I just got a golden retriever puppy that is almost 8 weeks old.
I read a lot about potty training and decided to not confine him to a crate in the process.
When I am home I watch him very closely and let him out every 30-45 min or anytime I think he needs to potty like after meals, after naps after playing etc... The first day there were accidents because I didn't pick up on his cues fast enough but yesterday was the second day and there were no accidents. So far he has slept through the nights so there is no problem at night. so iit looks like I have a plan that works well for the times that I am home.
The problem is what to do when I'm not home. Currently I fenced off a 4 by 6 area in the garage and covered it in pee pads. Left water, bed and toys and the puppy in that area. I read that once he starts making a habit of peeing in a certain area that I should slowly reduce the area that is padded and he will start going on the pad only. This sounds good to me but my question is, is this confusing?
On one hand I am teaching him to go outside to potty and on the other hand I'm telling him its ok to potty indoors. On paper but indoors nonetheless.
Will he get to the point where he knows the difference? I want him to someday be able to tell me he needs to go out when im home, and know to go on the pad when I can't be there to let him out.
This is my first puppy and I want to do it right, so if you have better methods please tell me...
I read a lot about potty training and decided to not confine him to a crate in the process.
When I am home I watch him very closely and let him out every 30-45 min or anytime I think he needs to potty like after meals, after naps after playing etc... The first day there were accidents because I didn't pick up on his cues fast enough but yesterday was the second day and there were no accidents. So far he has slept through the nights so there is no problem at night. so iit looks like I have a plan that works well for the times that I am home.
The problem is what to do when I'm not home. Currently I fenced off a 4 by 6 area in the garage and covered it in pee pads. Left water, bed and toys and the puppy in that area. I read that once he starts making a habit of peeing in a certain area that I should slowly reduce the area that is padded and he will start going on the pad only. This sounds good to me but my question is, is this confusing?
On one hand I am teaching him to go outside to potty and on the other hand I'm telling him its ok to potty indoors. On paper but indoors nonetheless.
Will he get to the point where he knows the difference? I want him to someday be able to tell me he needs to go out when im home, and know to go on the pad when I can't be there to let him out.
This is my first puppy and I want to do it right, so if you have better methods please tell me...