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Jeni,
I agree with much of what Darci said, but I would take him out a bit more
frequently than the two hours, even though they say a puppy can hold it
based on their age - I guess every dog can be different. I got Cody at 11 weeks and I was taking him out every 1/2 to 1 hour during the winter(so
much fun) and some people may say that was way too frequent, but
in my case he trained very fast and we established a routine and even now
at 6 months, I take him out every 3 hours except at night time,(but I am home with him) so that is easy for me to do, but it is also spring and I spend
a lot of time outdoors and he comes along with me; and I know I will stretch
that time even longer.
When you take Dudley out to go potty, he will sniff a bit for a spot, but keep
telling him to "go potty" in a pleasant voice and as soon as he does - tell him
"good potty" and give him a small treat - I agree with Darci on that - I did
that also - HOWEVER, if you take Dudley out at a time that you feel he should
probably go pee and he doesn't go after telling him to, I would bring him in
and put him in his crate for maybe 10 to 15 minutes and then take him out again and tell him once again "go potty"
That way, if he doesn't go pee and you bring him back in, he won't get the
run of the house and be inclined to pee on your floor because he will be in
his crate for a short 10 or 15 minutes and won't mess it up and then you try
again. After he goes pee outside, of course, reward him with the treat and then let him loose in the house and play.
I know sometimes my Cody will pee a few dribbles outside and then walk around a bit and pee some more and as he does his duty, I praise him all the
time by saying "good potty" - I wonder if the neighbors hear me, but that is
okay. He is 6 months now and holds his bladder so well. As for him having to
go poop - he usually goes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours after eating or if he
has been running around and playing hard.
I also agree with the putting him in the crate so he does not poop - do you
come home on your lunch hour so you can take him out? - otherwise I am
really not sure what to tell you regarding him stepping into his mess - but the
crate should work for that.
You have only had him for 1 week, so you are still learning his behaviors and
that takes time, it will work out.
Good luck
Linda
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