Can you train a puppy to use a litter (pee-pad) box AND go outside?

Question

Just wondering if you can train them to use the box at home but go outside if you take them somewhere where the box is not an option.

Or to use the box if we are not home and cannot take him outside.

Thinking it might confuse them but just curious.

Answer 1

Pee-pads can cause confusion because they resemble rugs.  So they should be avoided if at all possible.  Litter-boxes though, with a substrate in it similar to what you want your puppy to go on outside (for instance, you want him going on the rocky area in your yard, then rocks, want him on dirt, then dirt, want him on grass, pick up some sod) don't cause confusion because the puppy understands that these things are outside.

One of my better dogs learned to go outside to potty from the time we got her at about 10 weeks old.  Now, she had no problem going on concrete because of the previous owners.  When we went to Pet-Co, there was a concrete back area and she would always go back there because she thought "concrete = acceptable place to go to the bathroom."  Dogs just don't look up as much as we do and say "oh, roof = inside, no roof = outside."  They are far more aware that "oh, I'm on dirt, dirt = potty area."  

So yes.  If you make sure the box has similar substance to what you want them going on outside.  If you put something like a piddle pad or newspaper in there, expect them to go on things that remind them of piddle pads and newspapers (like... rugs, carpet, homework, blankets on the floor...)

Answer 2

In general it's better to be consistent one way or another.  Outside, or pee pads.

Answer 3

It is better to do either, because using both trains the puppy that it's ok to go inside sometimes, and outside others.

Below are some things about housetraining and crate training.

Crate Training

__________________

Try locking her in a kennel or crate, or "doggie safe area" for a few minutes, while you go do something. Make sure to do the "Crate Process every time she goes in her crate.

"Crate Process"

1. Put Dog in kennel, crate or "doggie safe area"

2. Give treats and a toy

3. Leave

4. When you come back, give her lots of praise, and treats. (Also, use the clicker if you are clicker training)

Leave her out, of her kennel "doggie safe area"or crate for an hour, then put her in for 30 minutes, Repeating the "Crate Process.(steps 1-3)" Then again, when you come back do step 4.

Repeat slowly extending the time, and make sure you leave time between kennel times, to spend with your puppy. Never expect your puppy to stay in his kennel longer than the age he is in months plus one. (example, if your puppy is 5 months old, only leave it in there for 6 hours. No dog/puppy should stay in it's kennel longer than 7-8 hours.

This is what i mean by "doggie safe area".

If you are going to be gone longer than a few hours, either have a dog sitter come to your house mid-day to walk him, or block off your bathroom, kitchen, hall, or other place with tile or wood floors for her to stay in while you are away. Leave food, water, toys, his kennel or crate, and puppy pads or newspapers(unless you want potty on the floor)

I Really Hope this helped.

House Training

_____________

First and foremost, do not make the dog smell his mess, strike him or lock him ouside. This will just confuse the pup, and it might be afraid of you.

I have just got a puppy recently. The way I trained him was crate training. Here's a few tips on crate training and house training:

1.Try to teach them that their crate is a good place. Reward them when you place them in the crate. This is teaching them, that a treat comes with good crate behavior. Always keep your dog in the crate, unless you can keep a good eye on him.

2. Another option, if you do not want to place your dog in the kennel all of the time, hook his leash to your belt loop, this way he can not go off and use the restroom somewhere, and you don't know about it.

3.Always take him outside after;

+ rough play

+after he eats or drinks

+after being let out of his crate

+ after he wakes up after a night

+ or if he shows signs of having to use the restroom,(below are those signs)

*sniffing

*staring at you

*whining

4.Don't ever hit your dog, or rub his nose in his mess. This will just teach the dog to be afraid of you.

5.Don't feed him or give him to much water, before you plan to put him in his cage.

6.Don't expect your dog to hold it's restroom, more than the age of the dog in months, plus one. But no dog should have to hold it's bladder more than a 7-8 hours.

7.Be patient!! That is the key, to housetraining. Of course if you get too overwelmed, you can always buy a book, or ask a professional trainer!

8.Always, when he goes to the bathroom ouside, give lots of praise and treats!!

9. If you expect your puppy to go outside, and dont use puppy pads when he gets older, starting out with puppy pads, is not a good idea, because this trains them that it's ok to go inside, and then before they know it, they cant, it is to confusing for them.

Good Luck!

Please if you think I'm the best answer, please put me as best answer!! I really appreciate it!! Thanks!