We use expens for different areas, including inside, outside and in the garage. Recently my puppy has begun going potty in the inside expen. What should I do?

Hi Cindy,

I made a mistake with the potty training with my new pup. I had 3 ex pens for her, one outside for a potty area, one in the garage for middle of the night trips (necessary because I don't go out in the middle of the night due to wildlife and bear that visit our deck) and one in the kitchen area for containment.

I either have my 9 week old tethered to me, in her crate or in the pen. I follow all the housebreaking rules as best I can.

Here is the problem. Due to wetness in the yard I had to change her potty area and I now walk her in the open part of the yard. She hates this and most of the time won't go even after 30 minutes. Bringing her back in and then back out sometimes works. I am hoping that she starts getting the idea soon.

I do use the pen in the garage with pee pads for the middle of the night trips-not my favorite but don't have any other ideas. Since moving her to the walking area rather than an ex pen outside she has decided that it is okay, if fact preferable to potty in the ex pen inside the house. I think that she has made the association that the pen is where she is supposed to go. She goes almost as soon as I put her on the floor much like she did in the outside area. I do watch her and if she starts to make the going motions I take her out and some of the time she will go.

I put her in her crate but she will also go there. When she goes outside there is much praise and good food rewards. This problem started since I changed the outside area. Do you think I should remove the ex pen from the inside and try again at a later date since it seems as though she has made the association with potty and pen?

Thanks much,
Patricia

PS. Loving all the Michael Ellis DVDs and I do really enjoy the new 8 to 8 DVD. I also want to thank you again for the videos of you and Endy.

Sami can now sit on command and we a learning the touch pads. Great fun for her. I am also watching your luring with Endy and trying to with Sami. She loves the game. Training with food makes it all fun and easier.