Dog Health Questions: Potty Training your puppy?

How long does it approx. take until a puppy is fully potty trained?

I am doing the ring the bell to go outside method. She understands to ring the bell, but she rings the bell not to go pee, but to play outside, and inside she pees/poops.

When I take her out to see if she has to go, she will either start to bite the leash like crazy, which I try to correct but she could do it for hours because its all a game or she will eat the grass. (literally rip the grass out of the ground.) So it is very difficult to even take her outside.

It becomes very frustrating. She is 10weeks old today, and got her 2 weeks ago. Can anyone give me advice that could help?

(Don't tell me to buy a dog training book, thanks!)

A Working Dog - Training

Recommended Answer:
A 10 week old puppy is a long way from being fully house trained, so be patient. You've obviously made ringing the bell the precursor to fun and games outside. If she's not paying attention outside, you need to find somewhere less exciting as her potty area. Ignore her when she starts tugging at the leash, and she should soon learn that such behaviour will only get her ignored. A martingale collar will also help you if you give it a quick 'pop' when she misbehaves.

Have you tried crate training? Ringing a bell is only part of house training - it shouldn't be the only method used. An internet search should get you lots of info on crate training, but you can download a good guide her to start: http://www.cratetraining.net

Remember, house breaking takes lots of patience, practise and consistency. Don't be discouraged if she doesn't get it right away. Good luck.

Universal Principles For Successful Dog Training

• When my puppy was being toilet trained it took her a few weeks. We tried the bell thing but she didn't really respond to it. So we put paper down all through the house and she learnt to pee on that and eventually we put down less paper and then put it by the back door and then the garden. She then understood to pee in the garden. As for ripping the grass out my puppy still does that but she's good on the leash. Hope this helps and good luck!


• it depends on the dog. my gsd puppy is now 5 months and has only been fully potty trained for about a month even though he will see someone and get excited and he still does a little tinkle. just praise your dog when she does her toilet outside! good luck!