Computer Training Success

I have a 12 week old 1/2 pug, 1/2 chihuahua (chug). His name is Gizmo. We have had Gizmo going on 3 weeks. I have another dog, Cleo ( 1/2 jack russel, 1/2 unkown). She is 3 years old. We have had her since she was 1. We adopted her from the SPCA. She was already potty trained, house trained, and ready to go. She is a wonderful dog.

We bought Gizmo from a friend at work. She had bought him from a breeder for her granddaughter but the granddaughter wouldn’t work with him, potty train him, or clean up after him. She sold Gizmo to me for 1/2 the price she paid for him.

I am trying to crate potty train Gizmo. It has been tough. We have been working hard for 3 weeks now. I only work 3 days a week so I have time to spend doing this. I take him out every 1.5 to 2 hours. When I take him out - we are out there about 15-20 minutes. He wants to use this as play time and not use the bathroom. As soon as we come in the house, he has an accident in the house. I am at my wits end! When he does go outside - I do all the praising - and occasionally give him a treat. When he goes inside - if I catch him - I make a loud noise to try to disrupt him and immediately take him out. I’ve then been cleaning up the mess with vinegar (I’ve read that it helps take the animal odor out of the carpet so they won’t detect). If I don’t catch him, I clean it up and take him out without trying to make much fuss. He will even be in the same room with me when he does it. Like I might be standing there folding laundry and he will do it. Or I will be at my computer desk and he will do it. He also has at this point the smallest carrier/crate that I can get (its just enough room for him to stand, lay down, maybe turn around) . He even pees in it throughout the night! I take him out at 10pm, he wakes me up anywhere from 1-2 times between (3-5AM), and then again at 8AM and goes potty! I keep chew bone in it and small toys. I have the potty pads out in the hosue but he doesn’t seem to be interested in that either. Not that I want him thinking its okay - I want him to go outside. I’ve read everything imaginable to try. Treats, praise, no fuss, blah blah…

Another thing is I’ve been working with him to try to sit. A basic command - I’d think. I use treats. But he just isn’t getting it. I use to not have to put him on a leash. He wouldn’t walk on concrete (sidewalk, and driveway). Now he is walking everywhere. I have to put him on a leash now - because he runs away (I know he thinks he is playing). But I will tell him to stop, sit, come. (We’ve been working so hard on these commands for short periods just 1 or 2 times a day- but it isn’t working). He has actually even lost most interest in the treats. And I don’t understand the whole play all the time thing because he gets atleast 2 good hours of play time in everyday!

I think Gizmo has a mind of his own. He wants to do what he wants to do - period. I’ve read that dogs want nothing else but to please their owners…I have to wonder about it with Gizmo. With Cleo - I’d say it is absolutely true. Gizmo is cute and cuddly. I want this home to work for him and him to work for our home (our family). Cleo has taken him in as one of her own. She occasionally will get after him after doing his business in the house. So please help with:

1. What do I need to do to get him potty trained (to go outside)?

2. Besides of hiring a trainer, how can I get him to learn the basic commands?

3. My dog is not phazed by ‘doggie’ treats anymore - any other ideas?

4. Currently, we leave his dog food bowl out with his water bowl - and just let him eat as he wants it. I was thinking about changing it to a scheduled feeding once a day. Say his 1/4 - 1/2 cup of dog food at supper time. I thought that maybe - this would help keep better track of when he might have bowl movements and less frequently. Ideas?

5. Are their any other ‘home remedies’ to getting the smell and stain of both of the dogs bodily functions out of the carpet?

Any other ideas/suggestions - are welcomed! Thank you!

Christena