We have an 8week old that we got 2 days ago. We’ve been working on potty training with a bell on the door and taking it out every 2 hrs, unless he’s sound asleep. I just read about indoor potty training with pine pellets instead of the pads. We are having a lot of rain here and he doesn’t seem to like it in the rain. I just don’t know how to transition to the pellets now. Anyone have any idea? He doesn’t do both at the same time. He usually pees when we take him out then walks then poops. This is my struggle.
Potty training
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I would avoid pads and pellets if possible. They just teach a puppy that it’s ok to go potty inside. If you have to use them, only use when absolutely necessary. I wouldn’t switch to pellets right now. You have a brand new puppy who already has enough of changes and new things to learn.
Take him out after he wakes up, eats, plays, etc... and as much as possible in between. Take treats outside with you to reward the second he finishes. Make sure you don’t free feed. (Bowl stays down 20 minutes, if he doesn’t eat, bowl goes up until next meal). Scheduled feedings are healthier and better for dogs of all ages.
He is very young, so accidents are going to happen for a bit. Just thoroughly clean up with an enzyme based pet cleaner and move on. He may be a bit young for bell training, but it is a great idea.
Lastly limit his freedom. He should always be in the same room as you are. If you are busy, then he goes into his crate or an exercise pen with a chew or stuffed Kong to keep him busy.
You got this!
Take him out after he wakes up, eats, plays, etc... and as much as possible in between. Take treats outside with you to reward the second he finishes. Make sure you don’t free feed. (Bowl stays down 20 minutes, if he doesn’t eat, bowl goes up until next meal). Scheduled feedings are healthier and better for dogs of all ages.
He is very young, so accidents are going to happen for a bit. Just thoroughly clean up with an enzyme based pet cleaner and move on. He may be a bit young for bell training, but it is a great idea.
Lastly limit his freedom. He should always be in the same room as you are. If you are busy, then he goes into his crate or an exercise pen with a chew or stuffed Kong to keep him busy.
You got this!
I've been dealing with rain here for the past 3 days too. My puppy had a fit about it at first but in the end got used to it enough to go out to potty. I did try to take him when it wasn't coming down too hard, but of course when they need to go, they need to go. So your puppy may resigned himself to getting wet if he goes out in it often enough.
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Of the sixteen days I've had my puppy, it's rained for probably ten of them. I can't tell you how many times we have gotten soaked. I don't want him getting the idea that pottying in the house is okay, though.
On the other hand, I have breeder friends who started house training their litters to a potty tray, and then transitioning to pottying outside. Even they recommend that new owners train their pups to go outside.
On the other hand, I have breeder friends who started house training their litters to a potty tray, and then transitioning to pottying outside. Even they recommend that new owners train their pups to go outside.
My guy was brought up with a litter tray. He's been going outside since he came to me, including through the 3 days of rain and cold we had over the Memorial Day weekend. I will say he had more accidents in the house those 3 days than the days before (only had him a week). I figure that's a combination of him not wanting to go outside and me procrastinating about taking him on schedule. I swear one night it was cold enough my breath was pluming in the air.
I remember that it was below zero when I brought my girl Story home at 8 weeks old. She took some persuading to stop huddling and get to walking when I first set her down on the ground here. I suspect her breeder didn't have those puppies outside much at all since it was mid-winter. Summer and fall puppies are easier. Winter = cold. Spring = rain.
I remember that it was below zero when I brought my girl Story home at 8 weeks old. She took some persuading to stop huddling and get to walking when I first set her down on the ground here. I suspect her breeder didn't have those puppies outside much at all since it was mid-winter. Summer and fall puppies are easier. Winter = cold. Spring = rain.
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