New puppy. Need advice.

[tjstromquist]

I will be picking up a new puppy next week (10 week old female). I live on the third floor of a duplex and am wondering about house training. I have a back deck that goes up to the back of my house, I am planning on bell training the puppy to go outside, but am wondering if I can somehow paper train the dog to use a specific area on the deck (would set up an area w/ paper/plastic bottom). Is this a good idea or should I run her down stairs everytime when she has to go?

 

[Prophecy]

I would say its best for the house for you to take her out side each time. You can train her in that method however it would be easier for clean up and so forth to go downstairs and use the grass. I dont know if the landlord would appreciate a dog peeing on the deck.

Good luck

Proph

 

[Lael]

Realistically? Running down 3 flights of stairs every time your 10-16 week old puppy has to go is probably NOT going to happen every time. And consistency is key.

I believe there are training tools that will absorb pee (such as a mat to lay down, or even a small litter/sand box), and so it may help for the first month to use that on the deck. However, my only concern would be that your puppy not get confused when you make the transition to taking her to her spot on the grass.

One thing I might suggest is to add a word/command to the action of doing her business. Like "potty" or something. If you say the word while they are in the act, and then give a little treat for the first couple weeks... your pup will know what what "potty" (or whatever word) means. That may help you teach her to go in her proper place later on. It also helps on walks if you want her to relieve herself on a walk or before a car ride.

Good Luck! And congrats on your new puppy!!! :D
Cat & Lael

 

[meliss&kash]

Here's my 2 cents:

My new puppy and I live on the 2nd floor of a duplex. We are teaching her to do her business outside. She learned how to go up and down stairs shortly after we got her (ie when she was 8 weeks old). When I know she really really has to go, like in the morning when she wakes up, I carry her down because I know that as soon as she starts moving a bit, she'll pee. Also, if she wakes up in the middle of the night to go pee, i'll also carry her so that she doesn't wake up too much. But the rest of the day, when it's not so urgent, she goes up and down the stairs all by herself. I probably don't have as many steps as you, but I think it's doable. You'll see, pretty soon she'll be going up and down those steps like a big dog!

Good luck!
Melissa & Kashmir

 

[Evie&Adam]

I dont live in an apt, but i have lots of stairs at my house. When Adam was little, he slept in the upstairs bedroom. For middle of the night potty trips I had to carry him outside. Otherwise, we wouldnt get outside in time. As he got older, he was able to RUN and make it. Well, he's one now and still runs to the back door to get outside in time !LOL! Still get some of those absorbent pads for just in case.

 

[sam2]

Paper Trained

Leah is 3 months now, we used both paper and outside.
We have the paper in the kitchen so if she needs to go before we take her
out she have an option. We live in Chicago and the weather gets funny sometimes. She does not likes to go out when it's raining.
My sugestion try to train her to go out as much as possible, but while a puppy have some paper. We use the Arm & Hammer ones,
at the begining we had the ones that smell like grass.

Congratulations on your new Pup, enjoy they grow really FAST!

Shirley

 

[BoboTheBoxer]

Wee wee pads and outside

My little Bobo is now 13 weeks and still being housetrained. For the most part she is doing well but still needs alot more time. We started using the weewee pads (one inside the house in her "favorite" eliminating spot. Gradually we would bring the mat outdoors so she could associate eliminating outside. When you do plan to bring her outside, just make sure you pick her
up and carry her out IMMEDIATELY after eating/drinking, playing, waking, etc. That "oh Ill do it in one minute" or "she'll follow me right out routine" will only leave you cleaning the floor. Be consistant and give lots of praise when due!
On another note..you did mention a third floor deck. Is this properly puppy proofed with no gaps/spaces that a curious puppy could fall from? That question came to my mind first when reading your post. Take the puppy up and down the stairs and once you get in the routine of it and are consistant,youll enjoy the exercise as much as she loves the training. And no one will have to worry about a pup falling form a third floor deck, never mind the peeing. Good luck and best wishes!!!