Potty training for the mutually determined

I wouldn't say it's a contest of wills, exactly. Clearly both parties want to meet the needs of the other. But both homeowners and puppy are determined to have their needs met.

We're talking potty training, of course, and it seems to be a matter of one step forward and another step back. Mind you, it hasn't even been a week since Buster came to his new home, so our progress toward mutual consent has been remarkable. But I'm sure all three of us look forward to the day when we have it all clearly settled.

Alan and I were quite pleased at the end of Day 1 that Buster had managed to deposit his wastes four out of six times on the luxurious grass-sod box conveniently arranged just outside a quite inviting doggy door onto our balcony. Perhaps we took our eye of the ball, or in this case the pooch, which we had concluded was the smartest puppy yet born.

For alas, on Day 2 the ratio was approximately reversed. Fortunately, we have marble tile floors, so as long as we get the piddles and poops right away cleanup is easy, always followed with an application of various formulas purported to erase any lingering smells, even to the sensitive and ever-inquisitive puppy nose.

Now we are on Day 6, and Buster seems to have definitely figured out that the piddles go on the balcony sod. However, poops seem to be more optional in his mind. Of course his crate is never soiled, nor is the sitting area of our condo where we spend most of our time. But anywhere on the balcony seems to be acceptable poop space, and in a pinch the marble floor outside the sitting area will also do.

So as the big dogs around here, our strategy now is two-fold: Keep Buster in his crate more, outside of eating, play and cuddle times, and leave a trace of his latest poop on the sod for his sniffing instruction. Truth be told, puppy has been making great progress in divining and meeting our rather mysterious desires. I have visions that within a few short weeks he will even be taking care of his own needs without our supervision.

Then if I can only teach him to fold laundry ... well, one step at a time.

Michael