Potty Training Schedule For Puppies

potty training puppies
 
 

Weeks 8-12: Establishing the Basics

Daytime:

  • Crate Time:

    • Begin with 2 hours in the crate at a time.

    • Add 30 minutes to crate time every week.

  • Potty Routine:

    • Leash walk to designated potty spot after crate time.

    • Stand patiently and wait for them to relieve themselves, up to about 5 minutes. 

  • Reward System:

    • Use verbal praise and/or a small treat as a reward.

  • Consistency:

    • Continue this routine for a couple of weeks until the puppy understands what is expected..

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Maintain a consistent feeding schedule.

  • Water Monitoring:

    • Monitor water intake, adjusting as needed. 

    • Assume the need for a bathroom break after eating/drinking (10-45 mins).

  • Patience and Consistency:

    • Be patient and consistent with training.

Overnight:

  • Allow 6-10 hours of crate time overnight.

  • Give a potty break 3-5 hours after bedtime. Try to time this before the puppy is whining/barking. We don’t want to create issues by encouraging demand behaviors.

  • Place the crate in a different room from where you sleep so the puppy can learn to be alone sometimes.

Weeks 12-16: Gradual Extension

Daytime:

  • Extended Crate Time:

    • Add 30 minutes to crate time every 2-3 days.

  • Potty Routine Maintenance:

    • Maintain the on-leash potty routine after each crate session.

  • Reinforcement:

    • Reinforce positive behavior with praise and treats.

  • Adaptability:

    • Adapt the schedule based on the puppy's progress and individual needs.

Overnight:

  • Gradually extend overnight crate time based on the puppy's ability to hold their bladder. Once you see the puppy doesn’t need to potty or is barely peeing when you take them out in the middle of the night, stop doing so. There may be an accident the 1st night, but if it happens more than 2x in a row, go back to taking them out overnight. 

Beyond Week 16: Tailoring to Individual Needs

Daytime:

  • Continuous Extension:

    • Continue extending crate time in 30-minute increments to allow the puppy to develop bladder control.

  • Regular Breaks:

    • Ensure regular bathroom breaks and reinforce positive behavior.

Overnight:

  • Adjust overnight crate time based on the puppy's ability to hold their bladder.

  • Be mindful of the dog's size; avoid excessively long periods without a bathroom break.

General Tips:

  • If the puppy is soiling the crate, remove any bedding until the puppy consistently keeps the crate clean.

  • Be very aware of water and food intake and how that relates to accidents. 

  • Remember, every puppy is unique, so tailor the schedule to your puppy's needs and progress. 

  • Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful potty training. 

  • Corrections can be useful, but must be appropriately measured and have to be tailored to the puppy’s individual issues, and understanding.