How to get my puppy (5 months) to stop going indoors and under stuff?

We started this week- crate training and puppy pads. (or newsprint) We are working him on a tight schedule... he eats, drinks, then gets to go out to play for 20 minutes. usually by then, he's accomplished his task- and gets heapings of praise. If he can't hold it until he's out side, we watch his every move- when he gets to THAT stand- we bring him over to the pad and let him finish there. As he starts to use the pads more and more, we slowly sneak them closer to the door. He now can piddle within 3 feet of outside, no worries, but when he gets out side, he really lets loose, as it were. He is seeing it as a goal- and he is meeting expectations in just a few days. His mom and dad already piddle outdoors, so he gets jealous that they get to play out there but pushes him back to safety. IF he goes and does his stuff within a minute or two- he gets a treat AND his favorite toy. If he takes a little longer but still does it- he gets the toy. If he just plays... we just play back. Then he can come in. NO torturing our baby!

I would start by confining him to a small area with when he is not being closely watched.  I think it also very much helps when you get them on a schedule.  We would either crate or corral Milo in the kitchen as it was much easier to clean a mess on the kitchen floor rather than the carpet.  I would start by taking your pup out every half hour or so to start.  And extend the time in between trips as he gets older.  They also will need to go out soon after eating, drinking and/or playing.  Are you free feeding your pup?  You might want to put him on a feeding schedule.  I also give a command "go potty" (you can use whatever term you would like) while we are outside.  Milo is now 5 years old and he will almost always squat and go when we give the command.  Heap the praise and reward with a small treat.  You would be amazed at how quickly they figure it out.  Consistency is the most important factor when doing any kind of training with a new pet.   

I have been using Wee Pads and all my Chi's are using them. I have to be diligent in changing fresh ones in or they start straying out to the surrounding areas. The pads work well and seem to keep the dogs from doing it all over the house. I get them at Wal-Mart-9.66 for 30-not too expensive when you compare replacement cost for ruined rugs, etc.

I have had five fur babies and have all been trained in a litter box with scoopable litter they do great just have to keep a tight watch on them. My first was the hardest but has gotten easier with each one, I crate and have feeding time and play times. My new babie is 8 weeks and will go straight to the litter box when I open the door of her crate. This took me about four days of strict watching her every move and letting her out of her crate often.

I trained my dogs to go potty outside and ringing a bell to tell me. I made a video about it a few weeks ago. :) I think I added a link to it in this post, but I cannot tell lol

Okay so I don't see the link on my post, it is on my page though, under videos :)

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