Training Woody 13 weeks - 3 questions

1. Toilet training - when we're there he will always sit by the door and wait for us to let him out. He goes happily through the night in his crate for 8-9 hours. But, as soon as we are in a different room, or he is shut in the kitchen he will widdle. How do we get him used to waiting until we can let him out, or does this just come naturally in time?

2. Digging - further to above, I've started trying to get him used to going outside in the garden on his own to do his business, which he does quite happily now, BUT he then either digs frantically, ending up covered in mud in second, or chews the gravel we have out there. Any ideas on stopping this? We've never played with him or trained him in the garden, would this help?

3. Recall - he is absolutely brilliant at this, on his lead but we haven't yet dared to try him off it. I want to though as think he should practice asap while he's still a clingy little pup. Long lines are really expensive here though so does anyone havbe any tips/suggestions on doing this with one?

Thanks xx

No sensible ideas on your other problems, but you should be able to pick up a lunge rein for about £5 in a local equestrian shop, or on Robinsons UK website

I was just about to say the say thing lol, the only problem you'd have is it gettin tangled when they come back to you.

could you not try gettin one of those retractable leads off ebay? we got ours of there and wouldn't be with out it now.

best of luck with him xx

I have a very long lead Think it is a 5 meter may be a big longer, I put peat on it when we go to our local walk where he can run free, he doesn't get tangled in it and it just drags along the floor, I have to keep stepping over it if it gets in the way, I used it for Dori.
I am not a fan of the retractable leads I think it teaches them to pull. at least on one of those he will get to know what it is for.

I had to go to the retractable lead, the long line got dragged through mud and poo and got tangled around things.

1. Aside from nighttime, it is unrealistic to think such a young dog can hold it for a long time. As such, you need to amend your routine so that as soon as you wake up, you take puppy straight to the toiletting area and let them go. Then feed/play. Then go again. Then crate.

2. Dirt and gravel will be a novelty to your puppy. Rather than chastise, beckon your puppy to engage play before it happens. Dont wait for the dog to start digging and then intiate play. It will learn digging = play time = bad habit.

3. Find a tennis courts with enclosed fencing and try there.
Dont forget lots of treats and praise. In addition, each time the puppy comes, fuss its head and neck. This will make it a lot easier to apply the lead in the future in case of emergency etc.