We have a 13 week Golden (Portia), she first joined our home at 9 weeks. Early one we were allowing her frequent free reign in the enclosed kitchen/breakfast room area (linoeum floors!), during periods when it seemed an "accident" was unlikely.

Result? Lots of accidents.

I dove more heavily into Leerburg material and got the idea that little pup out free anywhere in the house was just asking for this result, and we switched to the recommended style of strictly in the crate (where she is indeed very happy) in the house, or on leash and tightly monitored. Since then...no accidents! She sleeps through the night no problem, and during the day she can easily hang in her crate for several hours, then go the moment we take her out. Of course we mix in lots of play and training sessions too.

We had to go out for several days, and boarded Portia with a friend who has a 1 year old dog. I told him over and over what we do and "encouraged" him (and his wife) to do the same.

Instead they let the dog free for the most part in their apartment, and surprise, for the first day they had lots of accidents! Then they say they "house trained" her, which they described as when Portia comes over or seems to be "looking around", that's the signal to take her out. Result? They were taking her out every 35 minutes!

I have to watch myself because to me, Portia trained them, not the other way around, and she's anything but house broken! In fact, I'd argue they moved her backwards (a little) by giving her the idea it's "outside" anytime she wants, even very frequently. But they were kind of enough to take her, so I'm just staying quiet about their claimed "results".

Interesting vast differences in viewpoints.

-Kevin

Welcome! Glad you're having success with your pup. Best thing about this place is the ability to learn from others what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to dog training.

Sounds like you are on the right track.