Is what I'm doing bad?

[Pmoore]

I have a 12 wk old male yorkie who is doing OK, just ok with potty training however what I am doing is putting him in the bathroom with his pad and leaving him in there by himself because when we stay in there he will NOT go but when we leave him in there within 5 minutes he will go pee on the pad and poop near it which is good enough for me... He has had about 2 accidents within the last week which are our fault for not taking him in the bathroom we dont expect him to go in there yet because I think he is too young to fully understand... Is it bad that we are leaving him in there to go by himself will he ever learn the concept this way? I do praise him after he goes but is it too late? He seems to get all excited when I praise him like he understands but it could just be all the noise im making... LOL... any advice would help thanks!! Sorry so long!

[nemom]

We put wee wee pads in the kitchen and the family room for Bella. She can only go in the family room when we are home. But we say Good Girla nd get excited every time we see her use the pad right then. Now I think she knows because when she goes she looks at us, like "hey - I just went pee pee where's all the hoopla". By not being there maybe she doesn't know that she is getting praise and a treat for that reason?

[yorkieagility]

I say if it works go for it. Beside in the future you want him automatically go to the area without you so it works out. It's probably too late to praise him for going but I don't think you should stop. I'm sure you both enjoy it.

I think you are doing a great job.

[klogan]

For everyone it is different. A vet did tell me that they forget if you don't reward them right away.

[schatzie]

It really is important to do what works best for you and your fur baby.

I think when they are real young it's important to take your pup to the designated potty area and wait until their business has been done. That way you are there to immediately give lots of praise, hugs and kisses. This way, the pup really learns that going potty on the right area is a real big deal and it pleases my owner...

Confinement in kennel or play area in between potty times is good too.

Practice makes perfect!

[kelley]

I don't think that it's bad that you are leaving your Yorkie in the bathroom. I have heard though that if you are going to reward for something do it RIGHT then...RIGHT after it happens so that they understand what the good behavior is.