First of all limit the area the puppy is exposed too. When I get a new puppy, basically the puppy is in the kitchen and since the dinning room in this house is right next to it, that is the next step. Let the puppy feel comfortable in that area of keeping " the den area clean" instinct. With all these rooms in this house main floor, each room is added after months of reliable behavior from the other rooms, and even then only after potty outside just recently so I know it should not be predicatable.
Remember a puppy does not see a room as a place it can not go. Take progressions very slowly(!) in opening access to other rooms. Remember a puppy can only "hold it" for one hour for every month old. So a 8 week old the max is two hours if the puppy is up and around. Potty outside after waking up, after eating and mid play.
And my favorite quoted line is this " when a puppy misbehaves ( potty, chewing things up etc..) take a newpaper, roll it up- apply ruber bands on both ends- then smack YOURSELF on the head as you should have been watching the puppy" is the mentality ..
Another thing- your puppy may feel intimindated if you make a big deal in potty outside.. Try this- take puppy outside on a lead. You exhale slowly and gently, and look away ( this is dog language for I am ignoring you and expect nothing from you, so relax). When puppy goes potty, I use gently quietly " hurry up.. hurrrrry up" slow and relaxed in tone of voice.. Then walk back in the house and then offer a treat. Believe me - it wont take long for a basset puppy to take a treat. You just offer, and leave the treat where it is as again- its yours- I will not take it from you..
Oh and lastly- I LOVE PICTURES OF A BASSET HOUND PUPPY! PLEASE post them for me would you? |