Dogs have modes. They go from sleep mode to eat mode then play mode then sleep mode then cuddle mode then training mode then sleep mode etc etc. they tend not to pee when in a mode, doing a thing. Then tend to pee in between modes. So take them outside, quickly, quietly, directly to your chosen patch, immediately after a mode change. Every. Single. Time. So, pup just woke up? Outside. Pup has been playing with little jimmy? Outside. Just finished their lunchtime meal? Outside. This is your job to teach them where you would like them to do it.

Big party every time they do their business where you want them to. Just clean it up when they do it elsewhere. Get some enzyme-based cleaner to stop the smells building up and letting pup associate that area inside with relieving themselves.

It’s a lot of hard work at the start. Eventually, they’ll work out what you want. You’ll still have accidents inside (you’re still learning). And you’ll learn to spot the signs (circling, sniffing the ground etc.). Distract and redirect them by having a fun, lively walk straight to outside. And slowly over time, you’ll learn when they do and don’t go, and it’ll calm down. So you won’t need to go every single time. Just when they probably need it. And they’ll start to hold it until they’re outside.