[x96huls]

My five month old black lab puppy is having a difficult time with peeing in the house. I think that she might not be going completely when she does go outside. I do have another year old chocolate lab, and think she might be getting distracted. Help! She doesn't go in her crate, but she'll go every 15 minutes when she's outside of the crate. She's even gone to the bathroom on the floor right next to me. She's been treated already for the possibility of a bladder infection with no results. What should I do?

[labman]

Keep a close eye on her and learn her signs and timing of needing to urinate. Use gates or closed doors to keep her in the same room as you. I have never gone so far as to tie the dog to me, but maybe the computer desk I am at. When you think she needs to go out, take her out alone and walk her around. If she does anything, praise her.

[doggie_poopie]

The best thing you can do is tether her or as I call it umbilical cord her to you when you are home. This way you learn the sign she gives and can give her a correction (only a firm no and grouchy face), and take her outside. Go to one specific spot and wait until she goes potty, then praise, praise, praise. After time she will learn to go to this spot and do her business. If you are in a hurry lets say getting ready for work in the am, take her out and put her back into the kennel for 5 minutes, then take her back out again. You can repeat this several times so that she gets the idea that you want her to pee outside.
Your older Lab can help her to go out, but could easily be a distraction. I agree with Labman-take her out alone.
Hope this helps, Danielle
PS. Check out www.ddfl.org for more behavioral help