Hoping someone can help. We got a puppy last week and are starting to train her. She's a 12 week old Labradoodle. We're trying to teach her to use the potty in the same area of the yard every time because the kids like to run barefoot. #1 has not been a problem, but they don't do #2 right away so it's been a little tricky. Ok, she hasn't been doing that one in the right area at all. Has anyone successfully taught a dog to do this? If so, how?
First have you tried spraying attractant in the area of the yard you want her to use? The pet stores all carry it and it's generally not too pricey and works well for most dogs. Second, when she goes in the wrong area simply move it to the area where you want her to go, she'll get the idea that she's to use that spot. Another tip that I've heard but never used is that when you take the dog out to potty to tell the dog "go potty" and walk just in one area basically in circles until the dog potties at which time you tell the dog "good dog".
All good ideas so far. Some other ideas are to let the grass stay just a bit longer in the area you want her to use. Dogs prefer longer grass to potty in. If you can't stay with her on-leash until she potties, you might think about putting up some sort of a fence to leave her in until she goes. My MIL did this successfully with two doberman pups. She was able to remove the fence and the dogs continued to use the same location for all 13 years of their lives. I used to breed standard poodles and I never had a problem teaching them when and where to go. Your labradoodle, I'm sure, will pick it up in a snap.
Great ideas! I think I'll do them all. I can surely leave the grass longer there, we're going to the pet store again anyway so I'll see if they have attractant. We do stay in that area with her when we think she's going to go. So hopefully soon we'll see results! She's already got "sit" down pretty well, I only started teaching it to her yesterday! Yay for her! LOL.
