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New Puppy Tips

Puppy Potty Training Schedule That Works

A simple puppy potty training schedule by age, with the times your puppy needs to go out and what to do about accidents.

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Golden puppy in the grass

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The rule of thumb

Many trainers use this guideline: a puppy can hold it about one hour per month of age, plus one. A 3-month-old can usually last about 4 hours, but much less when awake and active.

Always go out right after...

  • Waking up (mornings and naps)
  • Eating or drinking
  • Playing
  • Coming out of the crate
  • Before bed

A sample day (8-12 week puppy)

6:30 amWake up, straight outside
7:00Breakfast, then outside
7:30-9:00Play, then outside, then nap in crate
Every 1-2 hrsPotty break when awake
12:00 pmLunch, then outside
5:00Dinner, then outside
Before bedLast potty break; pick up water about 2 hours before
OvernightOne calm, boring trip out if they wake and cry

When accidents happen

Don't scold. Interrupt calmly if you catch them, take them out, and reward when they finish outside. Clean with an enzyme cleaner so the smell doesn't draw them back.

Reward like crazy

Treat and praise within 2 seconds of them going outside. Keep a treat pouch on you so you're always ready.

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