Just got a German Shepherd puppy (8 weeks old) and we are on morning 5 (I also have an adult Shepherd). I know it is still early in the process but he doesn't seem to be picking up on any association with the proper places to pee. I am following the commonly given advice and scheduling for taking him out. At night he is doing great and we have him adjusting to crate life while we sleep. No issues there. However, during the day he just randomly starts peeing anywhere he feels like with no cues. For example, this morning I get up around 6 and I take him outside. He pees, I give him some praise, and we come back inside. Then he goes for his toys and is playing around a bit and as he is walking with a toy in his mouth and with no warning just stops and starts to pee. This couldn't be more than ten minutes after I had him out and he peed. I saw him doing it so said no and picked him to take him outside.

Skip to 7 and I am feeding them breakfast. He likes to eat some and then try and run to my other dogs bowl and get in his food. I prevent him from doing it and put him back at his bowl. After I do that he eats a little and then turns away from his bowl and pees a little on the floor. Again I say no, pick him up and take him outside. Point is, I am having a hard time figuring out the cues or association he is having when there seems to be no rhyme or reason to any of it. Like I said, I have read and am following all of the commonly held training advice so I am more looking for anecdotal or off the beaten path ideas to try out.

Has anyone experienced similar and if so how did you break it? Was it time and repetition or do you have any tricks for me?