u/hefrajones

Hi all- we have a 10 month old rescue mix puppy. She is an ACD/pit/boxer mix. We got her when she was 3 months old and potty training has been a difficult journey.

She understood in the first week that we brought her home the concept, but understandably still had accidents. As shes grown, it became clear that her major issue with peeing in the house is linked to her emotional sensitivity and confidence- which we have worked on building.

The final piece of the puzzle seems to be communicating. We started her with a bell 1.5-2 months ago and she caught on very fast. We’d ask her to ring the bell then immediately outside, potty, inside. Then we have gotten to a point where, when I know she needs to go, I’ll go stand in the general area of the bell/door and look at her/wait (no verbal cue). She takes some time to think then without me instructing her to ring the bell, she will go do it.

The goal is to move away from my having to cue her to use the bell at all (verbally or physically) and bridge the gap so that she uses the bell to cue ME! But shes so dang polite. Shes amazing and I know she’s smart but she doesn’t have that leader type function, isn’t a risk taker, won’t test any major boundaries etc… so it’s like taking the initiative to independently ring the bell won’t click.

She gets regular bathroom breaks and we have tried to anticipate emotional/excitement related pee needs but we just need her help in that communication. She does have foresight and control. For example, my boyfriend coming home from work is understandably very exciting for her. She will often go run to greet him, but then consciously stop herself and lay down when she knows her excitement could lead to peeing. But her laying down as the cue doesn’t always translate and it leads to accidents. I feel like all the foundation is here- the bridge is what I’m seeking advice for.

TLDR: sensitive puppy understands potty outside only. Understands bell ringing means outside pee trip. Will hit the bell when reminded or cued. Would like her to move away from waiting for our cue, to instead cueing us with the bell.

Hi all- we have a 10 month old rescue mix puppy. She is an ACD/pit/boxer mix. We got her when she was 3 months old and potty training has been a difficult journey.

She understood in the first week that we brought her home the concept, but understandably still had accidents. As shes grown, it became clear that her major issue with peeing in the house is linked to her emotional sensitivity and confidence- which we have worked on building.

The final piece of the puzzle seems to be communicating. We started her with a bell 1.5-2 months ago and she caught on very fast. We’d ask her to ring the bell then immediately outside, potty, inside. Then we have gotten to a point where, when I know she needs to go, I’ll go stand in the general area of the bell/door and look at her/wait (no verbal cue). She takes some time to think then without me instructing her to ring the bell, she will go do it.

The goal is to move away from my having to cue her to use the bell at all (verbally or physically) and bridge the gap so that she uses the bell to cue ME! But shes so dang polite. Shes amazing and I know she’s smart but she doesn’t have that leader type function, isn’t a risk taker, won’t test any major boundaries etc… so it’s like taking the initiative to independently ring the bell won’t click.

She gets regular bathroom breaks and we have tried to anticipate emotional/excitement related pee needs but we just need her help in that communication. She does have foresight and control. For example, my boyfriend coming home from work is understandably very exciting for her. She will often go run to greet him, but then consciously stop herself and lay down when she knows her excitement could lead to peeing. But her laying down as the cue doesn’t always translate and it leads to accidents. I feel like all the foundation is here- the bridge is what I’m seeking advice for.

TLDR: sensitive puppy understands potty outside only. Understands bell ringing means outside pee trip. Will hit the bell when reminded or cued. Would like her to move away from waiting for our cue, to instead cueing us with the bell.