well done FancyPantsJen

You can apply the same kind of method to anything your puppy does that you want to change. Just think about what you are doing to "reward" the behaviour eg paying him attention, including yelling at him, picking him up or chasing him, and find another way to get what you want.

So glad it has been easy for you to turn around. Don't be disappointed if you have the occasional set back - just step back to an easier level of expecation and start again.

Just an update. Max is improving every day though this nasty weather we're having in Melb has caused a set back in toilet training - my back yard is like a mud pit and water everywhere and he just refuses to go outside (the few times its stopped raining that is!). Problem is, I cant let him lose for even a second in my bedroom as he'll wee on the carpet (my poor carpet is a mess ) Also having trouble getting him to go on the mats. Ill see him start to go on the floor, pick him up and put him on the mat, he'll sit there a bit then walk away and try to wee on the floor again - rinse and repeat! Occasionally he'll get it right but there's no pattern to where he'll go!

His behaviour though is much better. Not nipping and biting at me anywhere near as much as he used to. Getting the hint when I ignore him or push him away when he jumps on me.

This morning I got up early to go to the loo and then took him out (in the pouring rain no less lol which didnt work!!). After we'd come back inside and he went on the floor (god love him) and because it was a public holiday I let him on my bed and he lay down nice and quiet and we both had a sleep for another couple of hours

He's sleeping really well during the night. Doesnt make a peep until he hears me up in the morning and tonight, I wondered where he'd disappeared to and he'd taken himself off to bed in the laundry on his own!!

I hope he goes ok tomorrow having to be outside all day if its still raining. I'll open the garage door for him but wonder if I should lock him in the garage all day with toys and stuff or is that too cruel?

I am so happy for you FPJen...there is nothing better than a pooch who is happy too

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Good on you. You've now trained a puppy instead of puppy training you.

I wish you continued success. Just remember with dogs it can sometimes be two step forward and one step back; don't stress, just continue on with the training and routine. It will all be good.

Hi FPJ

For wet weather including cold dewy weather, you're going to have to get weather proofed and take him out there, on lead if necessary, and wait like the most boring person ever until he has performed. Then loads of praise. And best of all from his point of view - getting to go back inside. He will learn very very quickly that he will get back in if he performs and be out there forever if he doesn't. Don't let him hugging the door fool you.

We used to carry the Aussie terrier out and put her in the middle of the lawn or where we wanted to go, and wait. And if she ran back to the door, we'd put her back... repeat until get a wee / poo or both, whatever is due. Loads of praise and return to the warm.

It's only going to get worse as winter rolls in if you cave in now.

I have the opposite problem, mine love water and mud so much, to them it is reward to be out in it. After 4 inches of rain here (bad drought) mine are not in a lot at the moment as they have layers of mud on them and are happy little campers. I miss them not being in though, lol. They were even in their clam shell pool in the torrential rain, at least they were clean a while.

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