07/11/2025
Great tips for potty training ๐
House Training
Probably the least favorite part of a new puppy is house training. Even for the pros it can be tough. First, everyone has to be on the same plan. For us that consists of a timer to remind us to go outside, a bell to hang on the door for Jeepers to tell us he has to go and a leash. Every potty outing starts on leash. We go out on a regular schedule, initially about 60 minutes from the last successful business.
When he goes we say the cue (we use โbusinessโ) so that Jeepers learns that cue. Do not say it unless he is going! If he is successful then the timer is reset for 60 minutes. If he doesnโt go after a few minutes we'll keep him on the leash, attached to one of us, setting the timer for 15 minutes. Then 10. Then 5 and sticks at 5 until we have success. Once he does his business the leash comes off and he can play. As the puppy grows weโll extend that to 90 minutes and then 120. We want to promote success. In addition to the previous we watch for the puppy to sniff, circle or hide, these are all signals he may need to go. Also, take Fido out when he wakes up and after he eats.
Puppy bladders are small and puppies will have accidents. Simply clean it up and try not to make any fuss. If you try to correct him heโll start to hide when he has to go. The rule of thumb is that a puppy can โhold itโ for one hour for each month they are old, until they reach 6 months. If you have any questions about how frequently your puppy has to go, or if house training doesnโt seem to be happening, itโs a good idea
to talk to your vet to make sure there isnโt a health issue.
If it isn't a health issue then it usually is a matter of moving too fast too soon. Jeepers has been with us for 3 days now. He seems to have the idea that business is done outside BUT he doesn't have the understanding it's not supposed to be done INSIDE. He is not telling us he has to go in any way other than timing and body language. While most dogs pick up fairly quickly, every dog is unique and some take longer to connect the dots. We had also had clients find out their puppies had UTIs, kidney defects and other issues when it didn't happen.
Remember, dogs don't feel spite but other things may be happening when they won't go outside but do go as soon as you come in. Puppy paws are very sensitive and if it's hot out you may need to find a shadier spot. Puppies are very focused on environment so if you take them to a rocky spot today when they went to a grassy spot before, it may confuse them. Try going to the grassy spot but adding some rocks. They can also be very surface oriented. If they've been using puppy pads they may not be comfortable using the dirt. Taking the puppy pads outside can help them make that transition.
