At about 3 weeks we introduce a special low potty training tray into the whelping area. We start by using pee pads and as the puppies have more leg stability we add a wood pellet on top of the pee pads. Within a week puppies are starting to get used to the feel and texture of pellets of their paws. We stop using the pee pads around 5 weeks (as the puppies just grab them and run like it’s a toy). We have great success with this type of potty-training.
The puppies are very good at using their litter tray so please ensure you have this ready for them as they embark into their new family home. As you begin training them to go outside, begin moving the tray closer to the outside door and soon you will be tray free. We now use a larger, rubbermaid style tote once the puppies get a bit bigger. They track less litter with the transition tray and have more room to do their “business”.