Two Border Collies trouble with house training

[ThomasBriggs]

We purchased two Border Collies at 8 weeks old, from a breeder. I have been very dedicated in trying to potty train. I have taken them out 12-14 times a day since December 5th. I don't confine them, just try to watch. There are time when I think they are catching on, and then one will have an accident in the house. I'm doing the praise and reward, with no negative feedback when they have an accident. With two puppies, am I expecting to much? Is it suppose to be twice as hard with two?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi Thomas Briggs,

Welcome to the forums!

You are correct, it's not easy when we have to potty train two puppies at once, indeed, among dog trainers the term "double the trouble" is often used to describe the effort needed in socializing, training and potty training two puppies at once since they need lots of individual attention to prevent over bonding and what's known as "littermate syndrome." More on his below:

 Having raised two Rottweilers from the same litter, I can attest that it's not an easy job and I often felt like I needed to grow a pair of eyes on my back! 

It helps to carefully evaluate when the accidents are occurring so to take preventive steps. Here are a few tips that come to mind:

Have them on a feeding schedule: this makes for more predictable outings. If you feed your puppies at the same times each day, they'll likely poop around the same times each day.

Have a log: log in the times they potty outside and when they have accidents. When they have accidents often, aim to take them out a little earlier next time in hopes of preventing them.

Watch their water intake: when two puppies play together, they get very thirsty and may guzzle water like there's no tomorrow.  When you notice lots of drinking, factor that in and take them out earlier.

More trips: if you notice several accidents, increasing the frequency of trips grants more success and will emphasize how rewarding it is to go potty outdoors.

Have clear unobstructed views: make sure nothing is blocking your view so the pups don't just sneak away behind something to potty.

Make it easy to reach the door: keep the pups in an area where you can easily and quickly take them out at the first signs of needing to potty.

Recognize the early signs: most pups as they develop will show distinctive signs of needing to potty. Circling, sniffing and walking away from the playing area are some early warning signs that should prompt you to take them immediately out.

Watch for other forms of urinations like submissive and excitement urination. Learn when this happens and how to differentiate it from true potty accidents and how to tackle these. More info on these here: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/archive/submissive-urination/

Train to potty on cue: this will help you assure they are empty once they come back inside. It may take some time to teach, but it's easy and the results are worth the effort in the long run.

Hope this helps!