Introduction to House Training

Around 4 weeks of age we start to bring the puppies outside to our 800sq ft, fully enclosed dog yard to begin their house training. They will initially go outside 1 or 2 times per day and gradually increase how often they go out over time. In the beginning we don't expect them to understand that this is the time to use the bathroom, but every time they get it right we celebrate their accomplishments and the begin to understand what we want pretty fast after that!

By the time the puppies are 9 weeks old, they are going outside to use the bathroom upon waking in the morning, after waking up from each nap throughout the day, after each meal, and once more before bedtime. They start to have a pretty solid understanding that outside is where they use the bathroom and some puppies will even begin to alert us (whining or barking at the door) when they have to go use the bathroom.

We also use our adult dogs as role models by allowing them to go outside with the puppies to use the bathroom. It's always great when we can lead by example!