Last Updated on June 24, 2025 by Melanie Haynes
Puppy potty training is not for the weak, that’s for sure! Bringing home a brand-new bundle of fluffy joy is exciting, but raising a puppy is a significant responsibility, too. Sure, they’re cute and playful, but they also need to learn the household rules, or they’ll wreak some major havoc on your home.
One of the most important things to teach your pup is where to go to the bathroom. Although it can be a stressful endeavor, we at Space Coast Pet Services are invested in your success and your dog’s success.
So, check out our stress-free guide below for everything you need to know about potty training your pup!
Puppy Potty Training + Crate Training 101
You won’t forget to grab food and toys for your new puppy, but what about a crate? We know – crates seem cruel, but they’re actually one of the most essential housebreaking tools at your disposal!
Crates capitalize on the fact that dogs are den creatures, meaning they like confined environments when it’s time to settle down. The crate serves as a pseudo-den that you can set up in your home. It offers a safe space for when they’re overstimulated while simultaneously serving as an excellent behavior management tool.
The best part: your pup is preprogrammed to avoid soiling the crate, so he doesn’t have to lie in it. This will be super helpful for sending the message that she shouldn’t go to the bathroom until it’s time.
And when exactly is it time for them to go? The American Kennel Club recommends only making them wait “their age in months up to about nine months.” So, a 3-month-old puppy can be left crated for three hours if they emptied their bladder right before.
Of course, make sure to introduce the crate slowly by letting them sniff it and approach it at their own pace. Reward them generously for their interest and cooperation, and never use the crate to punish them! It’s supposed to be a happy place, not a prison!
Establish a Schedule Right Away for Puppy Potty Training
The crate will help them learn when not to go to the bathroom, so now it’s time to establish when they should do their business.
Keeping a consistent schedule will help avoid accidents and give your pup ample time to go to the “bathroom,” whether you’re using puppy pads indoors or going outside to the hydrant or tree.
How often you go will depend on your puppy’s age, but here are a few expected times to consider when creating a schedule that works for you and your puppy:
- First thing when you wake up in the morning
- Immediately after a meal
- After playtime and naps
- Whenever you’re about to leave the house
- Right before bedtime
Initially, you may need to wake up in the middle of the night to give your puppy a chance to empty its bladder or bowels. It’s not everyone’s favorite thing to do but remember—the crate is a safe space that your dog does not want to desecrate. The last thing you want is to derail your pet’s progress by forcing them to sit in a soiled crate, which may desensitize them to the feeling or teach them that this is okay.
Use Positive Reinforcement When Potty Training Your Puppy
There was a time when dog owners would scold their dogs for having an accident, smack their snoots with a newspaper, or push their noses into the mess. This technique is not only antiquated but cruel and ineffective.
Instead, we recommend positive reinforcement to let your puppy know when they’re doing things right. Praise them for peeing in the right place and provide treats to reward their good behavior.
Just make sure you don’t offer the treat too immediately; you may distract them from their business, and they will literally stop mid-pee to get that tasty treat! Give them a chance to finish their pee, then praise them and provide their favorite treats to reinforce the behavior.
Likewise, try not to make a big deal over accidents because even the best dogs will have accidents initially. You may verbally scold them if you catch them in the act, as this signals that they’re currently doing something wrong, but freaking out after the fact will only confuse your poor pup and stress them out. Accept that they’re still learning, grab yourself a bottle of Nature’s Miracle, and be ready for the next time.
You ~ and Your Puppy ~ Can Do It!
Housebreaking is a chore, but you can do it with some know-how and a solid routine. And as The Beatles famously sang, we get by with a little help from our friends.
So, don’t go it alone; your friends here at Space Coast Pet Services are always happy to lend a helping hand, whether that means some special pet expertise or any of our many pet services to help make the job more manageable.
Don’t wait; contact us now to find out how we can help support you today! We believe in you!
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