12 Week Old Shih-Poo

[Toby's Mom]

I have a 12 week old shih-poo male (Toby) I have had him since he was 7 weeks old and I take him to potty religiously! First thing in the morning, after eating, playing before going to his crate (never elemiates there)etc...etc.. I take him to the same spot everytime and use the word potty to urge him to go 9-10 times he does and he is always praised for doing the right thing. BUT, it seems he doesn't know the difference from the carpet and outside. I'm worndering if I'm just too anixous to have potty training over with and maybe expecting too much from the little guy at 12 weeks? Any thoughts would be helpful

[HDrydr]

Yes it is a bit early to be expecting him to potty in the right spot. Just keep doing the same thing and Toby will get the idea. Keep praising him and keep a watchful eye and as soon as he starts to squat take him right outside and praise praise praise. That is if you can catch him squatting..... Also you can get those potty training pads if he is going in one spot inside and start moving it closer and closer to outside and then in the spot you want him to go. I've never used them but have heard that they work. It can be a bit frustrating but they learn and I can understand you wanting it to be done with but even though when you think that they have learned they still may have accidents.

Good luck