I have a 15 week old Kerry Blue Pup, Rhea, and she is very slow on the uptake with toilet training. We got her at 8 weeks, and initially she seemed ok, and was learning. Now she just goes wherever she feels and is v.reluctant to go in the garden for any extensive period of time. We have another dog, Rocky (Airedale) who's 10 and great, I thought because he is good that she may follow his example but no such luck! Initially I was tapping her nose and putting her out in the garden, but she started to be so upset I'm was worried I was breaking her character and am a bit stuck now on suggestions. Help????????

Clairemarie

This happens with a lot of puppies around about this time with them starting to teeth etc. I tend to just go back to basics and put them out after waking and meals and after some boisterous play, when they do go outside they get praised etc.

Don't forget that she will be in a certain amount of pain with her teeth and we all know how pain causes 'brain fog' in humans so imagine what it must be like for a puppy.

Schip is giving you good advice, Clairemarie. And 4 months is still quite young. With patience and lots of praise when she gets it right, things will gradually improve and you'll wonder what you worried about !
Good luck :)
Joyce

Rhea, dont lose heart my young Freddieviera was just like that he hatred paper
and I thought the penny would never drop ,but as soon as he got out walking in a matter
of two weeks he was clean and he is only 5 months now! But would just like to say you have two
of my favourite dog's keep thinking positive the pup will come good [promise]

Pat xx

Make sure that when you clear up after the pup, you use a cleaning brand specifically for cleaning up after dogs - other products may contain ammonia and therefore send a message of "it's OK to go here" to the pup

It's best to take the pup out after sleep, meals etc rather than put out, or leave out, as the pup won't be sure why it is out there and also you will miss a good opportunity to praise for good behaviour.

Do you try giving a little treat as the pup goes outside?

Good luck, don't worry it will get better ;)

LIndsay