I got Max, a 6 week old havachon about 6 months ago. I confess, it was a impulse purchase, made when I didn't feel good and I didn't consider what's best for the puppy. I was recouperating from a long-term illness and found that I didn't feel like taking a puppy out in the cold and snow multiple times a day. I bought some potty pads to use in the house and he uses them successfully "most of the time.
Now that it's spring, I want to train him to let me know when he needs to go potty and let him outside to do his business.
I have two problems.
1. Even when I've timed it to let him outside when I know he needs to go, he plays and plays outside, and then runs in and barely makes it to the potty pad, he needs to go so bad.
2. He loves it outside and sees outside as play time and looks for any way he can to get as dirty or muddy as possible. I have a large back yard with a pool and a 1/4 acre pond stocked with catfish, etc. He has discovered the joy in digging in the mud at the edge of the pond, finding dead frogs or snakes and rolling on them, etc. All the joys of a country dog. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2398121099_c2b7725b36.jpg?v=0
Evidently, Max didn't read what I read about Havachon's being inside dogs. ha! But that long white silky hair sure does get dirty and tangled! *groan*
How do I begin the training to 1) teach him to potty outside; and 2) teach him the difference between "going outside to do your business only" and "going outside to play"?
Thanks for your help!