I live in an apartment, and it has been really hard to potty train my 10 weeks old puppy. My apartment is too high, I live in the 25th floor, so I try to train him to poop and pee in box of dirt at the balcony. I feel like I have tried everything. I wipe his pee then put those in the dirt box, I pick him up immediately whenever he’s peeing or pooping in a wrong place, I encouraged him when he pees in the box. But he keeps misplaced, and everytime he enters inside pees and poops everywhere he can sniff. Everytime I let him inside, I’m full of anxieties, so I keep him outside now. I’m so tired and full of regrets. I shouldn’t have bought a Labrador, I live in an apartment, he is not suitable for my place. But I have committed to this, now I’m so worried, I don’t know what to do. I’ve read and try to learn almost everything about raising a dog, but now, it’s just so different and far more difficult. I really need some helps.
Maybe he is used to doing his business inside when with the breeder. Maybe you could try using puppy pads in the house near the door for the balcony and praise when he hits it. Then you could gradually move the mats outside to the area you want him to go in. I know that you say you are committed now but you really need to consider. Are you able to carry your puppy up and down the stairs (if there is a lift, is this always in use?) until he is at least 6 months? Luna reached 27kgs time she was 6 months and it was a struggle near the end carrying her. Having a puppy is super hard and I struggled the first month with her and though I had made a huge mistake. She kept nipping me, jumping at me and wouldn't listen to me but she didn't do this with my husband. it did stop and now at 9.5 months I wouldn't be without her but it wasn't easy!
Aw I’m sorry I also live in an apartment but luckily on the first floor with a huge closed in patio area that me and a few neighbors share. Are you free feeding the puppy? Usually after puppies eat and drink they need to go to the bathroom 10-15 mins later so maybe try feeding then going to the potty area and waiting until he goes and don’t let him inside until you’ve seen him pee and poo he might try to wait you out but don’t give in just wait him out and once he does both lots of praise and treats and immediately let him back inside. He’ll eventually catch on. Also try to use a word like potty as soon as he starts to go potty that way you can train him to go on command
He is still very young, at 10 weeks mistakes are really common, their bladders are so small and unstable. Keep taking out often and reward each time. He will soon get the message. However you have answered your own question “he is not suitable for my place”. A Labrador is not the best dog for an apartment and will present significant challenges, maybe you need to think about that for your wellbeing and what is best for the dog.
Hi My immediate concern reading this was the balcony at 25 floors up. I don’t know what the regulations are but is it fully secure for a big dog?They can jump quite high and scramble. If you feel you have made a mistake speak to the breeder and explain the situation. If they are responsible maybe they can help you rehome him before the bad habits set in.
