[bellasmomok]

Puppies are supposed to use pads really until 3-4 weeks AFTER their last puppy shot, was what I have been told, because they aren't supposed to be outside anywhere another dog could have been since many of the viruses dogs contract is done so through contact with an infected animals excrement (including urine!) That being said, I have also been told (don't know if it's true or not) that Parvo can live in the ground for several years. Soooo, if you get a puppy that is 10-12 weeks old, they will have already had all but 1 or 2 shots, so you'd have 7-10 weeks until they should be allowed outside anyway (unless you have a fenced in yard at a house you've been at for several years, of course).

I say, it doesn't really matter! I think keeping them on pads a little longer until it warms up a bit can't hurt anything! They already use pads until they are 16+ weeks old (or should anyway), so what the difference in waiting a bit longer?? Just watch 1 or 2 episodes of "It's Me Or The Dog" and you'll see an adult dog that has never been potty trained really (goes inside on the floor! consistently) and the trainer will have the dog potty trained in a week's time!!