Potty Training
“The Basics” by Another Chance Training
Potty training your puppy can feel overwhelming, but with consistency, patience, and the right approach, you’ll set your pup up for success!
Here at Another Chance Training, we help families in the Greater Chicagoland Area and surrounding areas teach their dogs proper potty habits in a stress-free way. Let’s dive into the essentials of puppy potty training.
Reward & Praise – Every Time!
Every time your puppy goes potty outside, celebrate! Treats and praise are key to reinforcing the right behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately, so they make the connection between pottying outside and good things happening.
Don’t Rush Back Inside
Your pup shouldn’t associate going potty with “fun is over.” After they go, stay outside for at least 10 more minutes. This helps them understand that potty breaks don’t mean playtime is finished.
Timing is Everything
Puppies thrive on routine. If they eat, drink, or play, they likely need to go within 10–15 minutes.
Keep a potty log: Write down the time, whether they went inside or outside, and what they were doing beforehand. This helps you recognize patterns and set them up for success.
Supervision is Key
Watch them closely! If they start sniffing or trying to sneak away, they probably need to go.
When busy around the house, leash them to your waist. This way, you’ll notice their signals and can take them outside immediately.
If you can’t supervise them, use a crate or a gated area until they’re fully trained.
What If They Have an Accident?
If you didn’t catch them in the act, it’s too late to correct them. Clean it up and move on.
If you catch them mid-accident, interrupt with a noise (like “eh eh” or a clap) and take them outside right away. Once they finish outside, praise and reward them.
Example Puppy Potty Training Schedule
This schedule is a guideline—adjust it to fit your lifestyle while keeping structure and consistency.
Morning:
6:00 AM: Wake up and take them out immediately.
6:45 AM: Another potty break.
7:00 AM: Feed breakfast and provide water.
7:20 AM: Take them out again.
7:30 AM: Free time while you go about your routine.
Throughout the Day:
Take them outside every 2 hours until a routine is established.
If they eat lunch, go out 30 minutes after.
Evening:
5:30 PM: Feed dinner and take water away after they drink.
6:00 PM: Potty break.
8:30 PM: Another potty break.
10:30 PM: Final potty trip before bed—make sure they actually go!
Final Thoughts
Potty training takes time, patience, and consistency. Keep rewarding the good, be proactive, and set your pup up for success. If you’re struggling, I’m here to help! Reach out to via our instagram @AnotherChanceTraining located in Chicago for expert guidance and personalized training solutions.
Let’s work together to build great potty habits that last a lifetime!
