Need help with potty training

[jdo1217]

In two weeks I will be getting a 9-week-old sheltie. I've raised three shelties in my life but this is the first time I'll have a puppy in an apartment complex. We have a lot of dogs in this complex (and a lot of owners who don't clean up after them, unfortunately), and I am concerned about letting my puppy outside before she is fully vaccinated. I have a nice long hallway so I'm not worried about the exercise aspect but I am concerned about housebreaking. Has anyone used training pads in this situation? If I go that route, how do I then transition to the outside once it's safe? I appreciate any input.
Jane

 

[cmae]

How exciting! You will have to post pictures once your little one arrives!

We raised our pup in an apartment complex too. Do you have a balcony? We put training pads out on our balcony until shots were done. That way you keep puppy safe while still training so he/she understands that it is not okay to go inside. When transitioning, we just brought a pad outside with us and slowly phased it by cutting the pad to be smaller and smaller each time. Good luck!

 

[Sullivan]

Hi Jane, welcome to the Sheltie Nation. How exciting, getting a new baby. We can't wait to meet her/him and you will learn, we at SN love baby pictures.

 

[jdo1217]

Thanks for the welcome, Sullivan. Cass, if I had easy access to a patio, your suggestion sounds great. Has anyone else had success transitioning a puppy from pee pads to outdoors?

 

[Ann]

Hi Jane and welcome! Congratulations on your new upcoming new arrival!

Consider using something like Tinkle Turf instead of puppy pads. It mimics grass so the transition to outdoors eventually is easier. I used it for a puppy litter and they figured it out as young as 3 weeks. It's a piece of artificial turf that sits in a tray. I did put a puppy pad between the turf and the grass to catch the liquid and that worked well and is easy to change as needed. I got a spare piece of grass and cleaned it daily with vinegar and water and it worked well until the puppies were old enough to go outside. You can find it on Amazon.

 

[Piper's mom]

You could also train your pup to go in a litter box. I know the breeder I got Piper from wanted to try it but too many pups in the litter. She said they use a litter called Yesterday's News (made from recycled newspaper), and you need to catch the pup as they're about to pee and put them in the litter box. I know I've seen some videos of breeders that did it. Might work well in an apartment.