Help!!!

[leaann]

Hi Everyone:

I've been reading your posts and it sounds like there are some really knowledgeable people out there. I've owned several dogs over the years and have never had much trouble with housebreaking...until I got my first frenchie (about 1 month ago). Bell is my first frenchie and when I got her she was 11 weeks old and knew nothing about potty training. I am having quiet a time with her. I have her in a crate, only large enough for her to turn around in and allow her to have a towel so she doesn't have to lay on the metal pan. I've tried it with and without and it makes no difference to her in terms of urinating and defecating. She will poop and walk and lay in it and does not seem to be bothered by it. I have her on a schedule and take her out at least every four hours, but we have yet to establish a routine. At times she will walk around the yard for a long time and do nothing. Then within minutes of being back in the cage she will have an accident. Any advice will be GREATLY appreciated. I thought I was an old pro at potty training until now.

[Borgan]

At 12 weeks, Luna wasn't trained either. We took her out every hour, on the hour, rang a bell tied to the front door with her paw, kept her on a very short leash, and let her sniff for three minutes. If she didn't focus, we'd gently yank on the leash and say "get busy". It worked! Now she rings the bell to go out. French bulldogs are easily as smart as 5 year old child, which means they'll try to get away with whatever they can...and consistency, not punishment, seems to be the ticket. Have patience, Grasshopper;)

~Brooke.

[Borgan]

ps. Do you have pictures to post? We'd love to see your baby.

[Carolyn]

Brooke is right on ....patience is a must. Can't tell you how many times we had our "new" carpet cleaned while potty training our Abby and Ferris. Having a verbal command ( we say "go pee" ) :p followed by lots of praises helps. But mostly I find that you have to really tune into their signals. They do try to tell us but sometimes we are so busy we forget to watch them. They are such rascals. evilicon

I love my Abby and Ferris beyond words. Carolyn