How to Potty Train a Litter of Pups

Many people may be unaware that potty training begins very early in the life of a puppy. Indeed, the basics of potty training begin even before the puppy is adopted and sent home with its new owners. It is therefore the breeder's responsibility to start puppies on the right foot by teaching puppies some potty training basics when they are between the age of 3 and 3-1/2 weeks old. This helps the breeder keep the whelping area clean while making the puppies easier to housebreak once they are sent to a new home.

Things You'll Need

  • Whelping box
  • Low board
  • Sheets of paper
  • Wood chips
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Instructions

    • 1

      Divide the whelping box in two distinct areas. One should be for eating, playing and sleeping, and one should be specifically made for eliminating. Place a low board across the box to separate the areas, leaving a passageway for the puppies to come and go.

    • 2

      Line the elimination area with layers made of sheets of paper. Top the paper with some wood chips. Keep a watchful eye on the puppies to ensure they are using the area for eliminating only.

    • 3

      Cover the stools with another piece of paper covered with wood chips to keep the puppies from getting dirty. You want to leave the stools there at first so the puppies know that it is their designated potty area while keeping the area for eating, playing and sleeping clean.

    • 4

      Once the puppies recognize the area for elimination, keep the elimination area clean and dry. Puppies who grow up in a messy environment assume it is okay to soil, making the process of house breaking difficult.