How to Use the Puppy Play Den for Solid Puppy Training!

[@juroBeba]

Please don't stop posting! Your videos are super clear and well produced, I'm sure it helped thousands of people like me.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@azralugavic4145]

Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else trying to find out how do i stop my puppy barking try Panlarko Perfect Canine Planner (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my mate got amazing results with it.

[@georgesayre8225]

Agreed

[@judymiller323]

I just got a new puppy and am bummed that you don't seem to be making any more videos !! I am devouring the ones posted but I sure wish you'd keep making tutorials; they're succinct, easy to follow and break down issues into bite- sized pieces. Thank you for your years of work and commitment to the dog communities : )

[@brianm.9451]

As a new puppy owner, I want to praise Sympawtico’s advice. I had difficulty crate training my pup as she whined for a long time on the first night. It was also difficult to leave her alone the following day as the crate made her antsy. I didn’t want to make the crate a negative experience so I invested in an exercise pen and a bunch of Kong toys. I work from home but cannot supervise my puppy all the time. The play den really does create an environment where my puppy learns to be alone in confidence. I left my puppy this evening to go to dinner, came home and she was just hanging out. No whining, nothing destroyed. If you’re a new puppy owner I cannot extol the virtues of a puppy play pen. Spend the extra cash and get an exercise pen, it’ll do you good.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Super, Brian! I'm really happy to hear that things are moving more smoothly. Good work!

[@crmiga1]

Finally a video for us "working stiffs" who love our pups

[@LauraChristinaS]

Craig Garbulski yes!

[@scottfurlong5475]

Yes

[@drwrencho4392]

Yes

[@troyklk7734]

Great video as usual! Btw thank you for acknowledging not everyone will be able to take their puppie’s outside to potty. Living in an apartment, the weewee pads have been super helpful.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Sure thing. Life doesn't always cooperate, I know.

[@thotchocolate8503]

Your video format is incredible. Easy to understand, yet professional and not skeptical.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@staciamj1]

I agree. Thanks!

[@hotpinkblenda9408]

Im getting a puppy in 5 weeks and Im binge watching your videos! Tysm for being so ambitous and i love your videos!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Congratulations on your new (upcoming) puppy!

[@kbkb2219]

me two!!!!

[@MrsSquishy2010]

I am so grateful this video crossed my path before we brought our Olde English Bulldog puppy. Of all your videos this is the one that has served me the most so far. Our girl had an unfortunate bought of diarrhea/stomach bug for over a week and if we did not have this set up I would have lost my mind since she was pooping in her crate because she was going so often and could not hold it. We used an exercise pen and a 36” wire crate with divider and a cover on it and put it in the living room where she can still feel she’s hanging out with us while in there. She really enjoys spending time in there with her Kong so it’s a great place to get her to settle down when she gets too bite driven and excited. For a waterproof floor I used a large plastic sheet that was designed to put under rolling office chair and that works perfectly for the space and messes clean up easily. Thanks again for all the advice your channel offers especially the puppy videos

[@karenannmcmillan2206]

Lisandra Matthews thanks for sharing. The plastic office chair mat sounds like a brilliant idea!

[@rubinax]

These videos are the best. Clear, concise, and Ian comes across as very knowledgable and kind. Thank you for making this great content!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're very welcome! Thank you for the kind feedback!

[@bugsandbrushes]

Perfect, just what I needed, since I'm currently training my rescue beagle to stay alone for a bit - thank you :)

[@teocal51022]

I have been using a crate with an crate fence outside and separated her bed and a puppy pad inside the crate, but now I will have a box with outside gravel for my boxer to go to the bathroom. You are so helpful!

[@scottandlonikula4293]

WOW - what a great concept! Worth waiting for! You would be amazed how great Jake and Becca are doing. When I think back 18 months - the difference is unbelievable. You would be proud. Many thanks!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks! Was thinking about you all the other day. Happy to hear you both and the doggies are doing well! And, I AM proud!

[@emmamemma4162]

We put up a baby gate in the kitchen door and used our small-ish kitchen as our puppy's play area. It worked great! We did not have an indoor toilet because we were able to take her out frequently for the first couple of months, I think this really sped up her house training process. However, if you do not have the luxury of being able to give almost 24/7 supervision during the first weeks and go on potty breaks every few hours during the first months, an indoor toilet is a great solution.

[@RunaaSteinamrk]

I've been binging your videos this past week and I've gotta say, I've learned more about babies and children on your channel than years of watching mommy videos 😬😂 well of course about dogs too, which I'm grateful for because we're planning to get a dog this summer 🙂

[@cassandradimauro9283]

Thank you for these videos! Sadly we don't live near you, otherwise we would 100% be using your training facility - but these videos have proven more helpful than any of the trainers we have found around our area. Thank you!!!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

My pleasure! Thanks for the kind feedback!

[@beckykeyes2910]

We just got a puppy and have been watching and implementing your strategies! Our puppy is already learning! thank you!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're welcome!

[@BogdanHet]

Hi Ian I love your video and your method! This one really hit the issue I am facing which my puppy refuse to use the pads because they are quilted and feel like their crate liner. Making that toilet tomorrow! Don't want to get outside all the time in Canadian winter lol.

[@krisgarza3360]

This video is great, found it just in time. We got a 3-month-old Labrador who is not a fan of her kennel. We are attempting to train her to use it but she just is not a fan. She eventually tires of her kennel and whines/barks continuously. Which we are training her out of but it has been a challenge since we both work. We currently do our best to come home throughout the work day to ensure she has the right amount of potty breaks and some company. But we were hoping for a longer term solution, at least till she realizes her kennel is a safe and comfortable place. I am hoping this puppy play den will be exactly what we need till that happens. Thank you again for this video, recommendations are always welcome.

[@angelfox101]

Omg your the first one to mention sod! That’s a brilliant idea! I’m so gonna try it!

[@a.gonzalez4441]

Ian, you are appreciated. My 8 week will be here soon.

[@1253jjjj]

Love these videos. I’m getting a rescue puppy this weekend! You really give good realistic advice. I’ll be referencing these videos for many months to come as I’m training Rocco. Thank you!

[@manueladuaj8362]

Great video, as always! It would be really great, if you could make a video on the first week or month when having a new rescue dog. What to consider, what to do, how to feed, when to feed, what to train first, how to build trust and so on! Thanks for your excellent work!

[@allyleitch2362]

I definitely second this!

[@juliepulliam8025]

These videos have been super helpful! I love the tips you give and the way everything is simple and easy but makes a huge impact. I have two adult dogs and now a puppy as well. Using these videos has made working with my puppy fun and simple giving me more time to just have fun with him.

[@stephaniesanders2498]

I love the idea of putting sod in a litter box! I do have a question though... how often would I need to change out the sod?

[@mcpheja]

I would also like to know the answer to this - is fake grass also a possibility?

[@kiks7veliz]

Same, but instead of sod I would be using desert sand and rocks since it’s everywhere here where I live at

[@scottfurlong5475]

How often would I need to mow it? No, seriously. We have grass here everywhere but where would I even find sod in the middle of winter?

[@staceyperez2255]

N

[@boonyanudhjiyarom4488]

Your videos are amazing! I’m going to be a newly puppy owner of a golden retriever soon. However, I like in a high rise with a balcony area. Two questions, 1. Should I use the balcony area as a relax plus bathroom area once the puppy gets older, if so what age? 2. The puppy den is awesome, but how about at night? Do I keep the puppy in the crate or live her in the den. Sorry one more question, should I have the crate in my bedroom also to help relieve the puppy’s stress being alone or away from me? Thank you hope you gets these questions!

[@chrislupo1603]

Your videos are very helpful, I’m a first time puppy owner and I’m picking her up in just under three weeks. You’re advise is great so thank you!

[@EverythingOnIce22]

Such a needed video. I was so worried about potty training but this gives me ideas

[@TheOShow35]

Awesome vid..One of the best dog training channels on youtube.. Cheers..

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@nannycameoma6238]

Thanks Ian for your great work training us to be good canine guardians. I was reluctant to share what I do with family and friends because I thought it would raise a lot of criticism. I live on the 3rd floor and there is no elevator. I am almost 60 years old and I work. I built a puppy play den using a portable dog pen, which I already had (but may need to get the 48 inch high version as he grows). I have a crate on one end, a 'run' with chew toys and at the other end I use my shower as his toilet. I put newspaper on the floor over the drain in my shower and it is easy to keep clean, this works for me now and I hope in the future as well. I have no idea how this will affect him as an older dog but he seems to understand the game plan already now. My puppy is 9 weeks old and today we celebrated our one week anniversary, he seems to be completely toilet trained to either use his toilet or the outdoors, ~toileting has been a breeze! I do spend quality time with him in his den ~playing ball... with him, like I do outside in the small kennel that we 'built' together ('we' added a crate, toys, toilet area, chair for me...), he loves going there first thing in the morning before we go on a walk, this is where he tends to poo, ~I like avoiding having him do it in neighbors yards, even though I will always clean it up. When we return from our walk he loves taking his morning nap there. I have had the week off of work to establish routines and feel confident he will be ok when I am at work. I am fortunate to work mostly just 6 hour days and be able to come home midday to interact. In addition to a morning walk he will get another good walk after work and then one before his bedtime. His socialization is met because he probably gets to meet about two dogs a day, sometimes playing off leash with them, and he also meets and interacts with about 4 people a day. We signed up for puppy kindergarten once a week and it was interesting to see him with 5 other dogs, he was the youngest and was mostly appropriate, except when he wasn't, and then another puppy would let him know ;>) I am trying to find a place he can spend time with a few other dogs for 1/2 the day when I am gone but there are a lot of reasons this is not easy (puppies take a lot of time and mindfulness, their vaccines are limited putting them at risk...) in the mean time I really like his den because he seems very content there. This puppy life reminds me of when I used to train for a triathlon except now with this 'sport' I have a built in companion! I believe one day it will be easier and I will look back on these puppy days with great fondness.

[@5dkamath5]

Thanks, So if we need to use gravel or concrete, then it's just replaced as needed? As it can't be cleaned up...

[@LewisBrain]

Thanks again for a brilliant video. I’m getting mine Sunday and am thinking to move the pen to my dinning room. As this will be her main area for food and water. I have it in my lounge that’s the next room with no outside door.

[@OwenAbkes]

I.. a grown man.. was giggling when you were listing off the toys and said, "Squirrel Dudes" and "Atomic Balls"... great video as always. Looking at getting a puppy soon and I appreciate your logical approach to each of the topics!

[@sophieclark6573]

That’s so useful. I like the litter tray and grass idea - I’ll be trying this when we get our pup 🙂

[@tylercat6]

This works wonders! I set one up in a spare room for our new Papillon Pup and it is a good way to keep them 'safe' and entertained when you cannot have them underfoot. However, I must have take a wrong turn somewhere because now she wants nothing to do with that and only wants to be wherever my husband or I am. Literally.

[@RavenWood495]

Can you do a video that transitions the puppy out of their puppy apartment? How to tell if they are ready? And when to remove the indoor bathroom? Also how to keep up with outdoor potty training with heavy snow fall! (I live in Canada and we have snow up to our knees right now!) I was thinking if literally digging out a potty spot, but what if they refuse to go because it so cold?

[@cheyennevandyke9940]

Your videos are a LIFESAVER!!!!!

[@theonlinedogtrainerreview5747]

Thanks so much for sharing your expertise. Here goes!

[@tanyamhami]

Of all the videos I have watched, this by far has been the best! Thank you

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Wow, thanks!

[@LucyHenryFrenchie]

This is a really good series, I enjoy the presenter, great speaker and fantastic content!

[@labitcoineragt3596]

You guys have the absolute best videos. Super clear and I love the breakdown of points. Thank you!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank YOU!

[@BSOEMXB84]

Your videos have come at a great time! Very clear and precise. I’ve been confused by the endless articles online. I’m just in my first week with my first puppy ever. She currently hates alone time whether in her den or crate. She just sleeps or sulks until I take her out. How do I get her to love it better?

[@jean-pascalwilson7392]

I almost feel like crying cuz this video is so good!!! Good stuff man you are extremely enthusiatic love the vids man!

[@laureenkerry64]

Thanks for the great video. I was beginning to think there wasnt an alternative to crate training. I work shift work and don't always have someone to let a puppy outside for a toilet break every few hours. Love this idea.

[@gurlgamer05]

I'm getting a puppy in about a month. I'm hoping watching your videos will help me teach her to be a good dog.

[@dalidasehic3610]

Thank you I and my cousen are getting yorkies🐕

[@TheMorenop]

What are the thoughts on settling a puppy at night and do you recommend a certain night routine for a new puppy?

[@withershins1977]

Great video as per usual! Your videos have helped me learn so much and I wanted to say thank you!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're very welcome!

[@sabrinaft221]

This video is super useful! Thank you for all the tips !

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're welcome!

[@Pharaohmolo]

This might be the most important puppy video out there. Thank you. For those of us who live in a city and cannot take the puppy out into communal grass until they are vaccinated, can we still keep using the indoor toilet/pads until they're 16-weeks? My Heeler won't go on the porch but loves his indoor toilet.

[@cameronjamesdowns7385]

Great info as always but... This video did not address two important questions. How often to replace the sod? And is fake sod ok or do you want real sod? How can you get real sod in the winter? Any alternative suggestions?

[@Jawzzie]

How I transition my potty trained/ house trained/ crate trained dog away from the puppy play den? I am doing this with my new puppy and want to know what my options are in the future.

[@rapbellarmine]

Hi! I'm getting my puppy soon and I'm looking for a way to help with not having to wake up every 2 hours at night to let the puppy out to pee.. Is the puppy apartment a good alternative for this? or there really isn't an easier way of doing it and I'll just have to bite the bullet and wake up every 2 hours to let the puppy out to potty? Your response will be greatly appreciated!

[@LewisBrain]

They say to let him or her out for the last toilet of the night. They should then be ok for the time your asleep.

[@esthercraft]

We live in indoor apartments and outside compound of apartment is filled with stray dogs . Can u elaborate on indoor potty training? And videos on creative indoor games to play with our pups

[@antoinettebonnici8640]

Thank you for all your videos, I just love them so informative just love them. thanks

[@philipfreund1147]

My girlfriend and I just adopted a 10 week old blue heeler mix and have been repeatedly binge watching all of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. We live in a 3rd floor apartment with a roof deck where we have a grass pad. Our pup is great with letting us know he has to go out to potty but only pees on the grass pad. When he has to poo, he'll go sniff the grass pad but refuses to poo on it. He has no problem going on our outdoor rug and wooden deck. I cannot figure out why he won't drop two's on the grass pad.

[@Pashrnate]

Thanks for posting these great videos! My husband and I have learned so much from you! Question about the play den - what can you do if your puppy learns to escape?

[@lmb1234]

Help pretty please. My pup loves his crate but when I put him in the kitchen with his crate toys loo etc he goes nuts. Should I build his confidence using the crate first then give him more room? I don't really want to keep him in his crate for more than 2 hours but he'll happily sleep in there all day if I let him. Thank you! I've been recommending your videos to everyone I speak to!

[@christinastevens9395]

We got an 8 week old puppy five days ago, and she is doing fairly well thanks to your online training class. We made a part of our living room her pen using a baby gate attached to the walls. We homeschool and have six kids so someone is home almost all the time. She isn't really ever "alone". She spends time in her pen by herself but it's four feet from where the people are generally. Do I need to make a spot in another part of the house for her to spend some time in so she gets used to some actual alone time? I don't want to set us up for trouble later when everyone does go out.

[@InABindNoWayToRewind]

Awesome video! I was wondering if using a puppy den changes nighttime routine at all? Should we still be getting up fairly often or does the puppy den allow for wiggle room with that? And should the puppy stay in the bedding/crate at night? Thank you!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

It'll give you a *little* wiggle room, but taking the puppy outside as often as possible will only speed up your potty training. I would still grind through it myself, but the den can give you some relief.

[@toripa7892]

I have a question for Ian! Thanks for all the amazing advice. I am getting a puppy in a few weeks and am planning out my puppy den. The puppy will typically potty in the marshes behind our house or in a mulch/wood chip area outside. Im worried that the puppy will chew or eat wood chips if I put them in their indoor doggy toilet unsupervised. Should I just use sod at first to prevent this? Maybe I should put the wood chips below the sod so the smell is still there to associate with going in the correct areas outdoors? Thanks!!

[@kristenbeasley8259]

new to your channel. I adore it! very informative, helpful, and full of new concepts for me. you are training me well.

[@julietaramirez1374]

LOVE this idea! Question: How long is too long to leave a 10 week old puppy in this type of play den? We don't have too big of an apartment and this playden will be taking up our kitchen. Which is a huge space (in relation to the rest of the apartment). Is it bad to just have that be HER space?

[@trinityhammers9026]

I’m curious about this as well...did it work well for you?

[@michelleturkenburg9381]

So wondering how you get the puppy to use the “home made” toilet in the pen?

[@emmamemma4162]

Transfer some of their urine and feces to the toilet while making sure to clean up any accidents in other areas with an enzymatic cleaner. A microscopical bit of poo and pee will be enough to make the toilet smell like a toilet. The smell will guide them to their proper toiletting place. You can also lift them to the toilet if you notice behaviors such as circling and sniffing the ground.

[@azatorres5078]

Puppy play pens typically range around $50 or more, but if your dog is small enough... You can also use those modular wire grid storage shelves! They cost about $20 and you can create any shape to fit your space. But make sure to secure them with wire ties instead of the small plastic connectors they come with because of chewing/choking hazards!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

That's a super idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@allisoninterdonato9233]

Great information! We picked up our pup from the breeder and her practice was to line the puppy pen/den with their water/ food bowls and potty pads. We would like to crate train but want to ensure we are not providing confusing signals to the pup. We set a bed in the puppy den in our condo and potty pads. We let her out and she uses the potty pads or we walk her outside to our back deck where there are potty pads and grass sod. Unfortunately, all she does is eat the grass so we cannot use it in the puppy den. Is there a better method when we are at work? We want to start her off right. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

[@hollymassey6821]

I am adopting a new puppy this month. I have been watching your videos and I admire you, so much! I have to work, unfortunately, and am interested in building or buying a puppy play den. May I ask your opinion on the puppy apartment? Also, do you have specific videos or books you recommend for new puppies? I appreciate any feedback.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Holly. I personally don't like the Puppy Apartment. It's too small to have any of the other features listed here comfortably, and they're totally reliant on pads. You can't have any room for chew toys, or work-to-eat toys, or water. I suppose you could replace the pad with the DIY toilet. I dunno...I feel like one you make yourself is going to be custom-fit for your home and your dog. A pre-made product is always going to limit you, I feel. As for books or videos, here goes: Ian Dunbar's book, "Before and After You Get Your Puppy" Sophia Yin's book, "Perfect Puppy in 7 Days" Micheal Ellis's DVD "Raising Your Puppy" Hope that helps.

[@hollymassey6821]

Simpawtico Dog Training You actually answered me! Wow, I’m really so appreciative! After rewatching some of your videos, I think I could build a better mousetrap and spend the extra monies on good training toys. I love watching your videos. I wish there was one specific to bringing home a tiny puppy, after its leaving its mother and litter and what that first week might or should look like. Thank you fir all your videos and for your time!

[@JaimeSimpson1]

Hi! I am bringing home an 8 week old puppy and I have two cats. I my husband and I both work, and we cannot come home during the day to let out the pup. The doggy den will be our best option! We have a spare bedroom to create a den. How big is too big of a room?

[@queeniechen904]

This helped me so much! Thank you 🙏

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I'm so glad!

[@noelscanlon1205]

I was wondering if you could do a video on training for puppies under 8 weeks? I foster a lot of orphan pups and want to start them on the right track for future homes. Right now I'm totally just coating a playpen in puppy pads and hoping for the best. I can't find many resources for this age group. Thanks!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Noel. Best resources I can point you towards are Jane Killion's work with Puppy Culture, and Ian Dunbar's book "Before and After You Get Your Puppy." There's a free eBook version of the "Before You Get Your Puppy" section on my website and it's all birth to 8 weeks. Jane Killion has a bunch of great resources for super young puppies. Hope that helps!

[@noelscanlon1205]

Simpawtico Dog Training ah, thank you very much!

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

great video thanks. my new pup has been using the grass mats but goes in other places also. he is an 8 week old miniature poodle. i was told they are very smart. he is being a little terror, i have a puppy playpen and today he start to climb up and almost got over😩

[@mikemccookie480]

Hey Ian! First of all, your channel is AMAZING! I have a question! My girlfriend & I are picking up our aussiedoodle pup in 2 days. We both work from 8-5 and an hour from home, so letting Biscuit out every few hours is not possible. However, when we are home we plan on taking her outside every 2-3 hours around the clock. We already have all of our supplies for the play den, including faux grass pee trays. Since we'll be using faux grass pads, do you think she'll make the connection to real grass as she gets older & learn to hold it while we're away? Do you have any tips for weaning away from pads as she matures? Thanks so much for your amazing content! It has helped tremendously in preparing for our new family member! 😁

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I don't recommend the faux grass. It's hard to clean well and it's unsanitary. It really has no real-life parallel to real grass. For your indoor toilet issue we're now recommending a litter box with a standard substrate for that. A big pan is recommended. You want a BIG potty area. Don’t use the standard clay-based litter; wood shavings are best. They smell good and they desiccate the poop for easier cleanup. It also prevents tracking of messes. 2nd best is recycled/pressed newspaper pellets. The pellets for cats (or even horses, the cheapest option) are exactly the same stuff, so don’t feel like you have to get something with a picture of a dog on the package. Make the substrate deep; it's a little bit of a cue to the dog to use it. If they're sleeping in the potty substrate, you have a problem with the crate or pen. Just remember that the indoor toilet is just a place holder to keep your potty training from backsliding when Other than that, you may want to check out my potty training eBook: www.simpawtico-training.com/potty-training-decoded Good luck!

[@annagalati34]

You need someone to come and let your dog outside. A new puppy 9 hours alone is wrong. You clearly do not have the time for a dog.

[@bloodzskate]

Keep the vids coming! They are helpful

[@vanessamarroquinrichardson4058]

Ian! Love your videos. I've created a puppy play den for night time, puppy alone time, and when we have to leave the house. Our puppy is 10 weeks old and he always goes in his puppy toilet, but won't go outside on our porch (since we can't walk him outside yet). Instead, he'll eliminate as soon as we come back inside on our rug. How can we teach him how to go outside when we take him? Should we go outside or take him to his puppy toilet instead until we're able to walk him outside?

[@madarangmalaya]

Hi, Ian. I hope you post more videos. Is it advisable to leave the crate open before bedtime to allow the puppy to relieve himself in the middle of the night? When is the right time to ditch the playpen and extend its confinement area?

[@deanrodrigues6881]

Great video!! does this mean if you've got this set up that you don't have to crate your puppy when going to work?? (2-3 hours at a time for me)

[@arantzadelallosa3568]

Thank you very much for your valuable explanations. May I ask you a question? We have an almost 5 months old Basset Hound. He is with us since he was 2 and a half months old. We brought him to an artificial grass potty box in our backyard every 2 hours until 3 and a half months old. And he always did his business, when we asked him for it, perfect! Now, we have installed a doggy door, and since he is 3 and a half months, we bring him outside after sleep, night and naps, after eat, and we say “pee” and perfect, in the box, we praised him with food and cuddles. But when he does his business alone in the backyard, he doesn’t use the pee box... never... we have an 100m2 backyard. What can we do to teach him to do his business always in the pee box? Thank you very much! Best regards!

[@brittanyspinks6477]

Should this be used after puppy has mastered the crate training? Or is it mixed in with crate training?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Brittany. It should be mixed together. Both of those things should be happening simultaneously. 😉

[@brittanyspinks6477]

Simpawtico Dog Training thank you for the fast reply! Would make a great video on how to do both 😊

[@mustafafatihozyurt7234]

Fuck. This video is too good. It explained like 50 questions in my mind that no one else did.

[@Fuxor7]

The " diy dog toilet " is so simple that is brilliant..my 3month German shepherd sometimes do it inside while well... You aren't quick enough to notice than she's wake up basically 😂 . It will make it way more simple ! I'm gonna think about mix of gravel and grass to be honest.

[@linz682]

I love you videos! So much great information. Question: When choosing a location in the house for a puppy play den do you think its good to have it in a room where you spend a lot of time, like the living room? Or better to put it away from you like in the laundry room? I need to make 2 because I will be brining my puppy to work, so the one at work will be next to me in my office.

[@batshats8243]

This is great thanks

[@eslamsedky72]

GREAT VIDEO My puppies soil preference is wood shavings and gravel. What makes me worry about leaving them in a play den, is they'll probably eat their feces while I'm not around 😞

[@CrucialFlightKC]

Aye bro love the work that you didn’t and appreciate the video! Definitely had to get you a shoutout and subscribe!

[@104mack]

I have a question. We will have 2 puppies same age, 16 weeks. One English Bulldog and one Black Lab. Can we have them both in the den together or do they need there own dens? Great videos, keep them coming. Thankz.

[@limalila]

You mentioned to only feed with chew toys and not use bowls. Is that only meant for the playing den or is it generally better to feed with chew toys only in the first few months?

[@aylintorres5122]

I live in an apartment and don't have concrete or grass around. Do you recommend using the Second Nature Dog Litter system?

[@nicholehines3852]

When you say to line the tray with “grass” is the fake grass okay (the plastic stuff) or is that too different from real grass? Love your videos

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Nichole! You'll want to use real grass for sure. Your dog will absolutely know the difference!

[@nicholehines3852]

Simpawtico Dog Training thank you so much I had a feeling they would 😂

[@paulinhaberger]

So, the idea is that if the potty are in the den is the same I use outside (grass in my case), I'll be teaching my pup that going inside is ok AS LONG AS it's there because what matters is the potty area itself and not whether is inside or outside, correct? And of course use this only when he's confined.

[@awayfromhereblog]

In a few weeks we are getting our frenchie (she will be 12weeks by then) and we are looking for a play den for her for the time we will be at work. Your video on this topic is great but one info i can't find anywhere is how big it should be. Some say it should be quite small and some say pretty big. Is there a size you could recommend? Our current options are 120x80cm, 160x80cm or 125cm in diameter

[@LucasWinder]

I love the videos and have learned so much but am a little confused as to when I would use the "Play Den" v. crate. We have a new puppy coming home in 2 weeks and I'd like to get him started correctly. Thanks again.

[@ShimShady]

I tried to use a Fresh Patch in my puppy’s pen but she just wants to chew on the grass and base of it. Any ideas on how to deter her from doing that?

[@deborahharvey7592]

Just what I needed to know!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Happy to help!

[@YaleStewartArt]

We just got our first puppy about three weeks ago, and we've had his potty area be a pen floored completely with pads. He's about thirteen weeks old now. He's pretty well potty trained so far--at least in regards to going in his area--but this seems like a great option. Do you think we could safely switch to this method, and are there any setbacks we'd maybe need to expect? Thanks so much! Your videos have been super helpful!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Unless you want the dog to permanently go in that indoor area you've, unfortunately, created several setbacks for yourself. I mean, I don't know your situation. Are you outdoor training as well? If so, then the pads will hamstring you pretty significantly. The large, lined-with-pads area has taught your puppy to go indiscriminately in that area. If you try to take up the lining and focus it down to a toilet area, the puppy will go all over the place as before, wherever there were pads previously. The whole point of this pen+toilet is NOT to do any potty training, it's to keep your potty training from backsliding when you can't be there to take them out. Like I said, the exception would be if you WANT them to go inside. I don't know. Maybe your situation precludes that. I don't know.

[@YaleStewartArt]

First off, thank you so much for the response. I'm sure you get inundated, so we appreciate you taking the time. As for our situation, we're only beginning to attempt outdoor training. We got our pup about three weeks ago, and within two days he showed symptoms--and was diagnosed with--giardia. We've since learned his breeder is less than reputable. He only just came off treatment and got the medical all clear last Monday (4/22). We didn't want to take him outside to potty as giardia is transmitted through feces and didn't want to risk infecting anyone else's pets. We realize his development may be a little stunted due to his being sick; we're only just now able to start taking him to socializing activities and puppy classes. We just want to make sure to give him the best shot at growing up to be a happy, healthy, behaved pooch.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Oh yeah...that Giardia was a roadblock for sure. Well, even though it may have set your potty training work back a bit, you made a good call. Very responsible thinking! Now that you're past it, I would say to set your potty training goals, design a watertight (pun intended) regimen, and work it. Good luck!

[@emmamulley2379]

Hi there! I am getting a puppy in 4 weeks time. I plan to take 2 weeks off work to begin potty training the puppy. Both my husband and I work full time and are gone for 8 hours. We plan to have a family member come by around mid day to feed and play with the puppy until it is 4-6 months old. We have an area of the house which is basically puppy proof once we add a couple baby gates that we can use as long term confinement area like you mention in the video. My plan was to potty train the puppy to use the artificial grass/tray so that she has somewhere to go whilst we are at work. You mentioned in the video that the "home made toilet" should only be used for when you are not home, and to otherwise get them to go outside. My question is, will it confuse the puppy if i train her to use the inside toilet and outside?

[@soundanswer]

This rocked. We had pee pads in our puppy play den until Bingo resorted to just only tearing them to shreds. I noticed that he wasn’t ever going potty in there anymore. I took them out and he has been doing great never pottying in his play den. Only exceptions are twice when he had really loose poop and couldn’t hold it. (Soupy poopy mess) he has been pretty dialed in on his potty training and has had very very few accidents in the house. We usually don’t do any long confinement and take him to daycare when we can’t be with him. I’m wondering, should I introduce a toilet like you have here?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi! Sounds like you're at the tail-end of potty training anyways and have a decent management plan in place. The DIY toilet really works best right out of the starting gate, so I wouldn't think you'd need to introduce it now. Hope that helps!

[@Hanakumah]

If you’ve been training your puppy to go outside & then leave it with a homemade toilet, like you suggested, with the same material as what’s in the garden, will they just know to use that or will you have to teach them to use that alongside outside potty training?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Ostensibly it should appeal to them enough that it will keep there from being mistakes while you're gone. Don't spend too much time on it, but set up the environment to make it obvious and appealing as a toilet.

[@Hanakumah]

Simpawtico Dog Training Alright thank you!

[@TheCripeCrew]

I’m confused. When do I use the play den and when do I use the crate? I’m reading Dr Dunbar’s book and it seems like at first you keep the puppy in the crate all the time except when you take them outside to potty. Is that right? It seems cruel to keep a puppy continually in a crate. When do you play?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Sherri. I think you missed something in both the video and Dr. Dunbar's book. In the early stages, there's definitely a high level of confinement in the home, but it's either: in the play den when you can't supervise them, in a gated off room (with you), on a leash/tether with you, or in a crate (the least often used). Always potty BEFORE play, but definitely spend a good deal of time playing with them. They need to leave the house, too. Gotta get off the property for socialization. But in any event, like I said, there's going to be a fair amount of confinement in the first two or three weeks while you dial in the potty training. It's the most urgent need to guarantee a happy life (for both of you). You can take them out to play as often as you want, just potty first, and no play if no potty. Simple as that.

[@MegaRosewater]

Thanks for making this video! I've watched a bunch of your other videos and they are great! My question is this: I just got my puppy five days ago. I live in an apartment and there aren't areas that are easily confined, so I ordered an exercise pen but it's not coming for a few days. In the meantime, we're struggling with potty accidents and chewing things. She's comfortable getting in the crate, although doesn't like to be in for more than 10 minutes or so, and she's getting used to kongs full of kibble. I'm wondering what to do to minimize undesirable chewing and accidents until the pen arrives. Is all lost?

[@jeffsmithdawg]

Thanks for the video! May I ask why are you not recommending feeding from a bowl? Can a puppy be fully fed through toys alone?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Yes. Either feed through Work-to-Eat toys or via handfeeding during interactive time.

[@yahwehsdaughterromans1164]

Should I do this with my 1 year old dog?