I need ya'll's advice. My 2 puppies are dry all night in their crates.

[janc]

They are dry during the day when they are in their crates. When I take them out, they potty. The problem is when I let them run around on the patio they will pee and poop wherever. Sometimes, they will go in the planting areas which are a part of the patio. (Since it's been cold I've been taking them there. My husband made a barrier so they can't get out and do their business on the patio but when I let them run around they go. They were born July 7 and July 23. I was gone the other day for 5 hrs. and checked them when I got home. No accidents so they can hold it but don't. They sit on my lap a lot and don't have accidents. Is it just going to take longer because they're young? Should I let them run around on the patio and just clean it up? Will they stop eventually or will that make the problem worse. Wish for some advice. Thanks in advance.

[Gracie2006]

If I understood your post, you are concerned that they are going on the patio instead of on the grass? Our puppy school instructor has taught us to take puppies outside to potty on a leash, don't let them just run around and go wherever. This way you can take them to the designated spot and teach them to go there, rather than on your patio. In addition, your dogs will need to be comfortable going on leash for those times that you travel with them or have to board them. If you continue to let them go wherever, then that is what they will do.

[janc]

My dogs go outside in the grass with no problem. I have 2 planting areas on my screened in patio area where they also go to the bathroom when the weather is bad. My smaller puppy is not even 2 lbs and I don't want him to freeze and get wet when it's raining. That's why I have trained them to go in the planting areas on the patio. The problem is that if I let them play out there on the concrete instead of going to the planting areas to potty they go wherever they want. Yes, I have grabbed them a few times while they are going but often I am too far away and they are done when I get there. I'm just surprised that they do not go in the planting areas.

[Itspuppyluv]

I think it's because they are young and with time they will understand the patio is for playing and the planting areas are for pottying. It is like pee pads. Puppies go on the pad but still will go on the carpet. When they finally understand what you want they stop going on the carpet. It just might take a little longer for them to catch on this way.

Keep an eye on them while they are playing on the patio and if you catch them starting to go bring them to the planting area and tell them to go with lots of praise. Even if you can't get to them fast enough and they are finishing up I would tell them no, bring them to the area and tell them the command for potty.
Ignore the accidents you don't catch them doing.

[JeanieK]

They are still extremely young. I'd be happy they're going outside, Keep correcting them and they will eventually get it, but don't expect miracles right away. they should catch on in a few more months.

[janc]

Originally Posted by Itspuppyluv

I think it's because they are young and with time they will understand the patio is for playing and the planting areas are for pottying. It is like pee pads. Puppies go on the pad but still will go on the carpet. When they finally understand what you want they stop going on the carpet. It just might take a little longer for them to catch on this way.

Keep an eye on them while they are playing on the patio and if you catch them starting to go bring them to the planting area and tell them to go with lots of praise. Even if you can't get to them fast enough and they are finishing up I would tell them no, bring them to the area and tell them the command for potty.
Ignore the accidents you don't catch them doing.

I was wondering if that was it. Thanks so much for the info. I feel a lot better now.