Having issues potty training new Yorkie. Using training pads pads. Going outside regularly is not an option here. ❓❓ Does anyone have Litter Box trained dogs/Puppies ❓❓. Seems easier option. Puppy seems confused at which flat surface he's supposed to use. Opinions/ideas/suggestions ❓ Help ❗ (I know potty training van take some time)
Training Pads VERSES DOG LITTER BOX?
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Out of curiosity, why is going outside regularly not an option?
I started my most recent puppy on pads because it was -40 degrees outside the week I brought him home, so I picked up or blocked off all the other rugs and soft flooring surfaces in the house so he wouldn't mix up the pads with carpet. I put the puppy pads by the outside door so he'd learn to run to the door when he had to go. When it was time to transition to going outside, I just put the puppy pad outside the door instead of inside the door. He transitioned pretty seamlessly, but I also had an older dog for him to imitate, which I'm sure made it easier.
My view on litterboxes is that one of the best things about having a dog rather than a cat is not having to clean a litterbox. One of the other best things is not having animal excrement in the house. But I suppose it's not as bad with a tiny dog, and if needs must, needs must.
I started my most recent puppy on pads because it was -40 degrees outside the week I brought him home, so I picked up or blocked off all the other rugs and soft flooring surfaces in the house so he wouldn't mix up the pads with carpet. I put the puppy pads by the outside door so he'd learn to run to the door when he had to go. When it was time to transition to going outside, I just put the puppy pad outside the door instead of inside the door. He transitioned pretty seamlessly, but I also had an older dog for him to imitate, which I'm sure made it easier.
My view on litterboxes is that one of the best things about having a dog rather than a cat is not having to clean a litterbox. One of the other best things is not having animal excrement in the house. But I suppose it's not as bad with a tiny dog, and if needs must, needs must.
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One winter when it was especially cold out and I had a litter of pups, I started their house training on wood pellets, not puppy pads as I have always found that they just tear them up. They are not treated in any way just wood pellets for stoves. It worked really well and easy to clean up and they never were interested in eating them. As soon as possible I took them outside but worked well when they could not go out.
Amen to that. A Yorkie would be different from the big dogs I've always had, but even so....
1) Do not punish for unwanted behaviour or "accidents". Without fanfare, quietly tidy up and use enzymatic cleaners to reduce chances of future mishaps in that area.
2) Do use an abundance, perhaps even an over-abundance of positive reinforcement (ie: lots of treats / praise) each and every time the puppy uses the "correct" place.
Yorkies, especially tiny ones, are notoriously difficult to potty train. Mistakes will inevitably be made on his part. Be prepared for significant, dedicated training on your part.
On a slightly different note. Every effort should be made to get your puppy outside as often as possible and practical, just for the sake of safely and properly 'socializing' at this critical stage in his development, regardless of whether he will eventually be trained to potty inside or out. Not doing this socialization now will surely invite negative issues later in his life. If the dog is regularly outside for socialization purposes, then using that time to also potty train while you're already there would be a wise thing to do.
Being completely confined to indoors may be fine for a slightly older, socialized dog, but not for a baby puppy IMO.
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