[Paris Rain]

I pick up my 8 week old Yorkie-Poo in less than two weeks. I live in the midwest and it’s FREEZING outside right now. I’ve heard that housebreaking is very difficult. Here’s where the conflicting information comes in.

The first breeder I visited warned me about taking the pup outside before it’s had all of its shots because of the chance of picking up Parvo that lives in the ground for up to 10 years. I have a fenced backyard, but the previous owners had two small dogs and I don’t know their history – and I’ve only lived here for 9 months. So that makes me a little nervous about taking the pup outside. Not to mention the freezing temps right now. I’m wondering if he would go at all!

So this breeder told me that instead, I should put the pup and it’s crate, etc. inside a pen – in the house – and use hospital pads (all-fabric potty pads) in the pen for the pup to go potty on. But this seems conflicting to me because ultimately, I want the dog to be able to do its biz outside.

Some folks I work with, suggested I put a pad by the backdoor where I want the pup to go out - so at least he's close to the preferred spot.

I have no clue what to do...