A wee puppy problem

Hi

I have a Border Collie who has just turned one, and as we got him from a Welsh hill farm, he was living outside and was not potty trained.

We have had him for nearly three months now and he still has not got the concept of it. We have used a few techniques but have so far they haven't worked.

We thought we would benefit from some advice as they are very clever dogs as well.

Many thanks,

Tamsin Balmer (age 11), by email



Karen Wild, behaviourist, advises...

Hi Tamsin,

It may be that your puppy simply does not recognise the difference between indoors (not toilet) and outside (toilet). Often dogs raised in this way have not learned that they even need to worry about it! Check with your Vet that he is healthy, then go for it!

It can be a drag but go back to the steady, formal method of toilet training. Puppy has to stay confined, either in a crate or under close supervision with you (on a lead if you have to) so that you can keep an eye on him. Every half an hour, take him out to toilet. Reward well when he does go, then allow him freedom for a while – then back to the routine. In the November 2011i ssue, my article on housetraining featured lots of ideas for increasing your chances of success. Nevertheless, spotting early signs such as sniffing and circling, after meals, waking and playtime are key. Keeping a clockwork routine, and rewarding successes are the only sure-fire way to get those toilet manners under control!