4 mo old yorkie, urinating everywhere in the house

[Livi]

I am at my wits end. We have a 4 month old Yorkie, Mojo, and he still hasn't gotten the idea to go to the door to go outside to do his business. I have tried everything. i am taking him out nearly every 30 to 45 minutes. Am I creating a monster? I just don't know what to do? Any yorkie owners out there or anybody else?

[KOPsRobyn]

Hi Livi

Although by 4 months, most dogs have grasped the art of house training, occasionally it will take dogs longer than others master this. You are doing well with persisting and taking Mojo outside. It probably isn't necessary to take him out quite so often, but just mainly when he first wakes up in the morning and before bed at night, after any sort of playing or activity, as well as about half an hour after meals. In between these times you should put him out every few hours. It is important that he understands that you really want him to go outside, as ultimately he will want to do what pleases you. You can do this by praising him and giving him a reward when he does go to the toilet outside. If you catch him in the act of toileting inside, and only if he is doing so at that exact moment, you should say NO in a loud voice and take him outside. There is no point taking him back to his mistake afterwards and telling him off as he will have forgotten about it and won’t associate you being cross with making a mess inside. You may have to persist with this for a bit longer but the rewards will be well worth the effort!

I hope this helps and all the best with the training!