Potty Training Outdoors

[Michelle Rodriguez]

So I spoke with our breeder today to just get a little update on our furbaby and get a little insight on what we can expect from her during her first few days home since we are picking her up this Thursday. I asked about potty training and they suggested having her potty indoors on newspapers or potty pads (as they have been having her do) for the first week until she gets her next round of shots since she will still be susceptible to parasites and parvovirus. Is this true for all puppies or could it just be how my breeders are used to raising their puppies? We have a decent size yard so I was hoping to get her potty trained outdoors right away but now I am having second thoughts since I don't want to risk her health. 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

As long as no other dogs have pottied in your backyard, you and the pup are safe. You don't want to bring her where other dogs, (dogs you aren't sure if they have been vaccinated or not) have been. So all public areas, including your front yard are off limits. This is until she has her full set of Vacs. Your biggest fear is, and very well should be, is Parvo. Starting her on pee pads or newspapers is just another step you will have to break her of down the road.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

I would not train my dog to potty inside when you have a backyard. We trained our pup within 3 days to ring his bell and go out to potty. Our backyard is fenced so no worries of parvo and the like. Good luck, puppies are fun.

[TYoung]

I agree with these other DK folks...if you have a private backyard where you are sure there are no other unknown (potentially infected) dogs visiting...then you have a great set up.  I set Hadley up from day one to go in a certain corner of the yard.  I did that because I wanted the rest of the yard free of doggie business.  Makes clean up a snap and I don't have to worry about anyone stepping in poops when we are our playing in the yard, picnicking, etc.  The pads are just one more step to eliminate later.  I'm a believer in the pooch-bells.  They really help give the puppy a communicating tool.  I believe she will go where she has gone before, so if you assure that she relieves herself where you want her to go, she will smell it there next time, and make the association you want.  A lot of work at first but so worth it.  Have fun with your baby!  What type of doodle are you getting?

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

I absolutely would NOT teach the baby to use potty pads or newspaper! That will just make your potty training time much longer and confuses them. She will think its ok to go on any paper that may have fallen on the floor. You need to start right away taking her outside. When I first bring a puppy home, I take them outside every half hour. In addition to taking them outside immediately after waking up from naps and also right after any playtime. Puppies usually have to go if they've been playing.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I live in a downtown area and have an apartment so there isn't really any area I can be sure no dogs have been so I took a thin storage bin- only 5inches tall, put some top soil in it and laid some sod on it and put in on my patio. I'm really into DIY projects. :) I figure this will work until the rounds of shots are completed and this way he still gets used to the feeling of grass. I think all of the supplies combined were under $25 and it took me less than a half hour to make! Good luck!

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Great idea for apartment dwellers!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Thanks :) I was pretty pleased with myself!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

That is awesome, Jessica!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Thank you :)

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

My breeder had pee pads and a doggy door to an outside area for pottying, so both Lucy and Oscar were familiar with going outside to potty. Like everyone else has mentioned, if you have a fenced in private yard there's no reason to use pee pads and it only adds to potty training time.