PROBLEM WITH PUPPY POTTY

Question
QUESTION: I have a 3month old Amstaff, at 2months he learned how to use the wee-wee pads. normally he would go urine on the wee-wee pad and lately he has been going everywhere but his wee-wee pad. My pup went consistantly on the pads even in the middle of playing he would stop and go to the pads..now he goes even in his crate .. he just stands up and just goes and does not want to go to the area he is use to except for when he has to go #2 he will go to use the wee-wee pads.. we were playing once and he even urinated on me. it is very unsual that he broke his habit of wee-wee pads for the urine portion of it. He can sleep with me and at night does his business on the pads but during the day he is all over the place...I NEED HELP!!!

ANSWER: My first thought would be to get him checked at the vet to make sure he doesn't have a urinary tract infection. That's a common cause of a dog who is trained starting to go other places, and the way you describe it, sounds like his need to urinate is taking him by surprise and he doesn't have time to get to the pads. Honestly, especially with a dog who is going to be pretty good sized when grown, I'd be starting to teach him that you DON'T go in the house, but outside. It may be more work for you and more scheduling, but in the long run, you don't want a 60 lb. dog leaving you "presents" even on a pad. But first get a urinalysis. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com

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QUESTION: He has a vet appointment tomorrow ...he has 2 more shots before I can take him out for outside training. Suppose he does not have a urinary track infection? then what?  you say it takes him by surprise but if he sleeps with me and is able to walk from my bed to the wee-we- pad at night ...why is he not using the wee-wee pad during the day?  I tell him know his ears fall back and lays and turns his head... but we will see when i see the vet tomorrow.

Answer
Bladders are more active when the puppy is more active. And he may just not realize when he needs to stop playing and go pee. I'm not there, so I can only guess. Three months is very young and most puppies are not completely trained by that age, even if he's made a promising start. I take it you don't have a yard he can "go" in? Generally, I'd say take him outside before you think he needs to go, but if that's not an option, supervise carefully. Close doors, put up baby gates, even tether him to you so he's never out of your sight. And when you see him start to sniff or circle, get him to his spot.  You might also try a litter box instead of pads - it's more obvious to the pup when he's "in it", the texture is more like outside and less like a rug, and it has a strong "attractant." It's also more sanitary.