A problem with puppy training...

[FrankieBoy]

So, I have a new pup. He's a german shepard cross husky. His temprement seems good, and he's already mastered sit, down and stay... re call is iffy to say the least but its coming. he's 9 weeks old... He has grasped that he isnt to go to the toilet in the house and will hapily go out in the garden to do his business if someone is there to let him out, and we try to do so every twenty minutes alf an hour to save any accidents. If we dont for whatever reason and he cant hold it, he just goes on the matt next to the door...
I guess cutting a longstory short, he hasnt understood how to let us know he wants to go out. Any ideas on how i can help him understand?

cheers in advance

 

[CAYLA]

He is giving you the sign....you are jsut not getting it.........it's the pishing on the matt

for a 9 week old puppy that is very clever short of being able to open the door

..........he obs makes his way to the door and then no one is there so he goes on the matt.......u now need to keep him in the same room as you at all times....don't allow him to wonder off into another room where u cannot see the signs "ie. "him going to the door"...........when he does go for the door follow and let him out and say good boy wee wee and give him a treat when he had done the deed.
He not not be left to have free rein of the house until he is fully trained and at 9 weeks thats a little ambitious

Is he crated when u are not there.
Also keep working on that recall.....u will need it

 

[CorvusCorax]

That's a fun mix, make sure you keep on top of him!

Glad he has mastered the basics already though.

Recall - have you got someone who can help you?
Get a closed space. Get a pal who can hold the dog's collar and prevent him following you or getting to you, they must not talk or offer reassurance - he needs to want to be with you. Turn your back and jog away a few metres. Keep your back to him. Then turn around and HERE! very up, very positive, very fun, clap your hands or pat your knees if that gets him going and loads of praise, fuss, food treat or ball when he comes.
Gradually increase the lengths and as you do, you can introduce a long line, so he gets used to wearing it.
Introduce this in different places away from home, like the park etc.
Basically, he will think that he is being restrained and kept away from his fun person, and that getting back to you and having fun is what he needs to do.

This is a great way to get baby puppies to recall.

As he gets older and you are out and about, take him out on the long line and let him run around as if he were off lead. Recall him every so often, reward, then let him 'free' again.
Hopefully if he is focused on you, he will return and then you can gradually do away with the long line.

Focus training is also a good idea for any dog, but especially one of a high-drive breed, or in your case, a mix of two.
Introduce a command of 'watch'. When he looks up at you, reward him. If he wants something, he needs to be looking at you to get it. The longer he holds your gaze, the more praise you give.
This will be invaluable when he is older to get him to ignore the things that might distract him, like small furry projectiles

(Mine isn't perfect, I admit, but if I was starting again with a baby puppy, he'd be 'watching' me if he wanted to do ANYTHING!)

 

[Gooby]

Id say going to the mat/door would be the sign. Mine are just 18 months and have only just started giving me the 'signal' . sitting at the door