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Is it safe to potty train my young puppy on shared apartment grass?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 1 day old | 10 lbs

I live in an apartment where grass is shared with neighbors who don't always pick up their dogs poop. I have an 8 week old puppy who had her first round of vaccines at 6 weeks and will get her 2nd round this friday at 9 weeks. Is it safe to take her on this grass to potty train since there are other dogs that we do not know on this grass?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 28th, 2018

There is always some risk. Parvovirus lives in the environment for 5+ years so you can bring it home on your shoes any day. Certainly on areas where dogs defecate there can be a higher possibility if virus present, but as long as you are vaccinating at 3-4 week intervals then you are providing the best immunity possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on March 28th, 2018

    Congratulations on your new addition! The reason for a series of puppy vaccinations every 3-4 weeks is to prevent any gap in protection as they lose immunity from their mother. My only concern would be if Piper did not come from a good breeder who appropriately vaccinated the mother and puppies. If she came from a good breeder who gave all vaccinations appropriately, then I would not be concerned. Since no vaccination is 100% effective, you should avoid high risk areas such as dog parks for now, but a shared grass space for potty training should be low risk. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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