Hi guys,

Firstly, thanks for such a comprehensive and welcoming forum!

I have looked at your sticky thread Re: housetraining older dogs, but feel I need further tips.

I have just got a new lovely little staffy, 3 yr old Izzy, 3 days ago. I realise she is still settling in, but she's used to the house now (and us I feel) and so I think it's best to crack on with house training her properly.

Her previous owners said she was housetrained, but I noticed an outdoor kennel. They said she stays inside, but if they felt they were going out for a longish period of time and that she couldn't wait, they would put newspaper down on the floor and she'd pee on that.

I did this for the first day in case of any accidents and to make her feel more at ease (probably a bad idea?!).

She never asks to go outside, or even stands by the back door to our garden.
She never goes for a wee on her own unless I stand outside and repeatedly tell her to go (at which point I heap loads of praise on her).

But this morning I woke up anyway at hald 4, thought I may aswell let her out, and she went, only to wake up to a wee and also a poo aswell!

Not good!

What shall I do? I have a cage which she can stay in overnight maybe? Or for a few hours to get her bladder control working?

I work three days a week only, so spend a lot of time with her, and really want to do well by her and for her to 'get it right'.

please help! Any pointers and tips much appreciated.