I am very stressed about this topic because I can't decide where my dog should go to the bathroom. I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor. I found something called a DogWiz which I thought was cool. If you don't know what it is, it's a little square that has a "cage-like" top to it that you can put newspaper under or a puppy pad underneath and they just go on that. I thought that would be good just because it seemed easier. But, after some thought I was reminded that boy dogs hike up their leg while "peeing" and I thought oh gosh, what if he ends up peeing on the wall all of the time? So...

My question is

Should I just suck it up and take him down the stairs to the grass?
Should I use the Dog Wiz?
Or is there any other option that sounds like it would be best for me?

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Kasi and Tie-Son

Well, I lived in an apartment and also on the second floor. Well, since the DRS. told me it was best for him not to use the restroom where other dogs do their busines until he had all his shots. Therefore, I used the Puppy pads in the kitchen b/c if he miss the pads it was easy to clean up after him. Then when the DRS. told me it was okay to take him out just not let him eat other dogs poo, I took him outside on the grass on every hour on the hour for he could get use to using the restroom outside. Also, about him hiking up his legs, I don't think that start until 5 months of age or later.

So now do you only let him use the bathroom outside? Or do you also use the puppy pads?

I would like for him to be able to use both, but I'm sure that's just wishful thinking.

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Kasi and Tie-Son

I would agree that you should keep your pup indoors until they are fully vaccinated. If you had your own fenced backyard that would be different, but taking them anywhere other dogs are until they've had all their shots can expose them to some yucky stuff their little bodies aren't yet equipped to deal with.

Now with that said...for now, the puppy wiz is your only option. I think the trick for you will be what you do when you are home. Stick you a regular potty schedule and give your pup a command when they are on the puppy wiz..like "go potty" or "hurry up". What you want to do is create the relationship with that command and ellimination for your pup....on demand ellimination baby!!!

So when your pup is fully vaccinated and can go outside, the command you use will be the common demoninator rather than the location. In the long run, this will be a benefit to you and your pup...if you are anywhere else but home (travelling or whatever) once you give the command..they should know it's time to go.

I hope that helps! Good luck...and remember it's a lot of work and a lot of patience....but you won't regret it!

No, he only uses it outside now. Also, buying puppy pads every week was adding up. I couldn't wait til' he was able to go potty outside.