new puppy cockapoo training advice needed

Hi, All:

I just brought home an 8-week cockapoo who's absolutely adorable. Her name is maggie Mae (big rod Stewart fan) and I have just a few questions for you puppy veterans out there.

First off, it's cold outside -- I'm in PA -- and it's raining and bitter out and she just shivers when I take her to her spot out back. She hates it!!! She won't go outside but does as soon as we get in the house. I catch her too late -- never in the act -- and am wondering should I keep trying? She's so pathetic shivering and so cold that I'm just wondering should I wait until it gets a little warmer to take her out or just persevere? It seems her breeder had her paper trained but she still prefers under the Christmas tree. She also hates the leash and twists and turns and fights me on it. Should I be starting to train her on a leash now at 8 weeks?

What do you think?

thanks for any help you can give me.

Jackie

 

I can totally relate your problem. I just brought home a 9 week old shihpoo I've realized that Lobo doesn't really like wet paws either, but I figured if that's where he needs to go, then that's where he needs to go - no exceptions. Maybe you could try carrying him out to the grass and set him in one spot with your leash until he goes, then give him a treat. Also, when you take him back inside, make sure you're either following him everywhere closely or have him in his crate.

About the leash, you should have him leash trained as early as possible. Lobo seems to do fine with it, but he has his stubborn moments when he just wouldn't budge. What I do is walk and crouch down on my knees as far as the leash will go then hold up a treat and call his name in a cheery tone. He usually comes walking over to me to get the treat and I praise him. I repeat this until he will just follow me. Also I remember my last dog a long time ago would twist and turn when he was on a leash (when he was a puppy) and he just kind of grew out of it. As he grew older he got used to the leash so maybe it also just takes time. Good luck with everything!

 

won't go outside even when rain stops!

thank you so much for your help. She's doing a lot better on the leash, but still won't go outside! I even catch her in the act and say "no" and rush her outside but she decides to hold it in. I put her in the crate for 20 minutes while she sceams, take her out again, watch her until she starts to go, put her outside -- and she plays and holds it in!

I don't know what to do. I even brought some poop outside and rubbed it in the leaves and she won't even look at it!

HELP!!

 

First, relax. You are doing just fine-your dog is very young and small dogs can be a bit harder to potty train than other larger breeds. I know how rfustrating it is-I have a 7 month old Lhasa and we've been potty training for 3 months! I have been insane over this and back again. Lilo has gotten so so so much better and really the only time we have a problem is when we A) don't see the signs that she has to go out or B) It's raining or wet outside. I take her out and tell her "Go Potty!" and if she goes she gets praise and a treat-if not, it's back in the crate and we'll try again in about 10 minutes. Sometimes smaller dogs don't particularly like extreme weather ie, raining, snow, etc. Have you tried potty pads yet? You can get them anywhere. Try placing them next to the door that you take her out of and praise her when she goes on them, eventually you'll want to move one of them outside(used one) and gradually get her to go just outside instead of in. Patience is the key-my trainer told me to give Lilo a solid 6 months of potty training for reliable results. In the meantime I'm just watching her body language, taking her out about 10 minutes after each meal and cleaning up a spot here and there when she has an accident. Consistency is the key and Maggie will get it don't worry-it just may take a bit. Remember, she is VERY young and she has a TINY bladder. She's not trying to be bad by going in the house-hang in there! I know how frustrating it can be, trust me...I told my trainer that sometimes the only thing saving Lilo's life is the fact that she is so darn cute! LOL