How can I convince my puppy that it's better to go to the bathroom outdoors than indoors?

Bring the paper outside, and be prepared to stay out there as long as it takes for her to use it. Then praise her extravagantly. Repeat.

Gradually over time, reduce the size of the newspaper target until it’s gone.

Watch her for the signs that she needs to go out. When you see them, take her out to the same spot every time (this is great later when you only have a small area of the yard to clean) Give her a verbal command (poop, business, whatever word you want to use) Wait for her to do her business. When she does give her lots of praise and a treat. Think of it just like teaching any other trick. Later when you can run out in the rain, give the command and have the whole thing done in a minute you will really like it. If she takes more than a few minutes go back in but watch her for signs she is going to use the paper. Take he out again if she heads that way. DO NOT yell, or make a big deal about not going out. Just take her out. There should only be positive reinforcement when she goes outside there should be no negitive reinforcment.

I agree that it will probably really help to take some paper outside. Preferably used. When you’re going to be right there, you might want to remove the paper indoors. If you need to, like if you’re going to be out for a few hours, you could always put paper down again.

You must lead by example!!!

Give him 8 months.

Some people with small dogs (particularly those in high rise apts.) never train the dogs for outside. They use puppy pads indoors in a specific area.

But if you don’t want to do that, then just follow the suggestions above and realize that it will take a while. She’s still a pretty young dog. But consistency and lots of praise will eventually get the job done.

@Kelly_Obrien ROFL!!!!

@Kelly_Obrien LURVE!!!

@MagsRags and @ccrow I tried bringing the paper outside. She proceeded to eat it. :-)

@csimme01 I am starting to try that, but there have been quite a few times when I’ve stood for 15–20 minutes and she’s done nothing.

Thanks!

@Buttonstc I’d like to at least give it a shot at training her to go outside. If not, then I’ve got the paper to fall back on.

Maybe save the paper she’s peed on inside to take out with you next time? She’s less likely to think it tastes good and the smell might remind her what it’s for.

Is she on leash when she goes out or free to run and explore in a backyard? Puppies are easily distractable – I’d keep her with you on a leash until she urinates. If there are places in the neighborhood that you’ve seen other dogs use, take her there. Hopefully, the insinct for making her mark will help.

I trained mine by taking him out a half hour after he ate and I would move the pee pad up a little every day till it was at the door and then out of the door. Just by taking them out they get tempted by smell and will pee. Hope it works.

When it is approaching -40 outside with the windchill, it is hard to convince me that I want to take her outside for my puppy to do her business.

Good point! Where do you live? I’m in upstate NY. It’s cold here, but not THAT cold!

I agree about putting the paper outside and reducing it’s size. Also, each time she does his business outdoors, give her a “good dog!” and then a small treat. Then immediately take her back inside.
I love bichons!!