We will shortly be getting our puppy and i have concerns with the logistics of
toilet training as we live in an flat, particulary in the first few weeks when he cant go outside. Its a toy breed and given its small size we have considered
a litter tray placed in the porch area as it will get him into the habit of having
wait to go outside.
If anyone has had experience with this please let us know what worked best
as none of the books and guides even mention this situation.

Cheers Samantha

Hi Samantha ...may I ask you ..did you consider this when you thought about getting a puppy? Also , is the breeder aware that you live in a flat ..if he or she does , then possibly they will be able to advise you?

:)

Melody

Thanks for your comments! Do you have any advice to offer? I can cope with the first few weeks of difficulties I am however interested to hear how others who have had similar experiences have got round the problem of not being able to venture outdoors.

Helpfull Hints please!

We lived in a flat when we first got Chelsea. We got round the shots by using the secure shared back garden - no other dogs in the building - for doing her business until her shots were finished.

As for timing - our general rule was 'if the feet hit the floor it needs to go out'. IE if the puppy's been asleep and wakes up - out it goes. Playing hard and stops - out it goes. Eaten within 1/2 hour - out it goes. Basically works out every hour or two esp when really young.

It does mean a lot of work. I do believe if you can train to outdoors right from the beginning it is better. If you teach a dog it's okay to go in the house sometimes I find they have a harder time figuring it all out. Just my opinion.

We were also lucky in that our flat also owned the front garden so once she was able to go out in 'public' we only had to walk out the front door.

Wendy

I'm sure you can buy litter boxes for dogs. Thats if you wanted to keep the pup as papered trained. My aunts dog is papered trained when she's not home and goes outside when she is home. She said that she is wonderful for it. :)

I agree that the sooner he can get into the habit of going outdoors the better...hence my idea about placing a litter tray outside out front door! However, this will be first dog ive had since not having a garden..and i may think ive had a good idea!! However...! Unfortunately our neighbours all have dogs and there isnt anywhere id consider 'safe enough' untill all the jabs are sorted.