Hi all i need major training advice asap. I have a 18 week old male labradoodle pup, and it seems he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed (but very cute). He seemed to be doing pretty good at going outside a very weeks after we got him (we got him at 11 weeks), and i thought my only issue was that he’s not great at asking to go out like my older dog, and i needed to train him to hit the bell or bark so he could ask to go out when he needed to. i was doing all the things that are suggested, giving lots of rewards when he goes outside (not punishing for accidents inside), giving a command word, taking him outside as soon as he’s done playing or sleeping and i thought he was starting to get it.
recently though he does not want to go outside. i’m not sure if he’s scared of going outside for some reason now, or he’s figured out he prefers to go on my carpets instead… i don’t know what is going on in that little mind of his but i don’t know what to do! like this morning was my breaking point of realizing he wants to do it literally anywhere but outside (at least for poo), i brought him outside gave him treats for being outside and then he peed, sprinted inside and ran down to the basement before i could get to him he was already pooping on the carpet.
I’ve started limiting his freedom to wander around the house, he’s on a tether attached to someone at all times or he’s in his little pen, or he’s outside thats the new house rule. but it feels like he’s been having more accidents inside lately and i’m feeling a bit hopeless because we thought he was learning and now he’s not and he’s already 18 weeks and not house broken in the slightest.
i don’t know what to even ask for, weird tips and tricks? maybe unhinged method that’ll click for this little guy? i know the traditional answers, im already doing that and will continue and its not working. i need plan b, help me out for the love of my sanity.
thank you guys so much in advance, anything helps.