Puppy toilet training begins well before a puppy joins their new family. At Byakko Kitsune FCI, we start laying the foundations in the early weeks, helping our puppies learn where to go to the toilet and become familiar with suitable surfaces.

We’d like to share the toilet-training setup we’re currently using, which we introduced with great care and which has shown promising early results.

Why did we decide to change our approach?

Until now, we have used puppy training pads, a convenient and widely used solution. Over time, however, we noticed that they were not giving us the results we had hoped for.

The puppies were learning to relieve themselves on soft, absorbent surfaces, which meant that in their new homes: onto a soft, absorbent surface, meaning that in new homes:

• it was harder to get them used to doing their business outside,
• there were frequent “accidents” on carpets or blankets,
• and some owners had to give up using carpets because their dogs associated them with the training pads.

That is why we decided to change our approach and look for something more intuitive and effective. This is how our current system came about.

Stage 1: A Litter Tray with Wood Pellets

In the playpen, we have created a system based on:

• wood pellets - safe, natural and effective at absorbing odours,
• mesh - keeps the puppies’ paws from getting wet,
• artificial grass - resembles natural ground.

We can already see that the puppies readily choose this spot, while the area around their bed stays clean.

Stage 2: Regular toilet breaks outside

We take the puppies into the garden several times a day.
They get to experience fresh grass, sunshine, smells and sounds, but above all, they learn that grass is a place to go to the toilet.

They also have access to a safe play area with a tunnel, toys and obstacles. This supports their physical development and builds their confidence and curiosity about the world.

Stage 3: Ready for a New Home

Although this is a new system, we are already seeing early results:
✔️ The puppies soil their playpen less often.
✔️ They choose specific places to relieve themselves.
✔️ They relieve themselves almost as soon as they go out onto the grass.

This makes us very hopeful that it will be much easier for the puppies to continue toilet training in their new homes and that their new owners will notice a real difference.

Why Do We Love This Approach?

✅ Combines comfort and hygiene in the home with the natural instinct to toilet outdoors
✅ It is simple, effective and safe
✅ Allows puppies to learn where to go to the toilet without stress
✅ Encourages them to explore their surroundings and develop positive habits
✅ Does not reinforce the harmful association “soft = pee”

This is only the beginning, but we are full of hope and enthusiasm as we watch our puppies develop with this system.
Over time, we will update this post with the long-term results!

If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line. We'll be more than happy to share our experience and insights.