Pup & Go

Potty Training 101: From Puppies to Senior Pups—We’ve Got You Covered!

Congrats on your new furry family member! Whether you’ve just welcomed a wiggly puppy or a wise, senior rescue dog into your home, one of the first things you’ll want to master is potty training. And trust me, with a little patience and consistency, you and your dog will be pros in no time. So, grab a treat (for yourself and the dog!) and let’s dive into the best tips and schedules for potty training both puppies and senior dogs.

Puppy Potty Training: Timing is Everything!

Ah, puppies. They’re adorable, but they’ve got tiny bladders, and that means lots of potty breaks! Let’s break down how often they’ll need to go outside and what their feeding and walking schedule should look like.

1. Establish a Routine

Consistency is key when potty training a puppy. Your puppy thrives on routine and will learn faster if you stick to a schedule.

Here’s a basic daily schedule for a puppy around 8-12 weeks old:

Morning (6:00 AM – 7:00 AM)

• First potty break: Right when you wake up, take them outside! Puppies can only hold their bladder for about 2-3 hours at this age, so you’ll want to make this your very first task. After they go, give lots of praise (and a treat if you like).
• Breakfast time: Feed them breakfast immediately after their potty break.
• Another potty break: 10-15 minutes after they finish eating, head back outside. Puppies often need to go right after eating or drinking!

Mid-Morning (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM)

• Potty break: Even if they haven’t eaten since breakfast, it’s still a good idea to take them out every 2-3 hours at this stage.

Lunchtime (12:00 PM)

• Lunch: Puppies need more frequent meals than adult dogs, so give them their second meal of the day.
• Potty break: Once again, take them outside right after eating.

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

• Potty break: Keeping to the routine, take your pup outside again. It’s important not to wait too long between trips out!

Dinner (6:00 PM)

• Dinner time: After their final meal of the day, wait another 10-15 minutes and take them out for a potty break.
• Evening potty break: About two hours after dinner, take them out again. Puppies are still learning bladder control, so keep that schedule tight!

Before Bed (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

• Last potty break: Take them outside one last time before bed. This will help minimize the risk of overnight accidents.

Overnight Tip: You might still need to take them out during the night for the first few weeks. Puppies that are 8-12 weeks old usually can’t hold their bladder for more than 4-5 hours, so don’t be surprised if you have to make a midnight potty trip!

2. Watch for Signs

Keep an eye on your puppy for signs that they need to go. These can include sniffing the ground, circling, or whining. When you see these behaviors, quickly take them outside.

3. Crate Training Can Help

Crate training can speed up potty training by giving your puppy a safe space when you can’t keep an eye on them. Dogs naturally don’t want to soil their sleeping area, so they’ll hold it longer while in their crate—just be sure not to leave them in for too long.

Senior Dog Potty Training: A Little Patience and a Lot of Love

If you’ve adopted a senior dog, potty training might look a little different. Some senior dogs may already have a solid routine, while others might need a refresher—especially if they’ve come from a shelter or have health issues.

1. Understanding Senior Dogs’ Needs

Senior dogs often have weaker bladder control due to age or medical conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or kidney issues. Be patient and try to accommodate their needs with more frequent potty breaks.

2. Potty Break Schedule for Senior Dogs

Here’s a rough schedule you can follow for a newly adopted senior dog:

Morning (7:00 AM)

• First potty break: Like puppies, senior dogs should go out first thing in the morning. They’ve likely been holding it all night and will need a break ASAP.
• Breakfast: Feed them right after their potty break, followed by another trip outside about 15 minutes later.

Mid-Morning (10:00 AM)

1. Potty break: Take them out for a quick potty break. Older dogs may need to go out more often, especially if they have health concerns.

Lunch (12:00 PM)

• Light meal (if needed): Senior dogs might benefit from smaller, more frequent meals to help with digestion. After eating, wait 10-15 minutes, then head outside.
• Another potty break: Just like puppies, older dogs might need to go out after eating.

Afternoon (3:00 PM)

• Potty break: Regular breaks throughout the day help prevent accidents. Older dogs are usually less active, but still need a consistent routine.

Dinner (6:00 PM)

• Dinner time: After their final meal of the day, wait 15 minutes and take them out again.
• Evening potty break: Take your senior dog out one more time before bed to reduce the risk of nighttime accidents.

Before Bed (9:00 PM)

• Last potty break: Give your senior dog one last chance to go outside before bedtime. Senior dogs, like puppies, might need a nighttime potty break depending on their health.

3. Know the Signs of Bladder or Health Issues

Senior dogs might have accidents due to health issues, not just a lack of training. Keep an eye out for changes in behavior, like increased thirst or frequent urination, which could indicate a medical issue.

Potty Training Tips for Both Puppies and Senior Dogs

1. Positive Reinforcement: Always reward your dog with praise, treats, or playtime when they go potty outside. This reinforces good behavior.
2. Accidents Happen: Whether you’re training a puppy or a senior, expect accidents. Never punish your dog for an accident—it can lead to fear or confusion. Instead, clean up the mess with an enzyme cleaner and try to reinforce good potty habits.
3. Stick to a Schedule: Dogs thrive on routine, whether they’re young or old. Sticking to a consistent feeding, walking, and potty schedule will help them feel more secure and learn faster.

Final Thoughts: Potty Training Takes Time

Whether you’re training a puppy or a senior dog, remember that consistency and patience are your best tools. Every dog learns at their own pace, so don’t worry if it takes a little time. Stick to the schedule, watch for signals, and celebrate those victories—whether it’s a full night without an accident or your puppy’s first successful potty break outside.

In no time, your dog will be a potty-trained pro, and you’ll be celebrating (with fewer paper towels)! 🐶🎉