Potty Training: it's a crappy job but someone has to do it

This week was full of the cutest puppies, so I thought it’d be the perfect time to dive into one of the most frustrating topics, potty training. Whether you’re dealing with a brand new pup or an older dog (as I learned firsthand with my own Tikka), these tips will set you both up for success.

Let’s be real for a second, potty training is a crappy job and it can feel overwhelming and frustrating. But here’s the good news: with a little patience, a lot of consistency, and a solid plan, your pup will catch on faster than you think. Let me walk you through what’s worked for me over the years. Understanding Your Puppy’s Needs

Think of your puppy like a little baby. Their tiny bladders aren’t fully developed yet, and just like babies, they don’t have much control over them. When they were with their mom, they’d just 'go' whenever they needed to, and mom took care of the cleanup.

A simple rule of thumb to follow is that puppies can hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age. So if your pup is two months old, they’ll need a potty break every two hours, even at night. I know, I know, it’s rough, but it’s temporary!

It's important to also understand that accidents are going to happen, and that’s okay. Accept that now, or maybe consider a pet rock instead. 😉 The goal is to set your puppy up for success by creating a routine and anticipating their needs.

My Proven Potty Training Routine

Consistency is everything when it comes to potty training. Puppies thrive on knowing what to expect, and sticking to a routine helps them learn faster. Here’s the schedule I follow:

- After they eat, we go outside.

- When they wake up, we go outside.

- When I come home, we go outside.

- Whenever they come out of their kennel, we go outside.

- Every hour I’m home (until they learn outside is “bathroom space”), we go outside.

These are all the times your pup is most likely to need a potty break. Use those natural rhythms to your advantage and show them where they’re supposed to go. It might feel like overkill, but trust me—it works. Also note how I said 'we go outside'. Yes, that means put on your slippers, and join them to help encourage and support them!

Watching for Signs

Puppies don’t have words, but they do have ways of telling you they need to go. Watch for these signs:

- Sniffing or circling.

- Whining or barking.

- Wandering off or suddenly becoming restless.

The moment you spot any of these behaviors, scoop them up and head outside together.

Why I’m (Mostly) Anti Pee Pads

Let’s talk about pee pads. They’re convenient, but I don’t usually recommend them, especially if you have carpet.

Dogs learn where to potty based on scent, sensation, and space.

1. Scent: If it smells like a bathroom, they’ll keep going there. That’s why cleaning up accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner is so important.

2. Sensation: Puppies associate the feel of a surface with potty time. Grass, rocks, and dirt feel very different from carpet. But pee pads can feel similar to rugs, which can cause confusion.

3. Space: By guiding your puppy to the right spot (preferably outside), you reinforce where they should go.

That said, pee pads can have their place. If you’re in an apartment, have mobility challenges, or need a backup plan for when you can’t get outside quickly, they can be a helpful tool. Just know it might take extra patience to help your pup learn the difference between the pad and your living room rug.

Accidents WILL Happen, and it's ok

Here’s the thing: most dogs catch on to potty training pretty quickly. So if accidents keep happening, it’s usually not because your pup doesn’t get it, it’s because you've missed a step or a signal.

Instead of blaming your puppy, take a step back and ask yourself:

- Did I take them out often enough?

- Did I miss one of their cues?

- Am I being consistent?

This is a learning curve for both of you. Once you figure out what went wrong, try again.

However, if accidents continue despite all your efforts, it might be time to check in with your veterinarian. Sometimes medical issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other health concerns can make it harder for dogs to control their bladder. Better safe than sorry!

The Crate Is Your Best Friend

If you’re not already using a crate, I highly recommend it, for many reasons (but we can get into that in another blog). Dogs naturally avoid going potty where they sleep, which makes crates an excellent tool for teaching bladder control.

Just make sure the crate is the right size. It should be big enough for your pup to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so big that they can use one corner as a bathroom. Fair warning to those with large dogs, this may mean having to utilize multiple sizes as our puppy grows. And don’t forget—they’ll still need regular potty breaks.

Need a Help?

Let’s face it, life is busy, and sticking to a strict potty training schedule isn’t always possible, especially when you're working long hours. That’s where I come in! My drop in services are designed to support you during this stage. Whether it’s taking your pup out for a quick potty break, giving them some love, or reinforcing your training, I’m here to help.

Celebrate the Wins

Potty training can feel like a marathon, but it’s really just a short sprint in the grand scheme of things. Stick to your routine, be patient (with your pup and yourself), and celebrate those little wins along the way.

When your puppy gets it right, make a BIG deal out of it! Cheer them on, give them a treat, and let them know they did something amazing. Positive reinforcement is the fastest way to success.

If you’re feeling stuck or just want to share your potty training stories (the good, the bad, and the messy), I’d love to hear from you. Let’s tackle this together, one potty break at a time! Until next time. Amanda Sharp