Potty training an 8-week puppy in an apartment before full shots?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I honestly would recommend using Fresh Patch. I've had so many clients have success stories with potty training their puppy because of this product. It is basically a patch of grass that you order online that comes in a cardboard box that auto-ships to you to replace the used one. I would look into this and try it out to see if it helps more than the puppy pad. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Soil and feces can carry viruses for a long period of time, so trying to find an area Blakely can go where other dogs don't frequent is best until he has had at least 2-3 sets of shots (or the OK from your vet). If you don't have a spot like that, but have a patio area, you could try making your own "potty" area with a piece of sod or a litter box filled with dirt to get him used to going outside and on that substrate without as much confusion when you do transition to outside. Making sure you're taking him out often enough (every 1-2 hours for a 2 month old puppy, or after waking, eating, drinking, or playing) can also help reduce accidents since his bladder can't hold it very long at this point.

You can get started right away! Consistency is the key to house training, so be sure to take Emmitt outside often - after eating, napping, playing, or at least every 2-3 hours. Reward appropriate potty behavior with praise and a small treat. If you catch him in the act of eliminating in the house, say "no" and take him straight outside. If you find an accident around the house, there is no need to scold or punish him. The main concern at this point is that Emmitt is not fully vaccinated against some highly contagious viruses, such as parvovirus. Until he has received his full distemper/parvovirus vaccine series, keep him away from other dogs. This includes areas where other dogs may have previously eliminated, such as parks or around your neighborhood. Keep Emmitt confined to your backyard until his vaccine series is complete.

Belle should avoid areas where there may be unvaccinated dogs, but you will need to take her outside to potty train her and it may not go as well if you try to wait until she is fully vaccinated. Keep her on a leash and avoid contact with other dogs. Belle may get confused if there are pee pads indoors and she may use them. I doubt she will help Molly go outside but you could work on potty training the two of them together.

It would be best to take him out when the full set of vaccines is given, but if it is a small closed garden and he/she is not going to get in touch with other animals, that is generally fine and the risk of possible infection is very low.

Yes, I think it is ok for her to walk around your property. If she is not completely vaccinated, then I would keep her away from unknown dogs or unvaccinated puppies, dog parks, and pet stores. She should be okay around other dogs that you know the owners have stayed current on vaccines. I am not a fan of peepads unless you plan on using them for life because they just train a dog that going potty inside is okay!

Since he is so young, puppy pads are the best option for now. Additionally, he is not old enough to vaccinate so he has no protection for parvovirus or other disease. Keep Mike indoors at all times. Once Mike is 6 weeks old, get his first set of vaccines and then begin potty training and crate training. Parvovirus is a serious condition and exposure needs to be avoided: https://www.petcoach.co/article/parvovirus-serious-diarrhea-in-puppies-dogs/ Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.