pottying my puppy

Question
I have a mini Schnauzer.  She indicates she has to go potty but when I take her outside she gets sidetracked smelling everything.  What should I do?

Answer
Have patience with her. All those smells are like reading the newspaper for her. Sniffing is actually a very good sign that she is intent on what she intends to do; keep repeating your key words for pottying. ("Hurry up. Go potty.") She will go when she finds the right spot, and then you can praise her and tell her what a good girl she is.