Wee Pad to outside training

I know this has been asked, how to, etc..but I have a question. While trying to transition this, do I go back to crate training and as soon as I get home from work, take her outside?

Right now she is not in the crate anymore, I leave her in the den all day and she does not go to the bathroom until I get home from work, even though the pad is out for her in case she needs to go, she does not. So, basically she is trained already to hold it in, but we now need to get her to go outside.

I am not sure if I should use the crate just to get her used to a set routine or since she is basically waiting for me to get home regardless, there is no need to bring the crate back.

Also, until she is 100% trained to go outside, do I still leave a wee wee pad out for her or get rid of them period right away?

Any thoughts?

Re: Wee Pad to outside training

At this point since she can hold it until you come home what you need to do is take her out as soon as you get home - immediately.

She will then start to associate when you get home, she goes outside to a particular spot and can do her business.

I don't think you need to go back to crate training since you said she can hold it.

Also, I would take up the wee wee pads. She's not using them anyway and it will only confuse her in the end b/c you're giving her an "out" by leaving it down. KWIM?

With the wee wee pads up she has no where to go IN the house so she will have to hold it and then you will take her outside to make.

If you want, hang a bell on a string on your door, show her when you go out the bell rings. This will teach her how to let you guys know when she wants to go out. I didn't do this and I'm kicking myself b/c now I have to train them to do this after the fact and it's a PITA.

Lastly, if at first Bella's confused about doing her business outside, you could place a wee wee pad outside in the spot you want her to go. This will help her connect that she is supposed to do her business out there in that spot b/c she already knows she's supposed to go on that pad. Make sense?

Good luck!!

Re: Wee Pad to outside training

Oh!! And one other thing...

I recommend taking her on a leash at first so that if she gets distracted you can keep her "focused" on what she needs to do outside.

Also, be consistent - take her to the same spot over and over. That will help her to understand that that is where she is supposed to go and not all over the yard.

Additionally, it will help her to understand that when she goes out, first it's "business" then it's "play time".

Re: Wee Pad to outside training

Thank you soooo much

How long do you wait to see if she will go though? For the past 2-days I have been out there for 20 min's and nothing and as soon as we get inside, she goes on the pad. This is the reason also I am afraid to take the pad away right now, but I guess if she knows its not there, she wont have a choice.

Re: Wee Pad to outside training

I give the pups anywhere up to 20 or so minutes like you're doing.

Do you bring a wee wee pad outside and put it in the place she does her business?

If you do that, it will help her to understand that she should go on out there and not in the house.

Also, are you taking her outside on a leash? Like I said I found that to be very helpful - especially with Shelby. She's distracted very easily and as a result she doesn't go. In the beginning I found the best way to combat this was with bringing her out on the leash. She had no choice but to go b/c the sooner she went the sooner she could come off the leash and play with Arnold.

Oh I forgot one other thing!!! Make sure (unbeknownst to Bella) that you bring treats with you. When she goes outside to go. When she does her business, praise her like crazy and give her a treat or part of a treat (I know she's a tiny girl) . But whatever you do you want to praise her for going outside.

Now if you take her out and she doesn't go after 20 minutes, bring her back in. Watch her like a HAWK, look for her "tells" and when she starts to do whatever it is that she does before she goes, wisk her outside and show her where to go.

If you miss her, bring her outside to that spot where the wee wee pad is anyway. She will eventually put two and two together and realize this is where she's supposed to go to the bathroom.

I hope this helps!!

Re: Wee Pad to outside training

Great advice, thanks again

I will def bring a pad outside with me, I am sure that will help her put two and two together.