Whether you need to potty train an adult dog or potty train a puppy, creating an effective common sense potty training schedule is a must. Most dog parents struggle with potty training because they have some general ideas about what to do, but don’t have a clear plan that includes a practical and predictable daily schedule. Lacking a logical plan and daily schedule is not a good situation, because dogs often end up confused and parents end up angry or frustrated.
Parental anger and frustration should be avoided at all costs, because they’re the top contributing factors in the development of dog fear and aggression. They also damage a dog’s ability to develop the trust and respect needed to follow their parents guidance in all areas of family life.
Why use a pre-determined schedule
A low-stress, effective potty training routine begins with a clear daily schedule. Timing is everything in teaching your dog family members.
Creating a customized daily schedule that flows with your busy daily life will inherently control the main timing factors that play into your dog's potty routine and success. It ensures that your pup’s days are filled with plenty of playing, napping, family time, eating, drinking, and potty sessions. Most importantly, a practical and predictable potty training schedule makes sure your dog isn’t pushed too long between potty sessions, and you’re not run ragged with unproductive potty trips.
I learned this over the years - the hard way - so I'm excited I get to give you the easy way right off the bat! This way, your brain won’t be stuck in indecision or worries. It will free up important space we all need to handle our busy lives!
The Schedule Pattern
I’ve developed a crystal clear potty training system that includes 5 main factors within a parent's control (more details coming up.) Similar to a toddler’s playing and napping schedule, a dog's schedule should follow a logical pattern. It should look something like this:
Morning
Potty Outside, Then Inside Play
Eat, Then 20-Minute Control
Potty Outside, Then Inside Play
Potty Outside, Then Nap
Midday
Potty Outside, Then Inside Play
Eat, Then 20-Minute Control
Potty Outside, Then Inside Play
Potty Outside, Then Nap
Evening
Potty Outside, Then Inside Play
Eat, Then 20-Minute Control
Potty Outside, Then Inside Play
Potty Outside, Then Bedtime
Typically it takes me under 2 weeks to potty train any dog, any age using this type of patterned daily potty training schedule. It may take a bit longer with dogs that come from pet stores, puppy mills, or other caged situations where they’re forced to (unnaturally) potty where they sleep. Be patient; it’s not their fault! It falls under the giant “humans make the mistake and dogs pay the price” category, so keep that in the forefront of your mind.
Pro Potty Control Tips
Understanding the 5 pro tips for respectfully controlling your pups activities listed below - and using them to create your own customized daily potty training schedule - will help you add vitally important tools to your dog parenting tool box. The Control Tips are adjustable. You can finesse them a little to best fit your family environment—but they all must be present in your pup’s daily potty training schedule.
- Food and Water
- Supervised Indoor Play in the Safe Controlled Area
- Timed Outdoor Potty Sessions
- Companion Leashing Technique
- The Crate
The first 3 Control tips refer to the timing of when your dog has her meals and water (of course provide additional water anytime your dog needs a drink.) Immediately following meals and water, make sure she’s safe and secure and can’t run around the house for about 20 mins. Then, immediately take your pup outside for a potty session. When your awesome doggo goes potty outside, you follow it up by lavishing her with your super-excited praise and treats. Right after a successful potty session outside, your dog can play freely inside in a safe controlled area - of course while being closely supervised by you so you can catch any possible potty accidents and take full advantage of those teaching moments.
While the comforting crate recipe and companion leashing techniques (take special note of the words comforting and companion) are essential parts of my complete potty training recipe, they involve nuances that require more complete explanations to ensure they’re used correctly and safely. That’s why I encourage dog parents to refer to the Don’t Train Your Dog guidebook for a comprehensive and exceptionally effective understanding of all these parenting techniques. The safety and well-being of your pup are paramount, and these techniques are best learned in the full context of the parenting4dogs’ philosophy.
You aren’t perfect, and neither is your dog.
You, your dog, me or any other being can never be “perfect. Accept that there will be mistakes and missteps…and that’s ok. It matters only that you recognize which mistakes are yours. If your pup has an accident because he ran around the house or entered her crate when she had a full bladder, that’s your bad. Don’t say or do anything to your pup. Just clean it up and make a mental note to adjust the timing of your pup’s potty sessions and food and water intake…then move on.
Before starting this recipe, try to clear your calendar of anything nonessential. Avoid letting your emotions spiral out of control, and refrain from overthinking the distant future. If it’s Monday, focus only on working the schedule until the end of Monday. On Tuesday, you can focus on Tuesday’s schedule. Mercifully, every major phase of teaching dogs is much, much shorter than it is with kids.
Above all remember…perfection is not the goal. It has no value. Successfully potty training your pup, without causing confusion, anxiety, or fear earns you something priceless: your dog’s trust and respect.
