| Q15: We've been diligent about taking our GSP pup outside/ We take her to her "special spot" and she is doing well with this routine. However, there are times in the house where my eyes are right on her and she doesn't do any sniffing around or anything to cue us to fact that she has to go. Then it's too late to do anything except scoop her up and take her out to the yard. I don't know if we should be crating her more, if any negative reinforcement needs to be applied, or if we really are doing the right thing and she will begin to catch on. . . A: Crate training DK's/GSP's: although it's a lot easier said than done, most of the articles on crate training your puppy recommend that pup always be crated unless you are actively doing something with her like playing a game, feeding, cuddling on the couch, running around outside, etc. Not forever, mind you-- -just 'til pup is reliably trained to only go to the bathroom outside. If you are doing something (an activity) with pup and are actively monitoring her, then she can be out of the crate. When you conclude the activity, or if she gives some sign that she's looking for a place to go potty, out she goes, then immediately back in the crate when you bring her inside, unless you are doing another activity with her. You can ring the bell on your way outside with her for the added association cue if you want to. Sounds harsh, but like I said, it's not forever, and it's for a good purpose.* A caveat, however: If she's not giving some signal that she has to go potty, like sniffing, circling, etc., then you may want to have the vet check a urine sample for a urinary tract infection. It's not unusual for young female pups to get a UTI, as their sphincter muscles aren't well-developed yet, and their bladders are small. They try to hold it in too long because they know they're supposed to go outside, and sometimes that causes an infection. This makes them feel the urge to urinate more frequently, usually in small amounts, and sometimes will even "dribble". When crated, she should be able to hold it for about four hours when you're not home at this age. If she can see you, though, and she's not sleeping in the crate, but moving around a lot to get your attention, obviously that time will be considerably shorter.
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