potty training issue

Question
my dog is about 8 months old and though she is basically 100% potty trained there is still an issue.  we live in an apartment so when she needs to go outside she is trained to go sit by the door and she usually whines to let us know that she's there then we take her out on her leash.  the thing is she does this entirely too often.  Sometimes it'll be every 10 minutes 3 times in a row sometimes not for 5 hours at a time, and also she always breaks her pooping sessions up into more than one, sometimes 3.  I try to wait outside long enough for her to finish but if she doesn't go anymore i take her inside then usually about 5 minutes later she'll be at the door like she needs to go and if i don't take her she'll go poop in the hallway after awhile.  other times she'll whine then lay down after a minute or go play with the cat like she didn't really need to go at all.  like right now, i took her out, she pooped, then twice more within the next 20 minutes and here she is again whining at me.  i ignored her because i don't believe her and she went away from the door to go play so it's like she doesn't really need to go she just wants to.  it's almost to the point that we do nothing but take her outside on our days off or any time at home.  I know she can hold it longer because she is crated while we're at work during the day.  in the evenings she does it too and we'll take her out and she'll pee and come right back in then out again 30 minutes later and pee and come right back in so it's not like she's outside playing or anything so i don't understand her motivation.  it doesn't seem normal to me and we can't just let her outside like some people suggest because we don't have a house.  are we missing something?

Answer
Hello Kristin,

Who said dogs weren't smart? I hope you don't live in a cold climate.-:)

Your dog has created a fun game to break her monotony and get some attention. Your solution would involve:

1. Be sure and walk her every day. Satisfy her need to get outside and explore the wonderful world outside your apartment.

2. Set up a routine for potty time that would involve her going potty at the same times everyday.

3. Unless she's ill, stick to your routine. You will train her mind and body that this is the only time she goes. Signaling is not necessary.

Your dog's new game is common. This is why I don't recommend that people get doggy doorbells and other devices for their dogs. Many dogs, like your dog, will quickly figure out that this is way to get attention and train their masters.

Good Luck!

Sandy