Hi there, I am new to your forums and would like to start out with a hello. I recently got myself an English Bulldog and found him (in most cases) to be the best dog I have ever had. One problem though is housebreaking him. I searched around the forums and wasn't having too much luck finding my specific issue, so I apologize in advance if this has been posted 100 times.
My bulldog, George, is about 7 months old now and knows where he is supposed to go to relieve himself. I open the front door, he will run out and do his business, then run right back in. I can't question his brains, he has learned that much. I keep him in a crate when I go to work at night so he is usually locked up for about 8.5 hours. On occasion, even after being walked right before work (maybe once a week) he will poop in his crate, then play in it. I am sure you can all guess how much time it takes me to clean THAT mess up. Last night I was running late so I locked him in the kitchen expecting a huge mess when I got home (I was right), but still can't figure out why he must play in it and scatter it around... but I digress.
The real issue I have (besides him still going in his crate at 7 months) is that he doesn't tell me when he needs to go out. Every dog I have had has always made a fuss and well "tell" me that it was time. George just plays, stops for a brief minute to relieve himself wherever he is, then goes back to playing.
So to make a long story short, how do I train my dog to let me know he has to go so I can get him housebroken? I have heard that English Bulldogs are a bit stubborn, but he at least knows what is right and wrong, I just need him to let me know "when".
Thanks for your time. =)
My bulldog, George, is about 7 months old now and knows where he is supposed to go to relieve himself. I open the front door, he will run out and do his business, then run right back in. I can't question his brains, he has learned that much. I keep him in a crate when I go to work at night so he is usually locked up for about 8.5 hours. On occasion, even after being walked right before work (maybe once a week) he will poop in his crate, then play in it. I am sure you can all guess how much time it takes me to clean THAT mess up. Last night I was running late so I locked him in the kitchen expecting a huge mess when I got home (I was right), but still can't figure out why he must play in it and scatter it around... but I digress.
The real issue I have (besides him still going in his crate at 7 months) is that he doesn't tell me when he needs to go out. Every dog I have had has always made a fuss and well "tell" me that it was time. George just plays, stops for a brief minute to relieve himself wherever he is, then goes back to playing.
So to make a long story short, how do I train my dog to let me know he has to go so I can get him housebroken? I have heard that English Bulldogs are a bit stubborn, but he at least knows what is right and wrong, I just need him to let me know "when".
Thanks for your time. =)