We got our puggle on Wednesday at the Humane Society. He's a 7 mo. old puggle, Dexter, who only goes potty in our 16' x 4' side yard. We walk him 3-4 times a day (I work at home) and he just thinks walking is play time. As soon as we get home, he heads for the side yard and does his business. Strangest thing.

If he won't go on our walks, how can I train him to?

Also, if the side yard door is closed, he won't try to tell us he has to go. He just goes where he is.

We are currently in a beginner level obedience training class. He is a smart guy and has learned so much in one day (crate training, sit, his name). What's up with the potty??

There is nothing wrong with the dog. The dog is not potty trained.
look up things on classical conditioning. or pavlov. the dog is having a biological response to the side yard as well as the house. The dog cannot help it. but thier is hope. You can operant condition the dog to pee or pooh on command. while the dog is going in the yard. say go potty or get going or whatever. just pick one phrase. say it while the dog is going. then reward. this may take 10-15 sesstions. but soon the dog should go or try to go everytime you say the words. Some dogs also have problems with going while they are on a leash. leashes create tension, stress in mild amounts. but enough to make it hard to go potty.

IF the dog is pottying in the house. crate him when you cannot watch him. the crate should be no bigger than the dog. so if he has to go. he will not because he will have to lay in it. unless he was puppy mill dog. then the clean instnct may be ruined. then you are just going have to keep the dog on leash and watch them.

Thanks.

I think we are already making strides!

Actually this is an easy one, use a crate, take the dog for a walk, bring it back put in the crate, after a bit take for a walk again, if the dog goes give a reward, if it doesn't the dog goes back in the crate.You taught the dog to use the side yrd, so you can condition the dog to go on the walks.Just stop useing the side yard for a while.