17 week old puppy and toileting.

MaMisled · 2024-02-23T16:04:51+00:00

Hi all, a little advice needed please. We have a 17 week old Jack Russell pup and I think our efforts are paying off regarding toilet training. For 2 weeks there have only been one or two wees indoors a day and they have been completely our fault ie not popping him outside soon after hes woken up, eaten, played etc. Im wondering why he isnt letting us know he needs to go out. Hes not going towards the door or trying to get our attention in any way. 95% of the time we are having to pick him up and take him out, he wont often follow us out when we try to entice him. I havent had a puppy for 11 years, am I expecting too much?

Devilshands · 23/02/2024 16:18

You know when to take him out (as you've mentioned it in your OP) and you know the signs to look for (walking around in circles and looking shifty) so don't worry to much. Remember, all dogs are different.

Are you giving him a treat after he goes outside? Maybe a small bit of chicken or sausage? It might encourage him to go out more 🙂

Don't forget as well that the weather has been rotten and some dogs do just hate the rain! I used to have to drag one of mine out for a walk when it rained - she was a border collie so not exercising her was not an option and she'd refused to wee in the garden. Sigh.

donteatthedaisies0 · 23/02/2024 16:43

It doesn't work like that , your dog learns first that every time they are taken to the 'spot', they will learn they need to perform as they in time get the message that outside is the place where wees and poos are done , it can take a bit of time before they are asking to go out

donteatthedaisies0 · 23/02/2024 16:46

It really is on you to know your dogs routine for going , rather than the dog . Just keep taking the pup out regular .

Era · 23/02/2024 16:51

Reward reward reward.

as soon as you spot any signs go straight outside and reward with a high value treat if you have success.

it takes time though because sometimes they just can’t hold it in and don’t know how to tell us. Mine wanders around sniffing at the floor if she needs to go and we haven’t noticed her waiting patiently by the door or her little yelp

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 23/02/2024 16:52

This is the worst time of year for toilet training - dogs don't want to go outside in the mud, wind and rain to do their business if they can help it. I know plenty of adult dogs who have to be shoved outside in the winter - mine included

However if he's really not showing any sign of asking, have you thought about using a set of doggy doorbells? Every time you take him out for the toilet, ring the doorbells. Then obviously praise/treat when he toilets. He should then make the connection between ringing the bells and going outside.

Original poster

MaMisled · 23/02/2024 17:06

Devilshands · 23/02/2024 16:18

You know when to take him out (as you've mentioned it in your OP) and you know the signs to look for (walking around in circles and looking shifty) so don't worry to much. Remember, all dogs are different.

Are you giving him a treat after he goes outside? Maybe a small bit of chicken or sausage? It might encourage him to go out more 🙂

Don't forget as well that the weather has been rotten and some dogs do just hate the rain! I used to have to drag one of mine out for a walk when it rained - she was a border collie so not exercising her was not an option and she'd refused to wee in the garden. Sigh.

The weather led us to buying a huge gazebo but there are at least 4 whole feet to brave first! No, I havent been treating actually but I will start, thankyou. Refusing to wee in the garden cant have been fun to navigate! Our little chap just started weeing and poohing on walks! Thank you.

OP posts:

Original poster

MaMisled · 23/02/2024 17:07

donteatthedaisies0 · 23/02/2024 16:43

It doesn't work like that , your dog learns first that every time they are taken to the 'spot', they will learn they need to perform as they in time get the message that outside is the place where wees and poos are done , it can take a bit of time before they are asking to go out

I did wonder if I was expecting too much. Thank you.

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Original poster

MaMisled · 23/02/2024 17:09

Era · 23/02/2024 16:51

Reward reward reward.

as soon as you spot any signs go straight outside and reward with a high value treat if you have success.

it takes time though because sometimes they just can’t hold it in and don’t know how to tell us. Mine wanders around sniffing at the floor if she needs to go and we haven’t noticed her waiting patiently by the door or her little yelp

Yes, its the subtle little sniffing in circles that we are missing a few times a day I was just hoping he would at least be heading towards the door by now!

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Era · 23/02/2024 17:14

He has no incentive to go to the door. He will only want to go to the door if he works out that he gets a treat when he goes outside. Would you choose to wee outside if you could wee indoors?

Original poster

MaMisled · 23/02/2024 17:17

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 23/02/2024 16:52

This is the worst time of year for toilet training - dogs don't want to go outside in the mud, wind and rain to do their business if they can help it. I know plenty of adult dogs who have to be shoved outside in the winter - mine included

However if he's really not showing any sign of asking, have you thought about using a set of doggy doorbells? Every time you take him out for the toilet, ring the doorbells. Then obviously praise/treat when he toilets. He should then make the connection between ringing the bells and going outside.

Thank you. I have just had a quick Google and I think I will buy some. I had previously thought it would be another big thing to teach him but, as you say, if I tinkle them every time he goes out to....well, tinkle.....he will make the connection eventually wont he? At times I have been able to keep the back door open, he has gone out and I have raced after him to praise him, so he knows where to go. I just want him to work out he can control the door being open by communicating! Right, bells and treats!

Thank you all for responding.

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Era · 23/02/2024 17:23

It's worth putting them out literally as soon as they've eaten. Ive just done that with DPup. She ate, I put her straight outside and she's done both and raced back in for a liver tablet reward.

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 23/02/2024 17:24

The bells are fab and you can't miss them as easily as you can a whine or them sniffing around quietly.

If you use something high value that he only gets for going to the toilet outside, he should catch on pretty quickly. Jack Russells are smart but IME they often manage to train you rather than other way around

Original poster

MaMisled · 23/02/2024 20:28

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 23/02/2024 17:24

The bells are fab and you can't miss them as easily as you can a whine or them sniffing around quietly.

If you use something high value that he only gets for going to the toilet outside, he should catch on pretty quickly. Jack Russells are smart but IME they often manage to train you rather than other way around

I've ordered some! Wish me luck! Thank you 😊

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