Puppy Potty Training Tips Before Vaccinations

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching! 🐶 Let us know in the comments if you have any additional questions!

[@MissLysreign]

I’ve had my dog going potty outside round the clock since the day I got her when she was 6 weeks old. She’s 13 wks old now and doing great. Had her 3rd round of vaccines the other day and a wellness + fecal exam. no health issues or illnesses from going outside. One more vaccine round and she’ll be ready (a couple weeks after) to go on walks, safely explore outside, and socialize with other dogs. 😊

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Sounds great! And with all that exposure she should be approaching her walks and playdates with some confidence!

[@dominicandkaranamartin7265]

Number one video I would recommend for new puppy owners. I was so confused and now I’m having a difficult time potty training my 5 month old pup. Puppy is so used to pads because I was so worried about her getting exposed to something outside.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We are so glad you liked it! We strongly recommend it to all puppy owners too. It's really good info!

[@NaturesDaughter]

Thank you 🙏 for sharing ❤

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching!

[@synefa_cloud]

We are picking up our 8 week old ruby cavalier puppy in 4 days so this came at the perfect time! We live in an apartment complex where dogs are walking around EVERYWHERE, so I was worried about this exact thing. Just ordered the fresh patch subscription to keep near our front door and it's so worth it for my puppy's health and for easing my worries!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

This is great! We are so glad the timing worked so well for you!

[@samanthaferrulli237]

How did the patch work out for you? I am in a similar situation and trying to decide whether to use the grass patch near our front door or directly outdoor (with a small fence to confine it from other animals)

[@synefa_cloud]

@@samanthaferrulli237 my puppy ended up being way too high energy and interested in everything else around him so it didn’t work for us and we had to use the patch of grass by our door after all. He also really had a thing for chewing cardboard so it was too much of a distraction 😅 The small fence might help to keep your puppy contained and only give him the option to go on the mat, but the cardboard chewing might still be an issue. It doesn’t hurt to try it at first though!

[@samanthaferrulli237]

We live in an apartment complex where dogs are walking around quite often. I am trying to decide whether to use the grass patch near our front door or directly outdoor (with a small fence to confine it from other animals). I'd rather keep it outdoor so that the transition would be faster once the puppy will get his final vaccine but also concerned about her health

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We agree that an outdoor potty spot would be best. Most family pets are fully vaccinated so the risk of disease in that environment is low. You definitely want to avoid public parks or dog parks where stray dogs or unvaccinated dogs might hang out.

[@evatoroseps7668]

Thanks Michelle. Do you know what products I could use to clean the patio in my garden from parvo? My garden is only patio and both cats and foxes go in my garden every night, but i want my puppy to spend time with my in my garden this summer before her final vaccine.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We recommend a product called KennelSol

[@oliviairving7608]

I came across a 12 week old puppy with no vaccinations at all I was wondering what type of canine spectra shots she would be able to receive for her first set of shots I wanted to go to tractor supply co to get her vaccinations I’m just not sure where I should start since she didn’t have any vaccinations at 6 weeks or 10 weeks

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It's best to discuss this with a vet.

[@maryamz2608]

Hi! Thanks so much. this was very helpful. We also live in an apartment complex. What do you think of putting the real patch of grass on our balcony? Will our puppy be able to distinguish it as 'outside'? or is it too close to home?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Putting it on the balcony is a great plan. It helps the puppy learn that "outside" is the spot for potty. We have a good video about potty training in an apartment if you need more advice! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3apq5Wsor-tidksi=a2-5MDxamubNfQhB

[@Moneypanda012]

If we have to go cross country car ride with a new puppy, how do we keep the puppy safe from parvo/ other illness for potty breaks at rest stops, hotel night stay, car rental etc.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Try to stop at places where other dogs don't go, or you can take a pad and put it down so the puppy goes outside, but doesn't touch the ground. This is the only time a pad is recommended (but grass would be better).

[@HowComeImSoAwesome]

Thanks for the helpful video. I can do the real plot of grass thing on my balcony until my puppy's fully vaccinated this spring. However, my balcony is currently concrete and I want to cover it in artificial grass early this summer. There may only be a month or two between when he's finished going on the plot and when there's artificial turf. Is this going to be confusing for him? Is he going to associate going on the balcony and going on grass (in general) and put that together and start eliminating on the new artificial grass? If so, any tips for avoiding/breaking that association? Thanks so much!

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

This is a great question. To teach him the new rules of no potty breaks on the balcony it's best to prevent him from going out there once you start working with him on going outside.

[@cr7neymar908]

what about a case where you're in a high risk area of parvo? on top of that most of the owners of dogs that live in my apartment complex don't pick up their dogs poop and really don't seem like the type of people that would get their dogs vaccinated. my current plan is to buy the fresh patch patches of grass until my puppy is fully vaccinated then start taking him outside

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

That fresh patch of grass sounds like a good plan. Be sure to plan some exposure sessions in areas where there are not other dogs (empty parking lots, sitting in your car, etc). Going outside at this age is important for building confidence.

[@cr7neymar908]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog thanks for the tips! would getting a puppy stroller to stroll him around for exposure be a good idea? just until he is fully vaccinated

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We don't recommend strollers. The most important part of exposure is that it's positive for the dog. With a stroller it limits the dog's ability to move away from something scary, and it makes it hard for you to read body language. Check out this video for other good ways to do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5m7n4SvrdyJi7s

[@lorihoffman6150]

Great video and info as usual! Thank you! Question: what if you live in apartment with no balcony and cannot put a grass patch outside your door? And of course cannot go to the grass area where many dogs go? What to do then? Thx

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

In this situation you might put a little grassy spot near the front door. It's best if you put a small fence or border around it. You'll want to be very diligent at taking your pup there when it's about time for a potty break. Eventually you can then transition the pup to going outside and then the grass will be familiar!

[@lorihoffman6150]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog are you speaking about inside the apartment then? Put a grass patch in the apartment? This is because the management does not allow putting a grass patch outside the door or anywhere outside.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Yes you can get a little sod patch and put it in a cement mixing tray. Put a little border / fence around it to create a potty spot and put this near your front door (inside). This will be the closest to the outside you can get for now, and the grass will be the future surface for potty breaks, so you're attempting to duplicate the outside environment as much as possible.

[@lorihoffman6150]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog ok thx very much!

[@89MazzaUK]

Stopping at 0:15 to say; YUP. THATS MARLEY AND ME.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Yep!

[@jeffreyborja]

Can I make my own fresh grass patch? Is it safe? Like buy some seeds and soil from garden center? I am planning to get puppy by October so I want to preapre that before arrival.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You can make your own! We recommend getting some sod from the local home improvement store. You can use a cement mixing tray or a washing machine tray to hold it. Some pups do better if you put a little fence around it so it's clear where to go and where not to go.

[@jeffreyborja]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog Thank you very much for your reply. I appreciate that.

[@Candy-mn4fk]

I’ve made the huge mistake of starting off with pee pads for my puppy. I did this out of fear that he doesn’t have all his vaccines, but cleaning up his accidents have been stressing me out. However, he does know that he needs to pee on them, but not poop. I’ve only had him for three days, but I was wondering how could I start to transition him to grass?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Great question! You can just start fresh with the fundamentals of potty training outside (see the link for the free kit that will help you with this). And be sure to get rid of the pee pads. He's so new to your home he probably won't realize that you've changed up the rules! howtotrainadreamdog.com

[@MissKittyJenny]

I have a 8 weeks puppy , getting his first vaccine in few days. I live in a house with a small backyard. So I could bring him outside backyard for potty training?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Yes, we recommend that you take your puppy outside for all potty breaks.

[@AngelaVulliet-ud7fo]

We got our 9 week CKC puppy this week and are also concerned about the cold, snow and rain during the day as well as at night. We were starting to put pee pee pads in the garage not in the house. Considering grass patch but it seems like such a small area for him to do his business on as he usual likes to walk around in circles first. Thoughts?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It's possible to DIY your own grass patch and make it slightly bigger. Some people put the grass in a kiddie pool, which also helps define it as a specific area. That could still give him a chance to do his circles. We don't recommend pee pads, even in the garage. If he gets used to going on pee pads, this could easily translate to rugs, pillows, blankets and other soft surfaces.

[@pragmaticpisces]

This is perfect timing, as we're getting our puppy in a couple of weeks! We live in an apartment with a balcony. What are your thoughts on using artificial grass vs the fresh grass subscription? Would this still get him used to going outside and eventually in real grassy areas in the same way?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

We prefer the real grass. It has a better texture (soft and squishy) that puppies love to potty on. It will soak up more of the smells. Some puppies don't like the texture of artificial grass (and it's a tempting chew toy) and it can get stinky very quickly. If you can, use real grass. It's not hard to DIY it and this phase won't last forever!

[@bellasmellaxz]

I live in a apartment, I’m getting a puppy in a few months, she will not be vaccinated yet but I will take her out to the backyard for that, but when it’s night, I can’t go down at night (3/4 am)because I’m too young. And my mom really needs her sleep because she wakes up very early for work, but when it’s night should I use puppy pads on my balcony? I bought the grass thing but it dosent arrive until a few weeks after I get my pup

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Having a potty spot on the balcony is a good idea. If you don't have the grass yet, you can make your own using sod and a cement mixing tray from the hardware store. If at all possible, try to set up real grass on your balcony.

[@asakotakahashi7559]

Great video! I just got a puppy four days ago. She's had a few accidents but we started off with having the pee pads over night right outside of her crate but small space created inside the play pen. We live in an apartment so we have an artificial turf for her to pee/poo on during the day so the pee pads are for overnight backup solutions for us. I'm thinking that we should transition away from pads but it's not too early for us to take away a backup option for her overnight? If we do that, I'll plan to wake up in the middle of the night to give her potty breaks. See is week 8 +4 days old now.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Thanks for watching! Great questions. We do not recommend pee pads ever as they teach your puppy it is okay to potty inside. We have two great videos to check out below! First, is potty training a puppy in an apartment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3mrZaiXaN-rjKs Second is about stopping using potty pads for faster potty training: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipK4h2SnareNepo One more great resource is our FREE New Puppy Starter Kit! It has some videos, printables and other helpful things that a new puppy owner needs: howtotrainadreamdog.com

[@powerofthepaw]

I have three dogs.... Tommi, a 3 month American Bully Codi 3 ½ year old American Staffordshire Terrier Felix 6 year old Chihuahua Mini Pincher mix Codi and Tommi have potty down like clock work they hold it overnight, have no problems, and go out every 5 hours.😮 Felix is the opportunity for improvement pup. He will make it overnight. During the day he will find a soft surface like bath mat, pile of clothes, area rug, shoes, and worse to water. His previous handler, my ex, trained him to use mats during the day. My goañ for Felix is to go through the doggy door and use the desginated spot in the back like Tommi does when she has to go before I get her out after 5 hours. How do I retrain him to go potty outside like everyone else? Do I have in the crate unless he's supervised? I've used diapers on him, and he would not water them, leading me to think he's good and take them off. He would resume watering the soft areas again. Aby tips and tricks is appreciated.

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

If dogs are used to going on pee pads they often find other surfaces just like it to go. This means you'll need to really limit his freedom and not allow him to have access to those areas. Also watch his schedule and know exactly when he'll likely need to go again so you can get him out. Reward him when he goes outside! We do not recommend doggy doors, especially if you're struggling with potty training. Remember that he doesn't care where he goes: you do! So it'll be your full time job to prevent accidents. He is train-able, however! It just takes time and consistency.

[@powerofthepaw]

@HowToTrainADreamDog I totally understand. I'm going through all the potty training again. Tommi waits to go out with me and Codi the times I take him 6 AM, and 9Am after breakfast, 1230 after lunch, 530 before dinner, 630 after dinner, 900 after brushing their teeth, and 10 PM before bedtime. If they are fast asleep and snoring, I leave them be. If Tommi or Codi have to go other times, they like Felix to have access to the outside and use it on occasion, going to the designated potty spot. They actually go out more to lay in the morning sun and charge those puppy batteries and young adult batteries before they jump and play. I would need to treat Felix like I did, Tommi, a designated area, go out potty every 60 minutes, praised her when she did go on a quick wal, and then returned home. Her walk consisted of going to th next tree, she wanted to go home so we did. Now she was to keep up with Codi on our walks, I limit both of them so she won't get over stimulated and shut down, keeping the walk as pawsitivr as I can. Codi will either nudge me, ring the potty bells, or go to the back. Generally, he nudges me when he doesn't hear me on conference calls or have the video lights pn. He's figured out his own style based on the situation.

[@memoarias4218]

What if I don't have grass? Backyard is all rocks

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

You can use the Fresh Patch mentioned in this video, or DIY one of your own from the nursery and hardware store.

[@4zengrl]

Dogs will learn to go on rocks. Not saying they might not prefer grass, but we moved from a house with grass to one with lovely desert landscaping. Our dogs had no problem switching to the rock mulch. Now, tiny puppy feet on rock, depending on the size, might be another issue… Good luck!

[@LeighFagin-gk3pc]

If you have a house without other animals and a backyard, should you still be worried about other (unvaccinated and vaccinated) animals?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

Good question! If your backyard is open to any critter who wants to wander through, you might want to use a puppy pen for potty breaks at first. If your backyard is fenced in it should be fine to use it for potty breaks. Still try to prevent any grass chewing or licking during this time.

[@LeighFagin-gk3pc]

@@HowToTrainADreamDog Thanks! How does the puppy pen help if it's an area that was open to any critter walking through before I put it up?

[@HowToTrainADreamDog]

It's mostly helpful to keep out any kind of fresh critter waste. You can also spray down the area before you put it up.