Quote:
Originally Posted by Gr33zyinc  In my opinion, get rid of the potty pads. That only teaches the pup it is okay to go to the washroom inside! This is a small breed dog that will need to be let out frequently, especially since they are still developing bladder control.
Introduce a crate to keep the puppy in when you can not supervise. If you take the puppy out of their crate, either have them in an isolated area (closed in a room, WITH YOU), baby gates in the kitchen with you, or tether to yourself with a leash.
Understand when a puppy begins to wander, and sniff the floor they are most likely contemplating going to the washroom. They need to use the washroom right after they get up from their nap, after they eat or drink, right after they shower.
Pick up your puppy, take them outside to their "potty place", set them down and say the "potty" command or whatever word you choose when they go. Once they go celebrate and reward them excitedly so they know its a good thing to go outside!
NEVER correct a dog if they go to the washroom inside after they have gone. This is YOUR Fault. If you see the puppy going to the washroom in front of you, then it is okay to give a quick correction, "NO", then pick them up and take them to their outside place. Again celebrate and reward when they go outside. Make sure you clean the spot inside with a decent detergent/ water:bleach solution, as wiping it will not completely clean it - they will still smell it and remember it as a spot to go. |
I also chose the crate and outdoor potty training route, granted I got both Casie and Scottie when they were 5 months. Had they been 12 weeks when I got them, I'd have no choice but to let them use pee pads at first. This is because I don't have the time to take off work to let them out frequently to go potty. At that age, they cannot hold their potty for more than 2-3 hours. Many don't realize the time commitment required for such a young puppy. I always advocate for slightly older puppies!
Anyhow, it's a personal preference though. Some choose to have indoor dogs, some outdoors. The benefit of potty trained indoors is that you don't need to go out rain or shine and you don't need to buy poop bags. The benefit of potty trained outdoors is that you never have to smell pee or poo in your home, but you need to stock up on pee pads.