[chmom1]

We have an 11 month old Lab that is doing horribly at potty training. We crate trained her and she did well for a long time. But even now, she will go in the house about 3 times a week. The rest of the times she goes to the door and scratches. She is smart in other ways as she can sit, speak, lay down. We want to get new carpet but we are afraid she will just ruin it again!

[labman]

If it is really housebreaking, start over again following the sticky, https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251809

She could also be challenging you for leadership by showing she can mark the house. Likely more so if she isn't spayed, and it could be part of her approching season. The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position

[Maddie1110]

Hello,
We had our puppy for a few weeks and I posted the same question. What worked for me is having a treat bag in my jacket pocket and onsite when she was done going potty I gave her a treat. I also found out that she was punishing me. They know that is how to punish you, don't make a huge stink about it, pick it up and lay it outside. I think your lab is trying to tell you something. Always give treats for going to the door, it does not have to be a whole one, I break mine down into bite size pieces and it works the same. Add a little more play time ;)