Are you still struggling with potty training?
Do you take your dog outside only for them to come back inside and find that special spot on the floor?
The reality is, unless your puppy or dog has a medical reason (UTIs and worms are common reasons they may struggle), the reason your dog may still be having accidents stems from a lack of a routine or consistency in following through with that routine.
Don't worry - You got this!
Here is a simple routine to get your dog house trained (or back on track) and your floors clean!
Your pup needs your help.
It's imperative you offer your pup many opportunities to rehearse going potty outside. If you are away from home during the day, enlisting a friend or hiring someone to take your pup out for potty breaks will get you and your pup moving in the right direction.
Yes, you will need to get up in the middle of the night to help your puppy practice a good potty routine!
Puppies do not have fully developed bladder muscles until they're at least 4-6 months old.
After 6 months of age, your dog has a bladder that is fully capable of holding it.
How long can my puppy hold their bladder?
Potty Break Formula
Puppy age in months + 2 hours
Example - If your puppy is 8 weeks (2 months) they can hold it for 4 hours
* playtime needs more frequent potty breaks! 15 - 20 minutes
Meal times should be scheduled (no free feeding!) and take the food bowl up after about 15 minutes.
Last access to food and water should be about 3 hours before bedtime - your dog does not need 24/7 access to water.
*1 cup / 10lbs of body weight is a good rule of thumb. If you think your dog is dehydrated, or not drinking enough water, consult your vet*
When should I take my dog out??
Puppies (and adults that may not be housebroken) should be taken for a potty trip
immediately after waking up in the morning
after naps
after eating/ drinking - within 30 minutes for puppies!
after chewing
after active play ** every 15 minutes during play for young puppies**
If you cannot watch your dog or puppy they should be crated.
Potty accidents happen when you're not watching!
Do NOT punish your dog or puppy if they go in the house.
You could have prevented it š
Have a crate for your puppy that is their size! Crate Training Guide
Crates are for resting, your puppy needs only enough room to turn around and stand up, not room to run around or play.
Too big and your puppy will potty on one end of the crate and sleep on the other! *Most wire crates these days come with handy dividers that grow with your puppy!
Routine Steps
Take your dog out on a leash, pay attention to the spot they go the most and go directly there, do not pass Go, do not collect $200
Remain calm and neutral, this is not Party Time!
Allow them 10-15 minutes
If they don't go, calmly take them back inside and back into the crate
Try again after 10 minutes
Repeat until your dog goes potty; Praise & Reward (Party Time!)
Keeping a written food and potty chart / log will help keep everyone involved informed about whether your dog has eaten or had potty time.
Happy Training!!
XO
-J