Hi everyone,

I've had my pom girl for 2 weeks and I'm having a difficult time potty training her on a wee wee pads. She pees on the pad with 60% success so far but poops on the floor all over the apartment. When I leave her alone, I make sure she's in the confined area with her bed, toys and her wee wee pad but she still manages to miss the pad and goes on the floor. I praise her when she goes where she's supposed to and give her small pieces of cheese. She loves it but then 2 hours later she would go and poop on the floor again!

Also, I've read a lot of comments saying if the dog is small it will relieve itself after 30 min or so. Well my 9 week old pom is tiny (1 lbs) and it takes her more than 3 or 4 hours to poop. Is this normal?

Thank you all for your advice!

The key is the size of the space she's confined to. If she's going all over the apartment, she's not ready to be all over it. Make a big barrier around the TV or wherever you hang out most, and a small one for night and when you leave - at 1 lb, she needs very little space. Close doors to rooms not in use. Also buy some special spray to use on the places she has gone so far so that she doesn't think those are 'her' spots.

Hello,first of all congratz on the new pup and hope she is a lifelong companion and always by your side. As for getting her to"go" on the wee wee pad I think you should always keep a firm eye on her and when you see her going someplace else give her a firm and loud NO! When you don't catch her in the act I would say to pick up the mess if it is doo doo and place it on the wee wee pad. She will see her business there and get the idea and when she does remove the doo doo from the pad and continue doing this until she always goes on it.

Wee wee pads are very confusing to dogs. If it's okay to pee on a pad, why isn't it okay to pee on the floor? It sends a mixed message.

Is there a chance for outdoor training, or do you live in an apartment and that's why you opted for the wee pads?

If you can, I'd get rid of the pads altogether and train her to go outdoors.

If you can't, and wee pads are the only option, than the training will be a bit more difficult. Consistency is the key. Tons of praise when she goes on the pad. If she potties off the pad and you catch her in the act, take her directly to the pad, and give your wee command.

Whenever she does go on the pad, tons of praise. You do have to be present for these potty breaks. Don't just let her roam and hope she goes on the pad and then praise later. You have to witness the event, and praise right after she's done. A treat at this stage is also a great idea.