When do you allow your puppy outside by themselves?

[Courtney]

Our puppy is 9 weeks old and we've only had her for a week.  We have a large fenced backyard and this week I've been going out with her telling her to 'go potty' and then I let her play for a bit and we go in.  The past few days she won't come in when I'm ready to.  I've been going in and watching her from the window.  I feel like she's too young to be left outside without supervision.  I'd love to hear what you guys have done.  Our other dog will not stay outside unless there is a human out with her.  I suppose I was somewhat expecting our new puppy to be the same way!  lol. 

[Kate, Mel, Tenley & Harper]

I would always go out with the dogs. You never know what they could get into. But at 9 weeks old, I also wouldn't allow her to be "ready" before she's allowed to come in. At that age they are in a PERFECT mental state for you to teach them that coming in the house is a good thing! They're so distracted by bright shiny objects (proverbially speaking). I would do a dance, sing, jump up and down, squeak a squeaky toy whatever it takes to get her attention on you and to follow you back into the house. Drop high value treats she can eat as she follows you. When she comes back inside, jackpot!!! Lots of treats and praise. Prime training time. Coming back in the house is fun stuff!!!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Great idea for all new puppy owners.  It is great bonding time.

[Dexter Doodle]

Dex could fit through the fence for the first 5 months so it wasn't really an option for us. In that time we built up a really solid recall and he also outgrew (with some training too) picking up rocks and ripping up the grass. So for us, it took a good bit of time to get there. Life is certainly easier not having to go out every time! The older he gets, the less he seems to want to go outside without us too.

[Laura and Angus]

Our Angus puppy gets into everything and at 8 months old we still can't really trust him alone outside. . too many tasty treats according to him. I agree with what was said above that I wouldn't let your pup decide when it's time to come in at home. You can start training immediately with a new pup so encouraging her to come in wIth food or exciting things would probably work at that age. If not, you may consider using a leash for pottying for a bit while puppy the household expectations and "come" command. Good Luck and enjoy! Such an exciting time when they're so new :)

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

We have a huge fenced in yard, but we always leashed Enz. This way you have full control and know when and what the pup does.. A nine week old puppy can get into lots of trouble left on it's own. They tend to want to eat and pick up everything. By being out there with the pup....and picking him up ( bringing him in) when he's finished doing his buisness, he will learn he is out there to go potty and not playtime. While housebreaking, I would leave him out there on his own.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I have heard way too many horror stories about puppies and small dogs being swooped up by hawks and such. Even if they are on a large tie down when they are swooped up, the fall could kill them too. I also agree about this being a great time to teach her to play by your rules not hers.

[Courtney]

She wasn't coming in with the treats I had so I switched to a more inciting treat.  We'll see if that helps.  She isn't as food motivated as our lab is.  Even with some turkey.  If that fails we will leash her.  Thanks for the replies.  This is our first puppy experience.  We rescued our lab when she was 9 months old so this is new to us!