[dakotadog]

Our 4 1/2 month old shep has been doing very well at potty training.
However, in the easy accesibility of being able to open the patio door and just let him go out, he must realize it's easy to just pee on the snow covered deck rather then go down the steps to the grass/snow. We live in WI, so keeping up with the snow has been a chore this winter. (record totals)
Carrying a 50 pound puppy down the stairs is not an option either.
My question is this...come spring, summer...will he continue to pee on the wood deck or will he realize that going down the stairs to the grass is not a bad thing?
We thought he'd follow our other dog down the steps, but as soon as his paws hit the deck...it's pee time.

????

 

[gagsd]

Probably ought to start walking him down to the potty area.
In all probability, if you continue to just put him out, he will continue to use your deck
Make it a habit for him to walk on down for a month or two, then see what he does alone.
Mary

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

gagsd_pup1 is on the right track. Your pup knows to go 'outside' and right now, outside means your deck.

I'd be putting the leash on and tearing outside off the deck and downstairs to the yard with your dog for awhile!

 

[dakotadog]

Originally Posted By: MaggieRoseLee gagsd_pup1 is on the right track. Your pup knows to go 'outside' and right now, outside means your deck.

I'd be putting the leash on and tearing outside off the deck and downstairs to the yard with your dog for awhile!

that's easier said then done...we've had over 80 inches of snow this winter...I will try my best though...

 

[gagsd]

If it is hard for you, imagine the pupper!
Mary

 

[WiscTiger]

I live in WI and when my dogs go out I go out with them. My dogs are all ages 6 yr to 2 yrs old. Yes I have one area that I can just open the door and they can go out, but 90% of the time I go out with them. Yea we have had a lot of snow, 70+ inches, is it great fun to go out, not always, but once the dogs have gone potty we play some ball or just encourage them to go run around in the snow.

 

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I think he sounds like a smart little guy!

You can shovel potty paths for dogs sometimes-we average about 90 inches a year-and I will do that if I need to (rarely need to with adults). A couple of mine will go down the stairs, turn the corner and potty right there if it's bad. So they kind of cheat.

I LOVE the snow and so do my dogs, but I can see a puppy figuring this is a good way to do what he's supposed to do without getting his little weenie frozen!