Litter Box Training

Litter Box Training & Puppy Potty Foundation

Waters Edge French Bulldogs — Since 2018

At Waters Edge French Bulldogs, we set your puppy up for success long before they arrive in your home. One of the core foundations we teach is early litter box training, a method we’ve perfected since 2018. Our approach dramatically reduces accidents, confusion, and frustration for new puppy families.

Why We Do NOT Use Pee Pads

We do not, and have never, used pee pads.

Pee pads teach puppies to potty on rugs, carpets, bathmats, and soft textures — which causes long-term confusion and frustration for families. Instead of teaching where to go, pee pads teach puppies what texture to potty on, which is the opposite of what we want.

Using a litter box provides:

A clear, consistent potty location

Faster transition to outdoor potty training

Fewer accidents and mixed signals

A cleaner, more hygienic setup

Less stress for both puppy and family

Our Litter Box Training Timeline:

3–4 Weeks: Introduction Phase

Once puppies begin eating mush, we immediately introduce a small litter box inside their play area. At this age they still nurse 3–4 times daily, but they are transitioning toward independence and becoming more aware of their potty habits.

5 Weeks: Crate + Playpen Setup

Around five weeks, we expand their space to include:

A designated sleeping area
A play area
A litter box
A small crate

This layout teaches puppies natural den instincts — “sleep/play here, potty there.”

This step alone gives our puppies a significant head start.

5–8 Weeks: Routine & Reinforcement

During these weeks we are building the foundation:

Puppies gain confidence using the litter box
They consistently separate play/sleep/potty areas
We work on short crate sessions
We reinforce structure and independence

By the time they reach 8 weeks, our puppies have made a HUGE jump in their potty training foundation and crate readiness. Occasional accidents happen — that’s normal for any puppy — but the groundwork has already been laid for you.

Early Neurological & Developmental Training

From birth we provide puppies with:

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)
Exposure to varied sounds
Introduction to new textures
Mild sensory challenges
Basic handling and grooming

All of these help build confidence, resilience, and a calm, stable temperament.

What to Expect Once Your Puppy Comes Home:

Even with an excellent foundation, puppies are still babies. It’s normal to experience:

A few accidents the first couple days

A temporary schedule reset due to travel & new environment

Curious sniffing before finding the new potty area

A need for structure, supervision, and consistency

This does not mean they are regressing — it’s simply an adjustment period.

Your job in the first week is to repeat the same pattern we taught them:

Eat → Potty → Play → Potty → Rest.

With consistency, your puppy will quickly adapt to your home.

The First Week Home — Owner Checklist

To ensure a smooth and successful transition, we recommend:

Keep your puppy’s world small (crate + playpen)
Take them to the litter box frequently
Follow the feeding schedule we provide
Limit visitors for the first 48 hours
Keep the environment calm
Maintain predictable routines
Avoid giving too much free roam too soon
Expect extra naps and lots of potty trips

This first week sets the tone for lifelong habits.

How to Continue Litter Box Training at Home

To keep your puppy on track:

1. Use the same materials we use in our home.

This consistency helps the puppy instantly recognize the potty area.

2. Keep the litter box close to their crate/playpen.

Puppies naturally avoid soiling where they sleep.

3. Clean daily to maintain hygiene and scent clarity.

Puppies follow smell cues.

4. Gradually transition outdoors.

Around 13-17 weeks, you can begin moving the litter box closer to the door, ( if you wish) then outside, then eliminating it altogether.

5. Avoid pee pads entirely.

They introduce mixed signals and undo the foundation we’ve established.

Potty Training Troubleshooting

Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:

“My puppy peed after coming inside!”

Very normal. Puppies get distracted outdoors.

Solution: Take them back out immediately after coming inside.

“My puppy keeps missing the litter box.”

Reduce space temporarily and supervise better. They may be overwhelmed.

“My puppy cries in the crate.”

Completely normal. Keep crate time short and positive.

“My puppy suddenly had an accident today.”

Regression is normal during growth spurts, teething, stress, or overstimulation.

What You Need Before Puppy Comes Home

We make this easy with our Amazon storefront, which includes all our favorite puppy essentials:

Crates
Exercise pens
Litter boxes & pellets
Bowls
Toys & chews
Grooming supplies
Bedding
Playpen flooring
Snuggle Puppies
Treats

Everything is categorized so families can find exactly what they need. I also send a series of emails 2-4 weeks before you bring home your baby with more details so you can have everything you need ready and set up.