Puppy Potty Training at 4 Weeks Old

Hey Doodles Fam! We have been overwhelmed with comments on how we potty train our puppies so early. Potty training puppies at 4 weeks can be pretty simple if you follow these steps. Also, we show how make our potty trays and where to buy them. Lastly, we continue our training with Shellie Macs puppies on their startle and recovery and uneven surfaces.
Chapters
0:00 Intro - Puppy Potty Trays
0:32 How To - Puppy Potty Training at 4 Weeks Old
3:46 Why We Use a Waterproof Traction Pad Under Our Puppies
5:23 Deep Cleaning Our Puppy Play Area
6:37 Our Potty Tray Setup And How To Buy Them
8:27 4-6 Week Puppy Culture - Startle And Recovery, Uneven Surfaces
11:33 Early Neurological Stimulation On Isla's Puppies And How We Keep Our Nursery Area Clean
Our Favorite Dog Training Program
- Online Puppy/Dog Training - www.baxterandbella.com
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Our Favorite Items For Puppy Owners
- www.doodlesofnc.com/shop
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- www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-...
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[@relaxmydog]

LOVE these tips! We're so glad to see you doing so well with your lovely pups and your channel - keep up the great work!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!

[@KTen-cm6wx]

Erin it’s a team effort in raising puppies and you definitely shine above the rest. But it’s a lot work keeping those puppies clean n fed. I love how you keep them active and have them potty trained. I look forward to getting one of your puppies 🤗

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!

[@Big_Swig_Roller]

@@DoodlesofNC what does the grid do? To me it just seems like something to smear poop on

[@JKUadventures]

@@Big_Swig_Roller It lets the poop fall through, less likely that other pups will step on it and spread it around.

[@pbayer773]

Very impressive operation. Cleanliness especially, I have never seen the poop racks before.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I love your floors, so easy to keep clean. I love how you keep your areas so clean. I live in Florida and I have seen what some puppy places look like. You are so generous sharing your « pipi » stations with other breeders. Your puppies are amazing. Just love you and your amazing pups.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you! It is a great effort but worth it!

[@stephaniegeier7312]

Thanks for all your efforts making videos. This was exactly what I wanted to know.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Oh I am so glad!

[@heydjcurry]

Your dedication and passion for your dogs is inspiring….

[@DoodlesofNC]

Aww. Thanks Donna!

[@barbaragildersleeve4309]

I am so very glad you shared how you potty train your puppies. We used to litter train and that is a messy way to potty train. Since I started using your original potty trays it us the best way to potty train and not so messy. Really appreciate you share what works well for your breeding program and that you always give helpful tips for others raising puppies. We have to litters at this time one standard who are 9 days old and one mini litter who are 2 days old.

[@DoodlesofNC]

I am so glad it’s helpful to you!

[@johnweeks6036]

Great video. Cute puppies. Every video I view makes me more excited to get one of your puppies!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you John! Can't wait!!

[@VERTICALWisdom]

Awesome content such a loving home and safe place for these beautiful pups.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you so much!!

[@sonjabolte1481]

I love this! You guys are so great to watch 💕

[@DoodlesofNC]

Aww thanks Sonja! Glad you like the videos.

[@aimeeseattle]

Yeay great topic! I have liked your vids and subscribed to you! Love your clean , sanitized ,organized environment ! You’re like the best for showing this! I can’t talk and video while I’m cleaning our trays (wood and alphalfa pellets under grate) you’re amazing! I can tell you have so much patience and calm energy I really love. Introvert mom of 4 sons (2 autistic) raising pups with calm dog therapy music my eldest son created. Love your vids! 😀❤️

[@DoodlesofNC]

Wow! Thanks for sharing some of your story! Thats wonderful!

[@simonalyneenderz3247]

Always informative!!! Puppies!! Isla looks great!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!!

[@Vro-]

Great info on the puppy pad trays, thank you! Quick tip if you spray the tray slightly with a little water it will help the pad to stay flat. Your place is so clean and beautiful!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!!!! Great tip!

[@suehanchard5582]

Great video! I’ve been looking forward to each and every one.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Glad you like them!

[@rachelo315]

Hands down cleanest, best puppy room ever!! I love all the toys, how clean you keep everything, etc. Reminds me of a rabbit room but for puppies!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you so much!! We try our best!! Do you own rabbits?

[@rachelo315]

@@DoodlesofNC I did but allergies got the best of us. But I just got an 8 week cocker spaniel and this is giving me play room ideas! We are trying to litter train her until it's safe to go out in the grass. The shelving over the mat is a wonderful idea so she doesn't walk through her mess. Much like rabbits.

[@DoodlesofNC]

So true! You can put ours together from Amazon www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@germanshepherdmanofficialc7598]

I LOVE the potty trays!!! I use pine shavings to train my babies where the potty area is located and will put some of the shavings in the tray. GREAT IDEA, and Thank You...German Shepherd Man

[@DoodlesofNC]

Glad to hear! Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@miahungry7327]

Great idea thank you for the video. I just started this and it's working amazingly well

[@DoodlesofNC]

You are welcome!!!

[@brendamonrreal7887]

What a great idea! I'm foster rescue mom, but I have never had puppies. However I will still buy this in case I ever do get puppies

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thats great Brenda. Hope it works well for you!

[@inderrajkaur2945]

Hi Erin! You are a wonderful person n a too good dog breeder - someone very caring! Love from India.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Love to India!!!

[@miric6224]

Great ideas. Wish i knew about the trays a few years back when We got our two pups. You have so many nice ideas and, so, raise wonderful pups.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Awww thank you. We are glad to help so many others!

[@maryanngambino7608]

Your home is absolutely stunning and perfect for whelping etc! 🎉🎉

[@DoodlesofNC]

I appreciate it! We had some years of breeding under our belt before we created the spaces.

[@behrammodi4254]

Incredibly informative video!!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Nice Channel, This tutorial was much needed.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thanks!

[@julialinkenhoker9359]

Glad to see another video. Keep them coming! Loved watching the puppies at play. It’s hard to be patient!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!

[@pamelajohnson9810]

They're so cute you looks like a very good breeder and you're very clean

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you

[@84GotRotts]

Fabulous! We use pine shavings and I'm ready to try your potty tray idea!.

[@DoodlesofNC]

That’s great!

[@jf6962]

Thank you. I litterbox trained my girls but I still had poop eating problems. This is going to help with both for my first litter.

[@DoodlesofNC]

I’m glad!

[@chelseaelizabethbrown2399]

You have just earned yourself a subscriber tha k you so much on this amazing insightful way to keep the puppies areas clean and sanitary it's help me out loads absolutely l9ve this 😁👍

[@DoodlesofNC]

You are so amazing! Thank you!

[@sherryrodrigo5457]

This is absolute puppy heaven 💗🐶💗🐶💗🐶

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you Sherry!

[@veronicaraz90]

@@DoodlesofNCjust got try

[@chrisp4962]

So nice to see responsible breeders!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!

[@aprilsanimals6287]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2WkoKyobLiiq5o

[@heidib.4089]

We moved into an apartment with an enclosed glass shower stall and a handheld sprayer - it is a dream to wash my Persian cat and watching you wash puppies and trays I’d encourage a similar set up! Spray everything down,, scrub, rinse in a nice large area!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Heidi, absolutely! It’s on our wish list for sure! Thanks for sharing.

[@mimig6932]

Man that is a full time job. I’m pooped just watching you.

[@DoodlesofNC]

=)

[@ericaaubie860]

Erin you have activities, your organized, and you have a routine for the puppies. You are so clean as well. I would buy a puppy from you without any worry.

[@DoodlesofNC]

I really appreciate That!

[@Allengo2]

Those white playpens are really nice. It would be awesome if they had doors so you could just swing them open to get out. But I really like them. You do such an awesome job

[@DoodlesofNC]

That would be cool!

[@shootingal88]

Where did you get the playoen?

[@adrian34ify]

Love the shelving concept. Might need to get one of them

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.littlewolves.com so helpful!

[@3headedmonkeypiano]

Thank you!! You’re awesome ❤️

[@DoodlesofNC]

I appreciate it!

[@GSlover14305]

Love these tips! I remember when you only had a couple hundred subscribers your channel is growing so fast!!! Who is going to whelp next and when?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Zuri will confirm this week!

[@tessjones5987]

Such a creative channel. I am a vicarious dog breeder thru your videos. Wish I was not 70 I would jump right inl

[@DoodlesofNC]

Hahaha 70 is perfect time!

[@KeepingUpWithRene]

Thank you! Great video

[@DoodlesofNC]

Glad you liked it!

[@curlykipper]

Great tips, thank you. I admire your fortitude. You're probably used to the smells and odours and don't need to wear a mask or burn incense while cleaning!

[@DoodlesofNC]

No def don’t, but I do appreciate the house smell after I have cleaned!

[@slangin.apples]

I just wanted to comment to let you know that I really enjoy your videos. They really help. I put a pee pad on one side and a sleeping area in a little pool that my 3.5 wk old puppies and their mama sleep in. This morning they got up and wobbled to the pee pad and went potty on it. I was so amazed. I would love to see a video on what to do from birth to 8 wks, like weaning from mom and feeding etc.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Fabulous idea!

[@Kate98755]

interesting, thanks for sharing

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thanks for watching!

[@CopperRidge]

So helpful. I have tried so many different potty boxes and nothing is working just right. I use something very similar but the rack wasn’t fitting right. I breed English Labs and this will help so much. Love you channel

[@DoodlesofNC]

You are welcome! We would love to see your puppies too!

[@user-rm5ze2ux9z]

Beautiful dogs 🐕🐕🐕 🐕🐕🐕🐕 bravooo miss from Creece 👏👏🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷✈️💞💕😀🙋

[@DoodlesofNC]

Wow! Mapia, thank you for the support.

[@dawnderbique6722]

I just found you. I love your videos!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Yay! Thank you!

[@LifeWithK_T]

Im currently using the pine pellets and while they do potty on them it still does get way to messy ( I have a litter of 11 four-week old Dobermans ). Thank you so much for the video! I’ll be on my way to the store soon 😊

[@DoodlesofNC]

Awesome! We did pellets for a while ANd it was much more messy

[@andrewhampton971]

Love your Chanel !!!!!🥰😍😋

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!!

[@thelifeofrylee263]

Great video! Could you please share a link for the large waterproof mats you put under the whelping box

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!!! Www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@fable_enthusiast]

I'm not a breeder but I have to take care of 6 puppies because my dog managed to get pregnant before sterilization. Those trays are so useful

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you! I’ll enter your name for sure!

[@yehovanissi4299]

Very lovely puppy's I lost my puppy recently 😢 love from 🇮🇳

[@DoodlesofNC]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[@tcruz0635]

Hi there, subscribes last night. Loved the videos. Can you post a. Ideo about your setup?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Great idea!

[@Dada091810]

Hey I'm new here! Can u guys do a tour to the nursery room of the moms and puppies! Please Thank you

[@DoodlesofNC]

Dada, yes! Check out our latest video for a tour!

[@katyborkholder3734]

I Love your videos!! Thank-You for all your great videos. I was just wondering once the puppies go to their new homes if they easily pottytrain to go outside or do they have to continue doing the potty pads? Also wondering if it gets smelly? I would really like to try this method. We have been using pine shavings ever since we started breeding. It keeps them very clean but its very messy. Thank-You!

[@DoodlesofNC]

They transition to potty training really well. Mostly it is ment for teaching them the difference between sleep, potty and eating areas. So any method is helpful. It does not smell as long as I clean it twice a day. Hope this helps!

[@carolegrenier7872]

J'adore vos vidéos

[@DoodlesofNC]

¡Gracias por ver!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Thank you!

[@rachaelcannon6145]

Love this idea seems too be really efficient, quick learning. I do have a question however does this make the pups feet splay or do they get caught in the wire ?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Rachel, thats a great question. The width of the wire rack works really well for the size of the puppies we have. We don't have issues with their feet splaying or getting stuck.

[@creativecheersoffashionlau7364]

I was wondering that too😳. And that they want to go on top of it. My labrador even as an adult would not go on or over anything with openings in between….

[@aimeeseattle]

You can make a link for just one individual shelf piece without the pole attachments .

[@DoodlesofNC]

We are working on that! Hope to have an update soon!

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

would you recommend the grate or fake turf for my 9-10 week old? yu are the best!

[@DoodlesofNC]

Sharon, I would recommend the grate. Turf can be challenging to keep clean.

[@blazethedalmatian]

Your set up is beautiful. Can I post a link in your comments? I just had 7 Dalmatian pups that need a forever home.

[@DoodlesofNC]

I hope you find families for them! Try hoobly

[@annettedecker9577]

Great idea for the potty tray. When is a good age to start outside training?

[@DoodlesofNC]

As soon as they get their DHPP vaccine to protect them again Parvo.

[@valeriecooper9373]

Great video. Do you have a 'potty tray' in the bigger play area?

[@DoodlesofNC]

No we usually do not.

[@helenamcdowell6841]

I love you nursery, I just wondered why you did remove the gloved from your hands when you cleaned the poop area, then fed the puppies

[@DoodlesofNC]

You know, that’s a good point. I probably kept them on to clean up any accidents after but I see the value in removing them before I give food and water. Thank you.

[@user-ks9vy9so8q]

Thank you so much for your informative and lovely videos. I am learning so much. Do you have any grids to go over the potty trays for sale? I am in uk and cannot find the same. Even at nexel site. Thanks again corinne x

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.littlewolves.com Thanks for watching!

[@elianagreen]

Would love to know when you decide to separate the puppies from the mom, what the process is like. If there’s a video that you already made on that topic, would you link it for me? Thank you so much for sharing her info!

[@DoodlesofNC]

We can do a video on that!

[@siularisrosa6217]

Thank you so much! I'm having trouble with my five week old Chihuahua and she keeps peeing and pooping all over our carpets and I've been searching for something like this.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Five weeks old is pretty young! They still have a long ways to go with potty training. Make sure that they stay in a contained area. Don’t let them wander around. And there is a wonderful course on Baxter and Bella on potty training and you can use our coupon DoodlesofNC and save 25%.

[@cassieh8403]

Can you do a video on your nursery setup please?

[@DoodlesofNC]

We’ll have a video posting Saturday showing our set up.

[@ijjaimeesquibel7309]

Alphalfa and pine pallets are easier cleanup and they also get the grass scent

[@DoodlesofNC]

We didn’t love pellets. But I am glad it works for you!

[@DejaDoesNegril]

Can you do a video about transitioning from indoor to outdoor? When do you know it’s time to stop using the tray? Or once you train this way will they always want to potty inside? Thanks for all these helpful videos

[@DoodlesofNC]

Yes I can! What a great idea.

[@loreecole2522]

I’m watching your videos, I have my first unplanned litter. You’re so helpful! I’m just curious why a top like that (for the both training)? Is it so they don’t get used to going on soft surfaces?

[@DoodlesofNC]

That is exciting for a litter! I know it was unexpected but still miraculous. The grate helps the poop and pee go through.

[@barbaragildersleeve4309]

This video changed how we potty train our puppies

[@DoodlesofNC]

I am so glad it helped!!!

[@meadowmade]

Once again well done Erin and team! How many puppies on average do you keep in that pen at night? Our litter has 11 at the moment so I want to replicate your process but perhaps I need two pens for our litter or 3 to maximize success? Or maybe it's best to find out how many sq ft per puppy do you need for that nighttime pen? I can customize something for our 4 week old pups.

[@DoodlesofNC]

That is a good question, as long as they are getting out multiple times a day to run and play the pen size would be fine.

[@kimberlystuart4537]

I wish I could do this for my pups. I have micro and teacup breeds so the feet literally fall through the gaps of the metal. I tried and one became stuck and was screaming. Thank Goodness i woke up as they are next to my bed and was able to help her. 😢

[@DoodlesofNC]

Oh no! I have zip tied a cookie cooling sheet to the top to make them smaller. I bet you could find something with really small squares you could zip tie.

[@richoneill5619]

I just ordered a little wolves potty tray. Great idea. Can you tell what food or kibble brand you use for your puppies

[@DoodlesofNC]

awesome! I hope it works well for you. We use FROMM.

[@pamelamizia9288]

I love your puppy set up with the pens, where did you find the white panels to enclose them in and where did you find the potty trays with the grates on top?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@DoodlesofNC]

We have made these potty trays better by making them ourselves. Check it out here as we've just announced it! - bit.ly/doodlespottytray

[@DesousaDoberman]

Love those puppy pens where you find then ,and what’s the dimensions

[@DoodlesofNC]

These are above ground garden boxes! From costco!

[@elaineowen7998]

Great set up. Could you please tell me where you purchased your potty trays with the wire grates ...They are amazing ! I'm in CANADA crossing my fingers I can get them here. Thanks in advance.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop Should ship to Canada

[@DoodlesofNC]

We have made these potty trays better by making them ourselves. Check it out here as we've just announced it! - bit.ly/doodlespottytray

[@nikkiau1]

My youngest pup will do stairs but my oldest (3 years) refuses lol. Have you heard of the Coolee (spelling may be wrong) helping older pups ?

[@DoodlesofNC]

It would definitely help them start the process of going up and down! Maybe a treat or some peanut butter on a spoon?!

[@yesseniasaravia9404]

I wonder if a large baking sheet with rack set work? Or baking tray with rack

[@DoodlesofNC]

I do think that would work!

[@shannandesh]

What detergent do you use on the mats? A specific pet deodorizer? Or just reg powdered detergent?

[@DoodlesofNC]

We use powder - Legacy of Clean.

[@PipPop2]

Do you keep notes on each puppy's personality?

[@DoodlesofNC]

We do, each time we introduce a new noise or activity we make notes on their responses.

[@suzannepaulis3970]

Hi, I’m trying to find the puppy training mats but can’t seem to find them, please can you send me a link? Thank you so much. By the way all of the videos are so informative and helpful. Best wishes Suzanne

[@DoodlesofNC]

Hey Suzanne. It’s on www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@pawzitivelypoodles9435]

What about with Moyen Poodle sized puppies? Do you feel those top racks will be too wide of gaps???

[@DoodlesofNC]

No they would be great!

[@paulenej5839]

Where does the mum feed the pups when the floor is covered with the trays. Thanks

[@DoodlesofNC]

By this time mom is weaned and the puppies are on mush and graduating to mushy kibble! Thanks for watching!

[@loganowen5788]

Where did you get the playpen that the puppies are kept in

[@DoodlesofNC]

Costo garden box

[@leobanas4243]

Very informative...good job! What's the dog breed?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Goldendoodles

[@fabidecastro8410]

What are you using to clean the litter boxes?

[@DoodlesofNC]

method cleaning spray

[@nicolebabalis4460]

Hello, I’ve been following you for quite some time now I actually emailed you in regards to a price on one of those trays for my pupez box. I am a new breeder just learning and just had my first litter they are going on five weeks now, I just put in the homemade tray but the puppies seem to still be making quite a mess on the blanket, any recommendations on how long or how to get them all to start going on the tray? Also should I put down another PP pad right next to the tray just in case they’re afraid to go on the tray?

[@DoodlesofNC]

You need to start out with more than one tray. We start out with 4!

[@OrenjiOrange]

What is the cleaning spray that you were using?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Method

[@simsadams6036]

Interested in the waterproof mat, but don't see it in description, and it's not on your website.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop Should be on there!

[@joellmota8600]

Need info on the tray please

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.littlewolves.com

[@marizolcamacho7163]

Buenos días con que productos limpia el piso etc.

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@cleopatradowner701]

What welping box do you use?

[@DoodlesofNC]

check out our breeder shop - www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@clarisamartinez7517]

where do you get those kind of tray with racks?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.littlewolves.com

[@jizzypuff]

What working or sport titles do your dams and sires have? Do you OFA clear hips and elbows the dams and sires.

[@DoodlesofNC]

We do OFA and Penn hip. They don't have any titles.

[@jizzypuff]

@@DoodlesofNC would I be able to find this on your website? Are their OFAs also listed on the OFA website for checking as well?

[@pbayer773]

What kind of dog food to you use for all size dogs?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Fromm puppy kibble small breed

[@DoodlesofNC]

Here Is A Link For Our New Potty Tray - www.littlewolves.com

[@davecavanaugh3300]

Wondering where I can find the puppy playpen?

[@DoodlesofNC]

They are garden Costco boxes

[@violetvalleytack-dl5gq]

where do you get your whelping box?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Ours are above ground gardening boxes from Costco! But similar ones are from EZ whelp.

[@barbaragildersleeve4309]

Where do you order the puppy mats you use??

[@DoodlesofNC]

Www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@shayzoo2]

Not seeing the info for the waterproof mat. Am I just missing it?

[@DoodlesofNC]

Did you check our breeders site? www.doodlesofnc.com/breeders-shop

[@pptrang123]

Hi, what is the process of getting a puppy?

[@DoodlesofNC]

First place an application at www.doodlesofnc.com

[@kathigratton2286]

Are those puppy pens are using Costco garden beds

[@DoodlesofNC]

Yes they are!