As you can see from the photo, I'm referring to "doggie" potty training.  Yup.....I need a bit of help here, from you, my readers.  I'm about at my wits end with Duncan.  To give a bit of background....he turned 4 months old on June 4.  He's sweet, adorable, appears to be quite intelligent in most other areas.....has responded to his name for quite awhile now, is able to "sit" on command for a treat, listens when we reprimand him for jumping on the kittens or going near Holly's food, is very well behaved with his crate training.  Sleeps ALL night, doesn't chew things he shouldn't.  Sounds like the ideal puppy, doesn't he?  Well....he is.  Except for this potty training business.

Okay, I admit it.....I got very spoiled from Holly.  I took her home at 6 weeks old and she was completely and totally housebroken.  I almost couldn't believe it myself!  But the couple I got her from (they had the mom dog, who was a purebred Boxer) well, he was a country boy from Georgia and I swear he had an incredible knack with dogs.  He told me do NOT put down newspapers when you get her home....show her where the door is, take her outside and she'll do what she does here.  He was right.  And now at 5 1/2 years old, Holly has never, ever, even had an accident in the house.  See what I mean about me being spoiled?

Then along comes Duncan.....I knew with a 6 week old puppy (that the breeder hadn't housebroken) there'd be accidents.  Heck, that's to be expected, right?  No big deal.  But I also thought that he'd probably be a snap to potty train because of Holly.  He watched her intently when she'd go to the screen door and scratch to go outside and I'd come right away and let them both out into the yard.  Sometimes he'd go.....sometimes he wouldn't.  When he did/does it's a wonder you can't hear me at YOUR house, praising him, complimenting him, getting all excited and taking him back inside for a treat.  Here's the thing.....if "I" don't think/remember about every 2 hours to let him out....he does NOT have a way to let me know.  No coming and sitting in front of me staring, no barking, no scratching at the door.  Nothing.  If I didn't know better, I'd think he was depending either on Holly or ME to get him outside and if we don't.....well, yes, you guessed it.  I find little surprises in the house.

So what on earth is a frustrated puppy owner to do?  Any suggestions out there?  I didn't think Ray's was a real good idea......don't feed him.  Ah, nope, that's not the answer.  (and just to clarify, he WAS joking)  How can Duncan be so smart in most areas and SO dumb with his potty training?  I'm also wondering if, possibly, when he's neutered at 6 months old if THIS might help.  And....is Mom expecting too much here?  I can't even remember what age a puppy SHOULD be fully trained.  So I'm sending out an SOS to anyone in the blog world that might be able to offer some suggestions.  Have to go replenish the paper towels and Lysol spray......See you tomorrow.