My dog won't potty on leash. How to train him in an apartment?

This can be a normal reaction to dogs who are used to pottying in the backyard, off leash. When you walk them and they’re on a leash they become anxious and nervous about going to the bathroom out in the open and on the leash. My best advice for you is to try and walk him frequently so he gets used to being on the leash. If he is able to hold his urine and bowel movements then it shouldn’t be a big issue. He will need to lease go to the bathroom every 10 to 12 hours. When you do walk him on the leash and he potties use lots of positive reinforcement like praise and treats to let him know you are proud of him and did a good job. Consistency with walking him will help improve this problem. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Poor Loki! I'm sure he's very confused by all of these changes. If he's always been accustomed to "doing his business" off leash in the yard, he may not know what to do when he's on-leash - this is a common problem for many dogs who have never pottied on-leash before. Rather than using a retractable leash, which keeps constant tension on the collar, I would recommend getting a long line for him - this is a very long, lightweight leash (up to 40-50' long) that he can easily drag without noticing. Attach the leash to his collar, and follow at a distance keeping the leash loose with no tension at all. This will allow him to feel like he's loose, and he should have an easier time going to the bathroom without tension on his collar and having you so close to him.

Put him on a leash and take him outside to his designated spot. Do not walk around. Just stand there and repeat "go outside" or a similar phrase. As soon as he starts to go, repeat "go outside" and praise "good dog!" as he goes. When he is finished, or if it appears that he is not going to go, bring him inside but do not remove the leash, e3ven if he has done his business. Attach it to your belt loop and keep him with you. Don’t let him out of your sight! When you see him start to circle or sniff, take him right outdoors again and repeat the process. If he does mess in the house, do not scold him unless you actually catch him in the act. In that case, say "NO!" and take him right outside. Tell him to "go outside" and praise as he finishes. Keep him in a crate at night, or for short periods when you are not at home. For further assistance, click on the prompt to start a consult, where we can discuss this at length.

I would start by putting her on a leash and walking around with her in the yard she is used to using to go to the bathroom, so she can acclimate to being leashed and having you near her when she goes to the bathroom. You can also start using a command word for her peeing and pooping and giving her a treat along with the command word when she goes. For example, if you see her peeing outside say "Potty" and give her a treat. This will help her associate the word with the action and then when she is out on a walk you can try saying the word to encourage her to do the action (and follow up with a treat). You can also get her adjusted to a pen by putting it in your house now, and placing her bed/toys inside with the door open to encourage her to use the pen.

She may have been trained to potty inside, you can try leaving out potty pads for her to go inside. She may also not be used to having to go potty in a busy, loud, or concrete-filled environment. Give her more time. Keep treats in your pocket and take her out often. Use a command like "go potty" and repeat it when you first get outside. When she does go outside, give her treats and LOTS of praise (people should be thinking you are a wackadoo!). Eventually she will figure out that going outside is a good thing that makes you very happy.

I'm afraid that, if Apollo is only 20 pounds, you are letting him drag you back to the house. Pick a "bathroom spot" and go there with him on the leash. Do not walk around. Just stand and repeat your "go outside" command (if you don't have one, make one up and stick to the same one all the time). Do not let him pull you anywhere. If he refuses to go, Bring him back in the house, but do not remove his leash. You can attach the end to your belt loop so your hand are free to do other things. This way he won't be able to go inthe house. The minute you see "I have to go" behavior, walk him outside again. Repeat this until he does his business, and then give him lots of praise and bring him in, Keep this up until he gets over whatever was bothering him and is willing to go out again. Good luck!

Dogs are situational learners and can sometimes make some very weird connections. I recommend to start clicker training her. You will also need some very high value treats or a high value toy. Whichever she thinks is better. Basically start in the house near the doorway with you and reward her for coming near you. Gradually work your way out the door. What you are trying to do is produce a positive association. It is very important that you remain calm and try not to get frustrated her as she will pick up on negative energy. You can also start feeding her in the back yard or playing out there to continue the positive association. Also give her positive reinforcement for looking at you frequently or when she is afraid. This will teach her to look to you for action. This will be a slow process. Be patient and keep her on the medication for now. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.