Can you take 8 week old puppy outside to pee? Here’s What to Do Next

Can I Take My 8-Week-Old Puppy Out to Pee?

“I live in an apartment with no yard or balcony. Id like to avoid using puppy pads, as it seems like that teaches puppies that theres a place to go to their spot in the home. How can I house train my puppy without exposing her to parvo? At what age (or after how many parvo vaccines) will she be able to safely go outside and walk around to go to her spot?” —Haley

When Can Puppies Outside: 5 Things to Consider

Most dog parents are excited to take their puppies outside. You want to show them off and spend some time with them in the open.

Before you bring your new puppy outside, you need to ensure you have covered all the essential bases.

Here are some tips to help you decide if your puppy is ready for the outdoors.

Find a spot that will become the “potty spot,” and always take your dog to the same spot. Stand quietly and wait until they are ready, and as they commence, give a voice command or signal to “go potty” or “do your business.” Then wait for the results, and praise lavishly if your puppy goes. Say “good boy/girl!” then give the pup a yummy treat.

There are many other times that a young puppy will need to go potty, besides the first thing in the morning and after each meal. These instances include periods after naps and playtime.

Also, remain watchful when the puppy drinks water. Treat this just like a meal, and take them out to potty soon afterward. Choosing a puppy food that digests well and avoiding feeding within two hours of bedtime will help.

By scheduling meals, walks, playtime, and other activities in a daily routine, you and your pup will be on your way to success in potty training, but it won’t happen overnight, so remember to be patient. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Get Your Free AKC eBook

Each day begins the same for you and your puppy. When the alarm clock goes off, wake up and get your puppy out of the crate and outside to do their business. Don’t stop to make coffee, check emails, or brush your teeth.

Can I take my 8 week old puppy outside?

So you’ve got a new puppy? Congratulations! It’s going to be a lot of fun, but there’s plenty of work to do too. You’re probably wondering how to stop a puppy from peeing in the house, for a start. You’ll be glad to know it’s pretty easy, it just takes consistency on your part… and a little patience, too. But with those big puppy-dog eyes staring back at you, the odd accident along the way really won’t seem that important.

A general rule of thumb is that your canine companion can hold her bladder approximately one hour for every month old they are. Most puppies find their way to a new home at 2-3 months old, so can go 2-3 hours between toilet breaks. Some estimates add another hour onto their age in months; it will vary depending on your puppy. It’s not an exact science, so don’t assume that the moment they turn another month old you get an extra hour of pee-holding – it’s all about learning as we go! Puppies under 16 weeks of age are really not able to control their bladders, but they can learn the rules, so do your training early and you’ll see them progress quickly once they’re past that age.

Naturally, the first thought to cross your mind will be “Should I wake my puppy up to pee at night?”. Good news! Puppies can hold it a little longer while they are sleeping. You will still need to make (at least) one trip halfway through the night for puppies under 4 months old, and maybe a little after that for some pups. Remember to set a (gentle) alarm for 4-5 hours after your puppy’s bedtime. If they wake you up in the night, make sure you take them outside even if you don’t think that’s what they are asking for.

Top tip: leave some cosy slippers (for you) and a high-value tasty treat (for your pupper) somewhere easy to grab during those night-time loo breaks. For puppies under four months, try tiny pieces of plain, cooked chicken. Older pups can enjoy a wider range of treatos; delicious Chicken Bites, anyone?