We've been doing really well for three and a half weeks, but Sunday morning I messed up and left Jake loose and unsupervised while I took a shower before church. I took him out to make sure he urinated at his usual spot, then put out his food in the kitchen and went in to take a shower. When I came out he had urinated in the living room Obviously he wasn't ready for that much time on his own. I know he didn't have to go... I had just taken him out and he went in three or four spots as usual.

We'll go back to crating and tethering, but how long do we do this for? I had been leaving him loose for short periods of time (for a week and a half) and he was doing well. This is a bit of a set-back. I'm confused as to how we finally test him? If I crate and tether, he never has the chance to mess up. That's great, but will I be doing this for life? or will I eventually be able to leave him loose in the house while I'm in another room or even while I'm gone for work? Is there a step I'm missing?

How old is he?

Two and three-quarters. I think he'll be three in July. Have had him since Feb. 07 (little over a year).

Oh, that's right. He's an adult.

Well, 3 weeks or so for an untrained adult is good progress, imo. Was this time left alone longer than the other times you mentioned?

A little bit, yes; also some of the other times we had just returned from a walk where he really empties out. Maybe I'm just not giving him enough time to completely relieve himself when we just go to the yard? I've been trying to make the beginning of a walk a "potty break" more in the yard, rather than during the walk also...

Another thought- with the problems I'd been having in the past, he'd be fine for a month, and then I'd find a puddle, then another month would go by, another puddle. Someone suggested that maybe he didn't have an incentive to go outside; should I try upping the level of treat for potty breaks? would it hurt regardless?

 Quote: carolyn pike

A little bit, yes; also some of the other times we had just returned from a walk where he really empties out. Maybe I'm just not giving him enough time to completely relieve himself when we just go to the yard? I've been trying to make the beginning of a walk a "potty break" more in the yard, rather than during the walk also...

Another thought- with the problems I'd been having in the past, he'd be fine for a month, and then I'd find a puddle, then another month would go by, another puddle. Someone suggested that maybe he didn't have an incentive to go outside; should I try upping the level of treat for potty breaks? would it hurt regardless?

If the beginning of the walk is a potty break, does he not get a chance at the end?

I ask this because all of mine have to go after a walk. Meals, playing, drinks, and walks are all potty triggers (or can be).

Also, when it's just a trip to the yard, can you take him to a pre-pottied spot, using your word?

There might be a little brain-click still not made that "outside; oh, I'd better potty now." I know you said that he had just been outside peeing all over, but if he had been marking his perimeter, and not really emptying, as you say, then he might have needed a nudge that "this is pee time, right now."

Are you using a word when he goes and you mark and reward? Does he respond to a word? If not, then I would start that. (Ed, for example, says "good outside," I think I recall on a podcast. I say "good potty," making sure the dog knows what it means and that it's good.)

I even have one (I have mentioned before) who stands and looks at me outside until I say "potty," and then he trots off to do it. I don't know why; he's the only one. But they all know the word and they all do it when they hear it. This is a good thing to start now rather than in the snow or rain of winter when you're waiting for him to go.

BTW, think back and reflect on the HUGE progress he has made. You too.

Thanks Connie for all of the help and advice and hand-holding .

In response to some of your questions:

To be honest I never really thought about giving them a potty break at the end of the walk! Jake in particular is usually empty by the time we get home. By empty I mean we walk in the yard, he goes to his tree and tries to urinate, but nothing comes out. I thought this was because his bladder was empty. Should I be concerned? maybe that there's a health issue? or is this normal?

I have been starting to say 'do your business' when we go to their tree, but it hasn't made the connection yet (I don't think). It sounds like I really need to step that process up. My thinking was that eventually if I can get them to urinate on command, then I can start moving the whole procedure to the backyard, where I'd like it to be.

Just curious, I've never ever had one of them defecate in the house when it wasn't related to an upset stomach. In addition, Dixon will only defecate in the back yard- never on a walk- and Jake will sometimes during a walk (which he gets praise for and I clean up). I'd like to someday get them to go in one spot in the yard, but I have a hard time getting them to go while on leash in any part of our yard. Part of this is because they get so much free time in the yard... I think I know my answer here, but is the only solution to completely monitor their outside time by making it on leash? at least until they get the concept of defecating in one spot?