Since we brought Alfie home 2½ weeks ago I thought that we would have to take him outside lots if it looked like he wanted to go to the toilet. We would therefore have taken him to the same spot. As it happened, he knew immediately that he had to go outside anyway so we gave him loads of praise for this.
He doesn't have a particular place in the garden that he favours, just anywhere on the grass. How do I now train him to go in a certain area? I know I have made it harder by not doing it from day one. As he still has the occasional accident in the house I don't want to suddenly not treat him for going outside unless it's in the correct place. Any ideas? Thanks.

I would think you're being very successful already - although I trained my dog to "poo" in one place by just letting weeds grow there and hiding one or two biscuits in the long grass!! But to be fair, my dog is 4 (rescue dog) so maybe he is more switched on than a pup (I'm assuming your dog is a pup). I can always tell when my dog is going to "do the stuff" so I just wheech him into the right place and after a few of those he realised where was the right place to do the toilet. You haven't made any mistakes - when you go outside with your dog I would just guide him to the place, treat him and when he performs treat again. If he tries to go elsewhere guide him back, if too late - no treat. They learn!! Hope it helps.

CG

I'd leave him to it. As long as he's not leaving 'canine landmines' on the garden path i wouldn't be too worried.
The accidents indoors will stop in time as his bladder muscles become stronger and he can hold it until toilet time.
I still let my 4 month old pup out every 20 mins - half hour. She can hole it that long but i'm not risking it just yet.
Good luck with him!
caz xxx