Puppy Survival Thread Autumn 2026

[CoubousAndTourmaIet]

Thought it was time for a new puppy thread, for anyone who has a pup currently or will be collecting their new family member in October or November.

Yes, our early toilet trips were all on lead, to completely separate the “play” from the “loo tme”. We also have a separate toilet area from the main garden (a tiny side yard bit), if that’s an option I definitely recommend. A lead is obviously not going to work when you have to be on calls, but trying to emphasise the purpose of the trip however you can.

Our summer pups this year really aren’t used to rain! The first time we had it she went outside to pee (off lead by then), looked up accusingly at the sky, ran back in and peed on the mat by the door 🤣🤣. She earned being back on lead whenever there was the slightest drizzle! 😭

Yes!

Yesterday he kept tapping at the door to go out, I’d open it, he’d peer out but not move, so I’d close it…. Then two min later he’d try again and then look up at me as if to say, ‘umm you have not fixed the malfunctioning sky yet?!’

The door tapping is both a massive plus and a PITA. Very very often it’s because he’s a bit bored and wants to go rampage round the garden… which I do not wish to do really!

It’s a bit like the boy who cried wolf. Do you really need to wee or just want to find sticks etc?

Made the mistake a week or so ago where I thought, you went out 15 min ago, you’re trying it on…. Puddle on floor. Completely my fault obviously!

I confess to having puppy pads down. He's 11 weeks today and is not always great at telling us he needs a wee. However, bottom emptying gets a high pitched squeak now referred to as "poo-poo coming".

Our toilet training has been compounded by having to carry pup up and down the steps for the last 3 weeks. I now have arms like Popeye (minus the tattoos). We have three steps at front and back which is not ideal with a giant puppy. But we are now teaching him to go down by himself slowly and carefully. That's another reason for not having the big girl out at the same time; she can just fly up and down the steps.

We don't yet have "the boy who cried wolf", but our big girl was terrible for that as a pup, so I know what you mean @Newbabylabrador

DPup was born at the end of May and grew up in a lovely big house with a massive garden. His days were just filled with sunshine and balmy evenings.

The utter scandal on his face the first time he encountered rain was very amusing. He's 5 months now and still not a fan, despite being a Labrador 😆