[mayers]

First of all unless you live in a kennel there is no reason your boy can't go outside to relieve himself. Keep him away from fresh feces, take him out on a leash. The fomites from most if not all viruses can not survive outside the body very long. He will not contract any disease from some dogs pee or past presence. If he is on a leash you should be able to take him out until he gets his shots.

I have already made my opinion known, I am not a fan of pee pads, it is best to teach them ASAP to go outside - otherwise you confuse them. When I got my first pup I was in an apartment that did not allow pets, so you can imagine how difficult pottie training was, this was pre pee pads too. I eventually trained her, outside was the only acceptable place, once I got a house. Until he is trained keep him in a kennel or a waterproof floor. When he does go outside have a celebration even if it is a coincidence! You may spend a lot of money on party hats and favors but it is worth it. Bring him out with her when she has to go and he will learn from her. There is nothing more embarrasing than for a guy to pee on the floor when the lady in his life is using the powder room.

Melissa and Rambeau