posted 06-21-2003 12:12 PM         

I recently received a 14 week old Standard Poodle. He is a beautiful dog and my family quickly took a loving to him. I had a dog as a child, but never had to worry about training issues and things of that nature. So I am lost on this problem....

He has been very quick to learn new things, mainly to sit. He is now 15 weeks old (had him for a week) and he already sits on command and for the most part heels correctly. He was scared of the leash when we got him, but now has no problems with being on a leash at all.

But the problem we are having now is that whenever he gets scared or afraid, he will pee. I caught him chewing on a shoe and sternly said NO, nothing else, and he dribbled.

To add to this, he doesnt like going outside. Sometimes he will go out with no problems; other times he will run and not want to go out. If we carry him to the door to get him to go out, the water works start and he pees all over.

Is this a young puppy thing or is it a life long personality trait? Anyway to curb that behavior?

posted 06-21-2003 02:10 PM         

The peeing is called submissive urination, actually quite common with young dogs and most eventually grow out of it. Some submissive pee'ers will do this when they greet someone new, or get too excited as well.

Some dogs do not require as firm of a voice, but need a lot of praise and happy voice. Definitely don't cater to him when he is being afraid, just ignore the behavior. The dislike for the outdoors will soon pass too, when a puppy is feeling insecure new things can appear very scary at first, and he is after all just a baby - just give it some time to adjust. Keep up the good work and keep exposing him to many sounds and new things, gently. This will allow his confidence to build up over time.

posted 06-21-2003 04:31 PM         

So, now my question is how to convey to him that he is doing something he shouldnt do? For instance, if he is chewing on a shoe? Obviously taking it away from him is the first part. Will he pick up on that or is telling him "No" still needed?

posted 06-21-2003 08:43 PM         

Rotty: I will have to look for a trend as to when he doesnt want to go outside. It was raining today and he ran right out. He loves the water. First time he ever saw a swimming pool, he beat me in! Loves baths, ect.

But from memory, I cant see a pattern. Maybe it is one of those things where he doesnt want to go out because he doesnt have to go..... Ill pay attention.