes in your garden. It means that you will not be caught out on a walk without a poop bag and I am sure society will thank you all the more for not letting your dog soil the streets or fields.

Cheers,
Patty

P.S. If you are wondering why your pup does this, then it is due to the normal lack of confidence pups have when young. It's a very common behaviour in pups. They will grow out of it, but I suggest that you take advantage of this now to train it to go on cue in your garden before going for a walk.

Gemma has always been like that.
Can go out for 10 hours and she will hold it until she gets home. Always has and she is 8 now!!!
Lea :)

My Chance was like this for several months. He grew out of it eventually. He will now do it anywhere when he is out (typical male!) ;)