The hardest part is "total" ... It's so hard to keep something no bigger than a hamster in your total vision at all times, but therein lies the issue. Out of sight, probably pottying!

Management is the most effective tool you have. Baby gates or a playpen to keep her in the same room you are in, or leash her to your chair or belt so she can't ever be more than a leash length away at any time. If you have to answer the phone or make dinner, put her in her crate or a playpen in the room you are in. Take her outside on an unfailingly regular schedule - every hour on the hour and make every outing a party with cheering and cookies.

Tethering is another option to keep your little one from pitter-pattering off where you can't see them.

Be committed to discovering just what little signal - pause mid step / ear twitch / sniffing pattern she does right *before* she squats so you can redirect and respond with "YAY! Let's go OUTside!!" You can also teach her to ring a bell to go outside.

Potty pads are one more step to get rid of if the ultimate goal is to get your pup to go outside, so if you must have an indoor toileting area in the interim, try a low sided tray with a piece of sod or dirt - copy the surface of the intended outside target. In the long run, having an indoor potty area will slow down the process of getting the pup to go outside, so avoid it if you can.

What about a litter box? Many tiny dog owners train their little apartment dogs to go in a litter box instead of making the trek into the great outdoors. For difficult housetraining challenges, it can be an option.

Need a crate? Have a crate you don't need? Check out out CRATE EXCHANGE page.

Dog diapers - belly bands for boy dogs.

Marking

This handout may be reprinted in its entirety for distribution free of charge and with full credit given:
© CAROL A. BYRNES "DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF" Training for Dogs & Their People -
ditr_training @ hotmail.com - http://www.diamondsintheruff.com

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