Puppy training, crate, mat? help?

Question

i have an 8 week pup and am getting a little confused regarding puppy training. i have been using pads, which she will use probably 50% of the time, but she will still use the sofa, her bed or where ever also! i am picking up crate tomorrow and have been reading up on crate training but all these tips mention taking her outside to do her business, however, she is not having her first jabs until next week so cannot go outside yet. feeling rather confused and would appreciate any tips as i don't want to begin her training the wrong way and confuse her. she is 9 weeks old and we have had her for 4 days.

Answer 1

My puppy is 4 months old. I use pads and got a very reasonable deal off EBay. While you put puppy in the crate, line the crate with a pad. when you remove the puppy, change the pad if it's wet or dirty, use a pad for the puppy in your home. If the puppy pees NOT on the pad, say the word NO as though you mean it and place the puppy on the pad right away. Eventually, the puppy will no where to go. Right now, it's just a puppy. Expect messes. Don't use the crate as a punishment.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Do you have a fenced garden? Have you previously had any un-vaccinated or diseased (esp. things such as Parvovirus) dogs in your garden?

If you do have a garden and no dogs have been in there it is perfectly safe to take her out accompanied to do her business. Our puppy was taken out from day one (8 weeks old), never used training pads as I find it a long way around housebreaking. As someone was home all of the time we were able to housebreak our puppy almost immediately.

EDIT:

As far as I'm aware cats are fine, we have an indoor cat but outdoor cats do wander around outside and we trained our puppy to go in the garden straight away.

Answer 3

Take her in to the garden as long as no other dogs have been there unless they are up to date with their jabs.

Each time she wakes up straight out of the door, after every meal straight out of the door.  Even if she has only napped for a short time straight out of the door. The more you put her out the quicker she learns where to go.

Each time she goes outside tell her she is a good girl and reward her for her efforts.

Good luck

Answer 4

Puppy training pads are not very good to use to housebreak a pup.  

Answer 5

Agree with above answers! Pee pads generally confuse your pup into thinking it's ok to go inside. You are much better off taking your puppy out to do this. Keep in mind that puppies don't have the ability to "hold it" until 12-20 weeks, but the habits you establish now will determine whether or not your pup has a clue when he reaches that age. Taking your puppy out to potty immediately after waking up, eating, playing, and never letting it be unsupervised in the house is the best way to housebreak your pup. If you are consistent for the first two months, you can have a housetrained pup by 4 months. Your puppy should have had his first shots at 7-8 weeks, so that he will have immunity at 12-16 weeks. Its important to socialize him now though, and not wait until he has full immunity. Just like you cannot keep your child locked in the house until full immunity at age 5, it's not a good idea to do it to your dog either!

Answer 6

I agree completely with Lisa C.  They do not have the ability to sense ahead of time that they have to go until they are 3-4 months, when it hits them, they squat.  The next couple of months will be alot of extra work but the rewards of their lifetime is sooooo worth it!  Stay vigilant and she will get it!  Good luck and enjoy!